Moisture-wicking clothing for park touring

[Sunnyday3]

After reading many threads in which people claim that the moisture-wicking clothes are great for the hot summer parks, I purchased a few things at my Target and Walmart. I was looking at the regular shorts - but they seemed too short for me. I purchased a tighter pair of "bicycle like" moisture-wicking shorts, thinking that I could wear them underneath my regular cotton shorts. But I'm wondering if that'll actually make me hotter, and defeat the whole purpose. (I also purchased a few of the tanks, thinking I could wear them under my t-shirts.)

I know this probably sounds like a silly dilemma, but I'd appreciate some of your feedback. I'm not a skinny girl - so I really would feel self-conscious walking around the park in tight shorts and a tank.

Thanks!

 

[cattrix]

I only wear Dry Fit (moisture-wicking) clothes to Disney, they are fantastic for summer time. I say whatever you are comfortable in and feel confident in, wear it. You may be hot in 2 layers of clothes though. The benefit of Dry Fit clothes is that it's light weight and air passes through it so it's almost breathable, I'm not sure how effective it would be if you wear a layer of clothes on top of it.

I always wear a tennis skirt, or running shorts and guy's Dry Fit shirts. I have a very long torso and I don't like how the women's Dry Fit shirts fit me.

 

[Karbase8]

There may be a camping store near by that might sell a bermuda type short that is fast drying they may be more expensive I am used them one year got two pairs and was able to hand wash them and they dried quickly in the room when I hung them up as an alternative, or you may be able to use your regular shorts you do feel comfortable and just the dry wicking tops

 

[tsme]

I usually wear cotton, 100% if possible, tees. I'm too self-concious to wear sleeveless (bat wings). I buy tees that are on the thinner side, but not those really thin ones the teens wear. As for shorts, you can find different length shorts at old navy, they have 3", 5", 7", & I think 9". I ususally go with 5", because I'm really short. Also, I don't usually buy the blue jean type because I find them too heavy & hot. I don't think I'd double up on the shorts if I were you, though, too hot. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Sunnyday3]

Thanks for the replies. I think that I'm going to go with what I'm comfortable in as far as what "covers" me well enough for me not to feel self-conscious. My t-shirts are pretty thin cotton, so I think I'll be okay. We take a mid-day break, so that helps! Maybe I can still find some in other stores.

I'm sure there is some fancy technology to the moisture wicking stuff - but it seems to make me think that it would actually retain more sweat! Not having tried it before though, I can't make that assumption.

 

[DisneyBelle27]

As a fairly active person who is into running I will tell you moisture wicking clothes are a godsend. The time or 2 when I've been out on a run with non wicking clothes on I swear I've cone back 10 lbs heavier with how soaked my clothing was! Lol. Maybe look for men's shorts, or basketball or soccer shorts if you want them longer. You can also buy moisture wicking tee shirts, not just tanks. I'd suggest checking out Old Navy, Kohls, sporting goods stores, and even stores like Marshalls or TJ Maxx

 

[glaserjm]

I love my moisture wicking clothes and they're great for park touring. I've found several skirts with built in biker type shorts at Target and TJ Maxx that I love b/c they look nice but also keep you cool!

 

[sandbmisnfla]

I agree with cattrix for the dri fit clothes. I have been using them for years and they work great.

 

[CoolDisneyKitten]

I purchased a tighter pair of "bicycle like" moisture-wicking shorts, thinking that I could wear them underneath my regular cotton shorts. But I'm wondering if that'll actually make me hotter, and defeat the whole purpose. (I also purchased a few of the tanks, thinking I could wear them under my t-shirts.)

I used to wear a pair of loose-fitting cotton capri cargo pants at my old job, and to prevent uncomfortable thigh rubbage, I wore moisture-wicking bike-style shorts underneath. I decided to wear those pants at Disney b/c they were really comfy, and the first day I didn't wear the shorts--thinking exactly what you're thinking: "it's hot out there, and the shorts will make it worse!"

Lemme tell you, I was SO WRONG. Not only did I have the "thigh rubbage" I'd been worried about, but I also seemed to sweat so much more than when I wore the shorts. I was so uncomfortable!

The next day I was back in the shorts, and it was roughly 325.2% more comfortable.

Obviously everyone's experience is different, but I think the moisture wicking stuff is great, and even under your clothes can work really, really well.

In another note: obviously I have no idea what your size runs! But Junonia has a lot of moisture wicking clothing options for curvy gals, including skorts, shorts, tanks, and tshirts. Might check that out if you're a size 14+.

 

[Saralyn]

This is a great moisture-wicking skort from Athleta. It is so comfortable and flattering. Great for walking around all day and also pretty enough to wear to a nice restaurant.

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=93758&vid=1&pid=683764102

Don't be discouraged by the fact that all the women on their web site look like they work out 37 times a week. I put off ordering from them for quite a while because of that but when I took a chance and ordered, I loved it.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Wicking clothes only help if they are directly exposed to the air. That is how the evaporative process helps them cool you down. If you need another layer, I would skip them. The one exception might be the shorts, as they can eliminate chafing. Even if they make you a tad hotter, the eliminated chafing can be a godsend.

One note - most synthetic clothes react to sweat, and for some people this can produce a really strong odor. Try them out a few times, really working up a sweat, before you decide to try them in a crowded situation.

 

[DakotaRose]

I'd stay away from cotton of any thickness. It grabs and holds on to moisture (think towels). Polyester, nylon, etc. just feel far less sweaty to me. Lots of athletic clothing in the big box stores is "compression" fit, aka, skin tight. But there is a lot out there for us gals who wouldn't be caught dead in public in a tennis skirt and a sports bra. You just need to look in other places. Columbia brand has a lot of clothes for hiking that are more modest. The REI stores, Scheels and Cabela's do, too. Columbia, for example, can be found in department stores, often in the misses clothing section. If you like a bit shorter/tighter, try Athleta or Title 9, though they offer looser fitting things, too.

 

[cobright]

REI has their Sahara line of clothing that is really good. I'm pretty sure they have women's styles as well.

 

[Sunnyday3]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I decided that with all of the positive reviews, I was going to keep searching. Walmart online had a good selection of Danskin Dri-More moisture wicking - so I ordered a couple of t-shirts, a pair of capris and a pair of shorts. I also ordered a wicking shirt from Old Navy - all t-shirt styles. Hopefully they'll will all get here before we leave next week! The prices were good - so if it doesn't work for me, I won't be out too much. Also - thanks to all who referenced places to buy from - I had no idea that some of these existed!

I'm also going to keep a pair of the tighter shorts and use those underneath and at least try it. If it works, great. If not - I'll strip them off in the restroom!

I've been to WDW only during the summer months - and I hate sweating it up. I'm certain that a wardrobe change could be a huge difference.

Thanks again!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Old Navy also has an Activewear line of tech clothes that are cute, cheap and Dri Fit. No cotton if you can at all avoid.

 

[PrincessV]

As a Floridian and frequent WDW visitor in hot, wet months, I practically live in my wicking running clothes through summer! I can't honestly say they make me feel any cooler, but they do dry much more quickly than cotton, which is great when dealing with both sweat and rain.