high femme, hot weather: what do I wear in Singapore?
August 31, 2023 1:51 PM Subscribe
My wife and I are going to Singapore! And probably Thailand, and maybe Taipei. Our travel dates are late November/early December.
I am the kind of person who likes to wear high femme, structured, edgy-professional clothes all the time. I also do terribly in heat and humidity. For this trip, we're doing an even mix of professional events and tourism (our kind of tourism is going to be restaurants/museums/historical sites, not hiking). What on earth am I going to wear?
Further parameters: total trip length about three weeks; I am willing to seek out laundry but won't likely have access to dry cleaning; we are coming from the US; I am a very curvy size 8/10 hourglass; I like very femme everything but think corporate goth rather than ruffles and pink; I will throw money at this problem if I have to.
I don't even know what garment it is that I want! If I could do this whole thing in cyberpunk-sleek black shantung suiting I would but probably I can't get one of those made in time, let alone like ... lots.
What goes in my capsule wardrobe to look kickass in humidity that will make me want to die?
Further parameters: total trip length about three weeks; I am willing to seek out laundry but won't likely have access to dry cleaning; we are coming from the US; I am a very curvy size 8/10 hourglass; I like very femme everything but think corporate goth rather than ruffles and pink; I will throw money at this problem if I have to.
I don't even know what garment it is that I want! If I could do this whole thing in cyberpunk-sleek black shantung suiting I would but probably I can't get one of those made in time, let alone like ... lots.
What goes in my capsule wardrobe to look kickass in humidity that will make me want to die?
Came to say linen as well; it can get a little wrinkly, so maybe not quite as sharp as you wish, but men in the American south has been rolling with linen suits for a long time, and that means what you're looking for could easily be made with linen, if it isn't already.
You say you have money to throw at the problem, and you have some time? This is a perfect ask for a halfway decent tailor/seamstress. Once they have your measurements, you can call them up with requests. I have a few favorite pieces 'on file' with a seamstress that I cannot get anymore, and every few years when I wear one out, I get a duplicate made. She has also accommodated changes in my body size as I age. I do not wear fancy clothes and suits, but the pieces I do get made are quality, last forever (making them actually quite cheap; re also, Pratchett's boot theory).
It's not nearly as expensive as it seems, knowing you get quality pieces that last a very long time; this is really compatible with capsule-type wardrobe organization. It lets you replicate worn out pieces that you love and are unavailable, or create new ones that fit into the capsule better than off-the-shelf pieces, or alter existing pieces to match current desires.
posted by furnace.heart at 2:15 PM on August 31, 2023
You say you have money to throw at the problem, and you have some time? This is a perfect ask for a halfway decent tailor/seamstress. Once they have your measurements, you can call them up with requests. I have a few favorite pieces 'on file' with a seamstress that I cannot get anymore, and every few years when I wear one out, I get a duplicate made. She has also accommodated changes in my body size as I age. I do not wear fancy clothes and suits, but the pieces I do get made are quality, last forever (making them actually quite cheap; re also, Pratchett's boot theory).
It's not nearly as expensive as it seems, knowing you get quality pieces that last a very long time; this is really compatible with capsule-type wardrobe organization. It lets you replicate worn out pieces that you love and are unavailable, or create new ones that fit into the capsule better than off-the-shelf pieces, or alter existing pieces to match current desires.
posted by furnace.heart at 2:15 PM on August 31, 2023
OH! I forgot to add; my wife tends to enjoy linen jumpsuits when she visits warmer, humid climates. She finds them much more comfortable and flexible than multi-pieced situations. Some of them have notably more structure than others, especially paired with a jacket
posted by furnace.heart at 2:21 PM on August 31, 2023
posted by furnace.heart at 2:21 PM on August 31, 2023
You might find inspiration in the outfits Meghan Markle wore on her visits to Africa, Australia and the South Pacific, and Morocco.
posted by Nickel at 2:40 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Nickel at 2:40 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Outside of the fashion realm, I also recommend a handheld fan to stay cool
posted by Nickel at 2:43 PM on August 31, 2023
posted by Nickel at 2:43 PM on August 31, 2023
This is probably a great time to get a couple of these items on sale as the summer is coming to an end.
-I would stick with a tight colorway. Black/white/grays just to make it easy to rotate.
-A pleated skirt like this would be great and flowy (i wear them a lot in the summer) and can easily be worn with a plain tank/crop top/ button down
-Linen button downs. I tend to still wear long sleeves (rolled up) in the summer cause I want to keep the sun off me
- a look like this could be fun
Dresses like this give you an hourglass feel but arent so tight around the waist
- there are a ton of linen pleated pants on the market right now for your office feel. Channel Kathrine Hepburn Or something like this with a clean square neck tank
I would look at Reformation, potentially Doen though it leans a little more boho. I do think they do some good gothy femme occasionally (shit, now i want that dress)
Also accessories to femme things up- bow in the hair, cute bags, comfortable ballet flats for walking, sunhats, sunglasses
posted by zara at 2:53 PM on August 31, 2023
-I would stick with a tight colorway. Black/white/grays just to make it easy to rotate.
-A pleated skirt like this would be great and flowy (i wear them a lot in the summer) and can easily be worn with a plain tank/crop top/ button down
-Linen button downs. I tend to still wear long sleeves (rolled up) in the summer cause I want to keep the sun off me
- a look like this could be fun
Dresses like this give you an hourglass feel but arent so tight around the waist
- there are a ton of linen pleated pants on the market right now for your office feel. Channel Kathrine Hepburn Or something like this with a clean square neck tank
I would look at Reformation, potentially Doen though it leans a little more boho. I do think they do some good gothy femme occasionally (shit, now i want that dress)
Also accessories to femme things up- bow in the hair, cute bags, comfortable ballet flats for walking, sunhats, sunglasses
posted by zara at 2:53 PM on August 31, 2023
Best answer: Corporate goth makes me think of two smaller NYC-based brands: MM La Fleur and Kallmeyer. If you wear pants, I could imagine these Kallmeyer pants, here in white linen paired with either their fitted vest (here in another color) or a this sharp draped shell. This dress at MM LaFleur is part of a line made to travel.
posted by minervous at 3:12 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by minervous at 3:12 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
I spent a few weeks in Mexico this summer wearing linen pants + button down shirts. The more flattering of them came from Madewell which currently has all their linen on sale, including some cute jumpsuits, pants, and blazers that seem like they'd fit your style. They're a bit thin on sizing at this point in the season, unfortunately.
If your tourism includes visiting temples, I strongly suggest bringing a pair of sandals that are comfortable for walking and easy to take on/off. My choice is usually Birkenstocks, but I'm sure you can find something more in line with your taste.
posted by A Blue Moon at 3:47 PM on August 31, 2023
If your tourism includes visiting temples, I strongly suggest bringing a pair of sandals that are comfortable for walking and easy to take on/off. My choice is usually Birkenstocks, but I'm sure you can find something more in line with your taste.
posted by A Blue Moon at 3:47 PM on August 31, 2023
If your itinerary can fit it in, do some shopping in-country; I haven’t been in a few years, but my recollection is that Singapore has amazing malls (with A/C!) and no shortage of weather-appropriate corporate femme wear.
posted by scyllary at 5:05 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by scyllary at 5:05 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
It could also be worth checking out the outdoors clothing manufacturers, many of them have 'lifestyle' clothing lines that are made of lightweight polyester blends that are super airy and comfy. (Kuhl, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, Prana, Patagonia, Vuori, Club Ride, Eastern Mountain Sports, etc). If you go to REI or Backcountry.com you can see the brands and then go the brand website and see what they have, I have had some good success with that strategy.
I was a big fan of linen clothing until outdoors brands started coming out with these lines of lifestyle clothing; for me those are hands down better than linen (more breathable, travels better, easier to clean, more functional).
posted by Cu_wire at 5:10 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
I was a big fan of linen clothing until outdoors brands started coming out with these lines of lifestyle clothing; for me those are hands down better than linen (more breathable, travels better, easier to clean, more functional).
posted by Cu_wire at 5:10 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
If you're willing to throw quite a lot of money at this problem, Zero + Maria Cornejo is a pretty great solution. Lots of interestingly cut dresses in natural fibers. A lot of what I linked is silk, which is probably a second-tier choice for high humidity, but there are some linen and other options as well. If you like that vibe but not the price point, it's not too hard to find secondhand options from the brand.
COS is a good high street option for interestingly structured dresses that are often loose and breezy.
I'm leaning hard on dresses here since they tend to be cooler to wear than separates and it's not so hard to find interesting/architectural dresses. But agree with everyone else suggesting linen pants and/or midi skirts with lightweight tops.
posted by snaw at 5:46 PM on August 31, 2023 [3 favorites]
COS is a good high street option for interestingly structured dresses that are often loose and breezy.
I'm leaning hard on dresses here since they tend to be cooler to wear than separates and it's not so hard to find interesting/architectural dresses. But agree with everyone else suggesting linen pants and/or midi skirts with lightweight tops.
posted by snaw at 5:46 PM on August 31, 2023 [3 favorites]
Also do yourself a favour and get running shorts or body glide anti-chafing to wear under your clothes. Avoid layers aside from a lightweight cardigan/wrap for air conditioning.
You’ll fit the upper end of clothes here but it’s not super curvy friendly.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 6:58 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
You’ll fit the upper end of clothes here but it’s not super curvy friendly.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 6:58 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
What I remember about my December trip to Thailand many years ago is sweating constantly and needing to change outfits (including underwear) at least once a day, if not twice. Shorts and dresses will be better than pants, and more loosely-fitting will be more comfortable. If you insist on woven instead of cotton knits, look for shirts in patterns that help disguise sweat stains. Given that you can go from air conditioning to sweaty tuk tuk to air conditioning, a very light layer or pashmina to stuff in your bag is also useful. If traveling for 3 weeks you will need to do laundry, and/or some hand washing in your hotel room, so make sure everything can be washed without requiring special treatment.
posted by amusebuche at 11:38 PM on August 31, 2023
posted by amusebuche at 11:38 PM on August 31, 2023
I found myself in very hot, humid Tokyo in July, largely for work but added some personal days. I recognize Japan is not on your list and has different, distinct stylistic preferences but thought I'd share from a heat/humidity angle.
For the work part, I was in cool offices and cool restaurants but largely walking to and from my hotel. For the private part I was literally all over spending a lot of time just walking round/in the heat.
My takeaways from all of that were that most women seemed to wear fairly loose, light clothing. Many natural fibres. Form fitting was neither the fashion nor desirable considering the heat and humidity.
A lot of dresses or tops with interesting cuts/details. They covered arms and chest but looked very stylish/structural. Bottoms were loose, longish skirts or to a lesser extent wide trousers. A lot of linens and cotton. A very light weight/at times somewhat see through cardigan as top layer (over a modest top next to the skin) for indoors to deal with AC. Colours were monochrome or neutral.
The very loose cuts that work well on petite/svelte shapes can be more difficult on more curvy shapes. As a large, busty/curvy person, I focused on loose trousers or skirts, a modest fitted vest/cami/shell on top, tucked into the waistband. This always also covered by a very loose very light open top layer. Basically, I tried to emphasize my waist to break up the loose lines. I also got a lot of wear out of this somewhat unusual wrap dress, which is both modest but also a very nice shape and very pleasant in the heat with the looser top and sleeves.
When it is very hot and humid there is no getting around the fact that people are going to sweat out and about. People were carrying round small towels/flannels to dry off, many had hand held fans or small electric fans they wore round the neck, with the fan pointing towards their faces. So you'll sweat and it's ok to sweat, everybody will be sweating. Be prepared with a small cloth and a fan and focus on clothes in colours that won't show sweat patches, in fabrics that dry quickly.
posted by koahiatamadl at 1:58 AM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
For the work part, I was in cool offices and cool restaurants but largely walking to and from my hotel. For the private part I was literally all over spending a lot of time just walking round/in the heat.
My takeaways from all of that were that most women seemed to wear fairly loose, light clothing. Many natural fibres. Form fitting was neither the fashion nor desirable considering the heat and humidity.
A lot of dresses or tops with interesting cuts/details. They covered arms and chest but looked very stylish/structural. Bottoms were loose, longish skirts or to a lesser extent wide trousers. A lot of linens and cotton. A very light weight/at times somewhat see through cardigan as top layer (over a modest top next to the skin) for indoors to deal with AC. Colours were monochrome or neutral.
The very loose cuts that work well on petite/svelte shapes can be more difficult on more curvy shapes. As a large, busty/curvy person, I focused on loose trousers or skirts, a modest fitted vest/cami/shell on top, tucked into the waistband. This always also covered by a very loose very light open top layer. Basically, I tried to emphasize my waist to break up the loose lines. I also got a lot of wear out of this somewhat unusual wrap dress, which is both modest but also a very nice shape and very pleasant in the heat with the looser top and sleeves.
When it is very hot and humid there is no getting around the fact that people are going to sweat out and about. People were carrying round small towels/flannels to dry off, many had hand held fans or small electric fans they wore round the neck, with the fan pointing towards their faces. So you'll sweat and it's ok to sweat, everybody will be sweating. Be prepared with a small cloth and a fan and focus on clothes in colours that won't show sweat patches, in fabrics that dry quickly.
posted by koahiatamadl at 1:58 AM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
I would advise against shopping for your clothes in Singapore if you wear standard or plus size clothing in the US. Clothing shops in Singapore offer vanishingly little for anyone other than those who dress in size 0Petite to size 4Petite (mayyybe 6P or 8P labeled as XXL if you're lucky!) by US clothing standards. Larger sizes tend to be exclusively ethnic wear for Malays (baju kurong) and Indians (salwar suits), not really your version of corporate wear, and taller sizes are nigh impossible to find. The only larger-than-petite non ethnic clothing for women in regular shops will be long flowy boho sun-dresses, and denim jeans.
As to your question itself: oooooooof!! Sorry for the instinctive "yikes" reaction but it is what it is - I've just been to Singapore about two weeks ago and we nearly expired of heat stroke every time we ventured out prior to 5 PM - in our "local" wear of cotton shorts and cotton tees. I can't imagine anyone who isn't used to this climate surviving outdoors in structured corporate wear, even if it is a linen suit. It truly is excruciatingly hot and humid - my weather app told me every day that it was 85 degrees F and "feels like 95F".
But perhaps you are a better woman than I, gunga din! More power to you if you can pull this off in your preferred fashion! And to be fair, air conditioned spaces are very easy to find and stick to, if you are so inclined.
posted by MiraK at 2:24 AM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
As to your question itself: oooooooof!! Sorry for the instinctive "yikes" reaction but it is what it is - I've just been to Singapore about two weeks ago and we nearly expired of heat stroke every time we ventured out prior to 5 PM - in our "local" wear of cotton shorts and cotton tees. I can't imagine anyone who isn't used to this climate surviving outdoors in structured corporate wear, even if it is a linen suit. It truly is excruciatingly hot and humid - my weather app told me every day that it was 85 degrees F and "feels like 95F".
But perhaps you are a better woman than I, gunga din! More power to you if you can pull this off in your preferred fashion! And to be fair, air conditioned spaces are very easy to find and stick to, if you are so inclined.
posted by MiraK at 2:24 AM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
Linen clothing is expensive, pure cotton clothing is much easier to find and is almost as good at wicking away sweat. Blouses made of cotton are great for hot weather, same for jumpsuits and other loose fit clothing. (Tight clothing traps hot air around your body instead of letting it circulate away).
posted by wandering zinnia at 3:32 AM on September 1, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by wandering zinnia at 3:32 AM on September 1, 2023 [2 favorites]
No knits. Knits cling and take forever to dry. This includes t-shirts. Wearing a wide brimmed hat might be useful; sunblock dripping off your forehead stings when it gets into your eyes. But just accept that you’re going to feel uncomfortably sticky and disheveled the entire time.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 5:53 AM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by TWinbrook8 at 5:53 AM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
I would research tailors in those countries and have things made to measure once you get there. Tailoring places often have surprisingly quick turnaround times and you'll be better able to judge what will actually work for you once you're there.
posted by ananci at 7:42 AM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by ananci at 7:42 AM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
I just want to second accepting that you will be hot. I spent a summer in 100-ish heat, touristing around and generally not in AC, and a couple weeks in I started wearing flowy long-sleeved things and long pants. It's not that it was more comfortable than a tank top (although I was less likely to sunburn), just that it wasn't any LESS comfortable, and dressing in a tank top and shorts made being "still too hot" feel like a personal affront. So an argument here for "not trying too hard" to get the optimum coolest clothes. Probably good to wear things that are pale and a bit airy, and breathe alright, but beyond that all you've really got is acceptance. And I'd say check out some shops just in case, it's fun to find clothes in the local style even if you're wearing the only 3XL in the store. (My experience, size 10 in Hong Kong many years ago.)
posted by Lady Li at 1:19 PM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Lady Li at 1:19 PM on September 1, 2023 [1 favorite]
Yes, Singapore is going to be lovely but is totally hot and humid. Perhaps the same for Thailand, but then colder in Taipei? So that’s a range of weather to check and suggests layers to me…
For Singapore, expect a daytime outfit and then try to pack enough to shower and change for dinner. Something like a summer romper during the day and a dress at night, but probably sandals with both, or maybe Keds and shortie socks during the day? Add jacket or sweater layers at night and for strong inside air conditioning. Probably also a scarf and remember that an umbrella is not just rain protection but also sun protection.
In addition to linen, (or instead of), I think tropical weight wool is your friend, as you can usually just hang up a structured jacket or skirt overnight to have the wrinkles fall out, which is not something that happens with linen. Silk can also be a great choice, depending on the weave, and offer a little extra sun protection, plus wrinkles that fall out with hanging up. I have a silk handkerchief dress that takes up about as much space as a scarf that worked well in Singapore. Cotton of course and consider lightweight lace as this can be a historical form of breathable sun protection.
Since you’re probably going into winter, you’ll want to carefully check the fabric options, but I suspect you can do well if you look for sales on fancy pieces from the past summer collections? Maybe Theory, Sandro? Flat gladiator style sandals are also great for the weather unless you get big rain. I suggest checking shopping aggregators like Yoox and FarFetch, plus eBay, Thredup, etc.
Australia is also coming into spring and summers with very hot weather, so maybe you can get some further ideas by looking at the new looks with a few popular brands:
- Saba - my go-to for everyday business level suiting and my favorite silk singlets that are the perfect thing in high humidity, either under a suit or just with a skirt when truly hot.
- Country Road - very popular and lots of color normally, which I like, but maybe not this season?
- Zimmermann - too froufrou for me, but throwing it in for variety.
- Gorman is colorful and fun.
Remember not to skimp on sunscreen, but if you’re in Singapore first, you will get ALL THE OPTIONS to buy there. K-beauty, Japanese brands, local brands.
Oh, and to maximize packing, make sure to roll your clothes in your luggage. Structured suit jackets go inside out on top so as to sit in the middle of your suitcase. I would avoid long skirts and dresses if you want to maximize the number of items, but that’s really more of a sartorial choice if you don’t like short skirts.
Sounds like a fun trip! I hope it is a delight!
posted by ec2y at 4:54 AM on September 4, 2023
For Singapore, expect a daytime outfit and then try to pack enough to shower and change for dinner. Something like a summer romper during the day and a dress at night, but probably sandals with both, or maybe Keds and shortie socks during the day? Add jacket or sweater layers at night and for strong inside air conditioning. Probably also a scarf and remember that an umbrella is not just rain protection but also sun protection.
In addition to linen, (or instead of), I think tropical weight wool is your friend, as you can usually just hang up a structured jacket or skirt overnight to have the wrinkles fall out, which is not something that happens with linen. Silk can also be a great choice, depending on the weave, and offer a little extra sun protection, plus wrinkles that fall out with hanging up. I have a silk handkerchief dress that takes up about as much space as a scarf that worked well in Singapore. Cotton of course and consider lightweight lace as this can be a historical form of breathable sun protection.
Since you’re probably going into winter, you’ll want to carefully check the fabric options, but I suspect you can do well if you look for sales on fancy pieces from the past summer collections? Maybe Theory, Sandro? Flat gladiator style sandals are also great for the weather unless you get big rain. I suggest checking shopping aggregators like Yoox and FarFetch, plus eBay, Thredup, etc.
Australia is also coming into spring and summers with very hot weather, so maybe you can get some further ideas by looking at the new looks with a few popular brands:
- Saba - my go-to for everyday business level suiting and my favorite silk singlets that are the perfect thing in high humidity, either under a suit or just with a skirt when truly hot.
- Country Road - very popular and lots of color normally, which I like, but maybe not this season?
- Zimmermann - too froufrou for me, but throwing it in for variety.
- Gorman is colorful and fun.
Remember not to skimp on sunscreen, but if you’re in Singapore first, you will get ALL THE OPTIONS to buy there. K-beauty, Japanese brands, local brands.
Oh, and to maximize packing, make sure to roll your clothes in your luggage. Structured suit jackets go inside out on top so as to sit in the middle of your suitcase. I would avoid long skirts and dresses if you want to maximize the number of items, but that’s really more of a sartorial choice if you don’t like short skirts.
Sounds like a fun trip! I hope it is a delight!
posted by ec2y at 4:54 AM on September 4, 2023
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Also, how about a summer weight and fabric (cotton, linen, or silk) dress with some structure? Here's what Nordstrom has for those materials for the occasion of "work."
How about a shirt dress? Though maybe something in a darker color would be better?
posted by bluedaisy at 2:01 PM on August 31, 2023 [1 favorite]