Clothes for hot and dry climates

Short answer: In dry heat, sweat evaporates immediately. You do not feel it, but you lose fluid faster, and your skin dries out. That is why dressing for dry heat is about covering the skin, holding on to a little moisture and being ready for cold evenings.

You do not see the sweat

In dry air, sweat evaporates before you notice it. Clothes and skin feel dry even though the body is working all day. That can trick you into thinking you are not sweating, so remember to drink regularly. A soft layer like a bamboo sweatshirt for men is nice to have for shade and cooler hours.

Cover the skin rather than expose it

A thin layer protects against the sun and holds a little moisture near the skin. It may seem backwards, but bare skin gives the sun and dry air free rein. Loose, thin pieces with long sleeves or legs let air in without exposing the skin. See bamboo sweatwear for the calmer parts of the day.

The evenings get cold

In a dry climate, the temperature drops sharply when the sun goes down. Dry air does not hold heat, and the warmth of the day disappears quickly. Many people are surprised by how cold they get in the evening. Pack a warmer layer. See the range for men for pieces that can be layered.

Loose and light during the day

In the middle of the day, loose pieces that do not cling to the body are best. Air between fabric and skin helps sweat evaporate evenly and keeps you cooler. Tight clothing quickly feels hot because there is no room for air. Choose a size with a little room rather than one that fits tightly.

The skin gets dry

Dry air draws moisture out of the skin, especially on arms, hands and face. A soft fabric feels nicer against skin that is already dry than one that scratches. When clothes cover the skin, it is also less exposed to sun and wind. Long sleeves in a thin fabric are a good compromise.

Dust and dirt

Dry regions are often dusty, and dust settles in clothes. Shake your clothes out in the evening before folding or hanging them. Dark colours show dust clearly, light colours show dirt. Choose pieces that do not mind picking up a little, and wash them when you get the chance.

Washing and drying is easy

The good thing about dry heat is that clothes dry very quickly. Something washed in the sink in the evening is usually dry by morning. That means you can manage with fewer sets than in humid heat. Wash small amounts often so something clean is always ready.

How to pack

Pack thin layers with long sleeves for the day, a warmer layer for the evening and enough inner layers for a couple of days at a time. Because clothes dry fast, you do not need to pack much. A light sweater and long trousers cover most cold evenings.

Frequently asked questions

What is different about dry heat?

Sweat evaporates immediately. You do not feel it, but you lose fluid faster than in humid heat, so remember to drink.

Should you cover your skin in dry heat?

Yes. A thin layer protects against the sun and holds a little moisture near the skin, which can actually feel cooler than bare skin.

Why do the evenings get so cold?

Because dry air does not hold heat. Without moisture in the air, the warmth of the day disappears quickly after sunset, so a warmer layer is worth bringing.