Clothes for Asia in the rainy season

Short answer: The rainy season in Asia means warm rain and humidity close to one hundred percent. Clothes get wet from the outside and the inside, and they never fully dry. So it is about thin pieces, quick drying and more sets than usual.

Warm rain is not cold rain

The rain is mild, and the problem is moisture rather than cold. Many people pack rainwear as if heading to a cold country, but in warm rain a thick rain suit soon turns clammy inside. A light outer layer with thin, soft pieces underneath gives more air. Start the day in dry underwear. See bamboo boxers.

Nothing dries indoors

Without air conditioning, clothes do not dry in saturated air. A towel can stay damp for days, and so can a thick jumper. Choose rooms with air conditioning where you can, and use them to dry your clothes. For cool rooms and long journeys, a soft layer is welcome. See bamboo hoodies for men.

More sets and quick drying

Choose what dries fastest and bring more sets than usual. One and a half times a normal trip is a good starting point, especially for underwear and socks. Wet feet are what you notice most, so change often. See socks for men and women for the trip.

Moisture from outside and inside

In the rainy season you get wet from rain on the outside and sweat on the inside. A thick rain suit keeps the rain out but also keeps moisture in. Many people prefer a light rain cover or an umbrella and clothes that dry quickly. When you come in, it is better to change into something dry than to wait for clothes to dry on you.

Air conditioning is your drying room

A room with air conditioning draws moisture out of the air. It is the only effective way to dry clothes in the rainy season. Hang your clothes on hangers with space around them and let the unit run for a few hours. Avoid putting damp clothes in your bag, as they soon start to smell in the warm air.

Feet and shoes

Wet shoes are hard to dry when the air is saturated. Many people choose sandals or quick drying shoes and keep socks in their bag for indoors. Dry your feet well when you come in and change into dry socks. Leave your shoes somewhere with air, ideally in the air conditioned room.

Wash a little every evening

With several changes a day, laundry piles up quickly. Wash a little in the sink every evening rather than saving it for one big wash. Use a little mild detergent, rinse well and roll the clothes in a towel to press out the water. Then hang them in the coolest room you have.

Packing list for the rainy season

Pack plenty of underwear and socks, thin tops, light trousers or shorts and a soft layer for cool rooms. Add a light rain cover or an umbrella and shoes that dry quickly. Pack everything in bags so clean and worn clothes stay apart. That way you always have something dry ready when you come in.

Frequently asked questions

What is different about the rainy season in Asia

That the rain is warm. The problem is not cold but that nothing dries when humidity is close to one hundred percent and clothes get wet from both outside and inside.

How do you dry clothes in the rainy season

In a room with air conditioning. The unit draws moisture out of the air, and it is the only effective method when the air outside is saturated.

How many sets should you bring

One and a half times as many as usual. Nothing has time to dry, so you need more in rotation, especially underwear and socks.