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Brian2023

I am coming to live in the Philippines again after many years. The last time I really struggled with the sweltering heart and humidity, not least because I think I had the wrong clothing. I have read that linen and poplin T shirts help to keep one cool whilst absorbing the sweat. But what would you advise?

mugteck

Stay out of the sun, clothing material makes little difference for me.

Lotus Eater

Yes the climate can be a challenge especially coming from a moderate maritime climate like the UK. I'm not sure whether the type of t-shirt you wear will make a substantive difference to the sweltering heat. A seductive Filipina will address the 'sweltering heart'.

Would be interested to know how long you were in the country for on your previous visit and where you resided. Perhaps you should consider a higher elevation like Valencia in Dumaguete if you wish to be near the coast.

In terms of attire try wearing loose fitting clothing: you won't look 'street cred' but it will allow the air to circulate. One thing that really turns Filipina's off is BO. Perhaps thats why Indians find it difficult to attract Filipina GF's: To save on laundry they make do with one polyester shirt a week.

Brian2023

Thank you, Lotus Eater. Most insightful. I knew I would find some common sense advise here.

I stayed in the Philippines, previously, for 3 years in total. My wife is Filipino and we built a house near Lipa City, Batangas.

Brian2023

@Lotus Eater lol I liked the way you addressed my typo "sweltering heart"! 

Enzyte Bob

Brian2023. . . .I am coming to live in the Philippines again after many years. The last time I really struggled with the sweltering heart and humidity, not least because I think I had the wrong clothing. I have read that linen and poplin T shirts help to keep one cool whilst absorbing the sweat. But what would you advise?

*********************************

Tee shirt & shorts, stay away from polyester. If you want to pass as a local have a tee shirt with some cartoon character on it.


Might I suggest Goofy.

Moon Dog

I lived in Houston, TX and south Georgia before relocating to the Philippines so it is not a big change for me, except for the change of seasons. A lot of locals here in the eastern Visayas wear long sleeve shirts and hooded sweatshirts in the morning. I wear cotton tee shirts, shorts and sandals most of the time. I also set my aircon no lower that 27 c., or 80 f. to avoid temperature shock when I go outside. Just stay out of the sun and you'll be alright.

geapind75

@Enzyte Bob I go for cotton all the time. Buy a good fan not Chinese, Japan make the best

vehicross100

100% Cotton....


Absolutely No Nylon/Polyester for me

Fred

Brian,


Regardless of country, it's the heat that matters.


Cotton is always good


Thin is always good


Wear a hat, especially if your hair is thin or gone


Suncream is a very good idea in the day


Anti-mozzie cream if you're out at night.


Air conditioning is lovely


Lots of showers are great - especially if you have a nice lady to scrub your back for you (If you're married, of course)

Brian2023

@geapind75 Thanks, also for the tip about the fan.

Brian2023

@Fred

Thanks, Fred, for the adivise and how to keep cool. I liked what you said about showers, I will look for a scrubber. lol

As for the mozzies....I suppose Off-Lotion is the best? I found that it made my skin feel warm. Do you use anything different?

Lotus Eater

@Fred
Thanks, Fred, for the adivise and how to keep cool. I liked what you said about showers, I will look for a scrubber. lol
As for the mozzies....I suppose Off-Lotion is the best? I found that it made my skin feel warm. Do you use anything different?
-@Brian2023


The ‘scrubber’ line will be lost on non Brits reading this Forum🤣

Enzyte Bob

One thing you did not mention is the trip a vacation or you're resettling in the Philippines.


If you are moving here and you are a typical size Westerner buy extra clothes/footwear as your size may not be available in the Philippines.


Many years ago I tried to purchase XL Boxer Shorts online on Shopee. XL in the Philippines is for guys with a 32 inch waist.

Moon Dog

One thing you did not mention is the trip a vacation or you're resettling in the Philippines.
If you are moving here and you are a typical size Westerner buy extra clothes/footwear as your size may not be available in the Philippines.

Many years ago I tried to purchase XL Boxer Shorts online on Shopee. XL in the Philippines is for guys with a 32 inch waist.
-@Enzyte Bob


Especially if your shoe size is larger than an 11. I can wear size 11 slippers but size 12 would be good inside slippers because easier to get on and off. I can't find size 12 locally or on Lazada.

Fred

Especially if your shoe size is larger than an 11. I can wear size 11 slippers but size 12 would be good inside slippers because easier to get on and off. I can't find size 12 locally or on Lazada.
-@Moon Dog

https://www.ph.skechers.com/ph/men


Sorted (If they carry the full range) - They do very big and very wide. I only buy shoes from them because nothing else fits.

Fred

@Fred
I liked what you said about showers, I will look for a scrubber. lol
-@Brian2023

So many expats do this. 1f923.svg

Lotus Eater

@Fred
I liked what you said about showers, I will look for a scrubber. lol
-@Brian2023
So many expats do this. 1f923.svg
-@Fred


It's knowing where to find a good scrubber Fred. I always suggest the shopping Malls.

Brian2023

@Enzyte Bob Hi Bob, I am resettling in the Philippines.

Yes, good point about clothing size. As one who is XXL it's an important point. Thank you. 

pnwcyclist

I am from the dry western US and can't wear cotton t-shirts in the Philippines, except at the gym - they have a bit of insulation effect and fit too tight, so I sweat too much in them. For general wear, I prefer to wear cotton button down short sleeved shirts that offer more ventilation. Just patterned or Hawaiian style, haha. I have at least a half dozen of those.  With a Filipina partner they will be nicely pressed, too.

Brian2023

@Moon Dog Thanks for the linK.

Brian2023

@Moon Dog Thanks.

Filamretire

@Lotus Eater How much is a good scrubber? I can't seem to find them online. I don't like the cheap ones they fall apart...

mikelaf

@Brian2023 Cotton is the best. If you have to stay under sun...no choice long sleeves and long bermudas. Always loose clothes. I noticed that the Indian riding motorcycle in Davao almost dress for winter...I find that strange but quite logical it is an isolator...it is surely more efficient than the polyester colorfull long sleeves that most Pinoys riders wear.  The important is to have breathable clothes...for motorcycle no leather  but mesh jacket with coton longsleeves under.

Lotus Eater

@Lotus Eater How much is a good scrubber? I can't seem to find them online. I don't like the cheap ones they fall apart...
-@Filamretire

Like most things in life Filamretire you only get what you pay for 1f923.svg

Rammers

@Brian2023 OFF for kids is not as aggresive.

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