OK, I'll have to get some pants then. Man, I hate buying pants!
I bought a bunch of lightweight pants/longsleeved shirts for Thailand, because the culture is very modest there. If you look at North Face, REI, Sierra Trading Post, etc., it shouldn't be too difficult. I liked my North Face cargo pants [link]
-- lightweight and fast-drying, zip-off pant legs, and ties at the shin to make it easier to roll up. Perfect for white-water rafting, hiking, etc. Also got pants from REI and Ex Officio. Ex Officio pants did not fit quite stylishly but they make good lightweight, quick-drying longsleeved shirts & underwear. (We only carried carry-on sized bags for the three-week trip.)
Jesse, how do you feel about thrift store clothing?
Zipoffs are another good option.
Thanks, bon. I don't really wear shorts, so wouldn't get those exact ones, but I hadn't thought of that kind of store.
In some churches in Greece women in pants are not allowed. In most of these places, IME, there are rent-a-skirts available (often in fact free, not for rent). Very loose elastic waist skirts you can put on over your pants or whatever. I can't recall any mosques in Turkey where clothing was an issue, but I was in Turkey in March, so never scantily clad. You do have to take your shoes off; no holey socks!
Basically, anyplace that sees regular tourists will either be pretty lax, or have a ready-made solution to the clothing issue, in my experience in both Greece and Turkey. Very entrepreneurial countries, you know.
Jesse, how do you feel about thrift store clothing?
I feel great about thrift store clothing, less so about thrift store shopping. I like to identify exactly what I want to buy, go see if it fits, and buy it! I hate shopping.
Basically, anyplace that sees regular tourists will either be pretty lax, or have a ready-made solution to the clothing issue, in my experience in both Greece and Turkey.
That's interesting to hear. It's hiliarious, because I really am a modest dresser for this country! I hardly ever show my upper arms or knees. But I'd hate to sit outside somewhere while the rest of the group goes in...
Jesse, don't forget to pick up a pretty headscarf to cover your hair. That was one of my favorite purchases in Istanbul. Also, if you're taking requests, I would love some Turkish Delight!
Jesse, don't forget to pick up a pretty headscarf to cover your hair.
Yeah, that's in the instructions, too. I'm sure I have a scarf.
Thanks, bon. I don't really wear shorts, so wouldn't get those exact ones, but I hadn't thought of that kind of store.
I did a ton of research for our trip, and there's lots of great options out there for modest travel clothes. Speaking of, has anyone liked anything from Athleta? I was looking at their website over the weekend, and it was really weird. Like they didn't actually know anything about travel clothes or athletic wear. Like most of their stuff was 100% cotton!
Pier 1 has some very lightweight pashminas for $14 that would be very travel practical, and would easily double for arm and head coverage. They would fold up pretty small, and still keep you warm and pretty in a nice restaurant with AC, and could also be slung around your waist as a sarong.
