coolest material for Med cruise?

[poss]

In the past, I've worn those wicking kinds of shirts-- nylon or polyester from places like REI, Northface, Columbia, etc. It's true that they wash and dry very easily, but I've not felt that they were particularly cool. (I get hot and sweatsy very easily unfortunately.)

I'm wondering about linen. The last time I had a linen garment (many many years ago), I remember finding it uncomfortable, sort of scratcy-- not at all cool. Also, it constantly needed ironing. Are there new kinds of linens around now? Would they be more cool than the other kind of thing?

Thanks!

[UKBayern]

If you have a shirt with a mixture of cotton and polyester you stay cool and it does not crease either. DH has only cotton mix shirts and does not have to iron a single one.

[CoralReef]

There are very lightweight (handkerchief-weight) linens available now, that are not scratchy and are very cool. Loosely-woven cotton is even cooler and is easier to find. However, linen and cotton both show sweat and tend to wrinkle.

 

Fabric with any amount of polyester or nylon is hotter than linen or cotton, but doesn't show sweat or wrinkles as badly. I agree, those "wicking" fabrics are not particularly cool. However, they do look pretty good if you need to wash them in a sink and air-dry them.

 

A mix might be the best compromise.

[poss]

Thanks for replies. I'm going to start my hunt this weekend.