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Security Clothing for Hot-Weather Travel?

rae

(website)

Veteran

So, when I last went out of the country, it was super duper nice to have my Scottevest with hidden interior pockets. Very relaxing not to have to stress about pickpockets or purse thieves knowing that the essentials were safely tucked *inside* the clothes.

But there doesn't seem to be anything like this for very hot, humid travel! We're going to Buenos Aires in February, and it's supposed to be 80F+ and very humid. Waist belts, cargo jackets/vests, etc. will not cut it. Everything with a security pocket system on sites like Exoffico, Scottevest, etc. seem to be made for travel in rainy, cold weather - or simply with wrinkle prevention in mind, without any security features.

I would have loved to find something similar to activewear bras or tanks with zippered key compartments, except with the compartments large enough to hold a passport... I have come up with exactly zilch.

Do any of you have solutions for securing travel docs when it's too dang hot to wear much clothing?

Shopping

22 replies

Latest reply was from abc

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I've got just the thing for you! http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....PDKIKX0DER I kinda want one to wear under low armhole summer tanks and maybe dresses in lieu of a strapless bra or bandeau.

JAileen

Veteran

I have a Scotte vest and loved using it in Turkey until it got hot and humid. What about a pocket on a waist belt, that tucks into your clothes. I got one of those too but like the vest so much that I never used it.

http://www.magellans.com/deluxe-travel-spibelt

ETA: sorry I just saw you don 't want one of these. Then I have no suggestions.

Adelfa

Veteran

For Costa Rica I got a silk money belt that was very lightweight and breathable against my skin. He has other silk options too.

http://travelstore.ricksteves......038;id=521

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thanks a bunch!

Mo, that is definitely the closest thing I've seen! I wish it didn't have the ruching so it would lay smooth through a tank, but I may just try it out anyway. I wonder if a small would work for me; the Ms seem to be gone in all but gray. Maybe I'll order one of each...

JAileen and Jody, I suppose I should remain open to a travel belt, but it seems like it would show through my lightweight jersey skirts and probably chafe... I guess you never know until you try, though.

Darn, why don't any tank tops come with large pockets??

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Rae, there is a tank . . . but it's more workout bodycon than easy breezy. http://www.amazon.com/Clever-T.....d_sim_sg_1
If you do try the bra, let me know. I'm not sure if I'd be S or XS.

Adelfa

Veteran

Rae, I just positioned it on the small of my back if I was worried about it showing. I did notice Reese Witherspoon jogging with her phone in her jog bra....

Diana

Veteran

I have no suggestions, but just wanted to say that I am keeping an eye on this thread. I sure could have used something like this in Athens last October!!!

abc

Veteran

On a daily basis I use a very small silk zip top money holder that is just slightly bigger than the size of a credit card and the thickness is only the width of the zipper. It works to hold various cards, some folded cash, a few coins and a single key or two would fit. It would have to be made bigger to fit a passport though. I wear it tucked into the side of my bra (directly under my underarm not sure what you call it). If you know someone that sews it can be made easily. It does get a little damp if I'm super sweaty but you could remedy that with choosing a better fabric for your needs. Hope this helps.

SuzyQ2

I just saw these and will be ordering one or two shortly. I like the infinity scarf better, less chance of falling off and losing valuables. We go to a lot of outdoor music events, and carrying a handbag or loading up my pants pockets just doesn't work when lounging on the grass. They might even work in the hotter climate, I'd prefer a tank top and a scarf to a jacket or vest, no matter how lightweight.

http://www.xubaz.com/
http://www.magellans.com/sholdit-scarf

MsMary

Veteran

Another vote for the silk money belt. I wore one through Southeast Asia and was happy with it. It didn't really show through, although I will admit the belt and the contents got damp with sweat. I was happy with it, though, and would use it again. It's very very thin and lightweight.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Rae, did you ever end up ordering the ruched bra top? Curious to know if it worked out for you or is too lumpy.

Anonymous

I don't think I got back to post another vote for the silk money belt or something like this:
http://www.magellans.com/rfid-.....obe-type=0
It fits so flat against the skin. The coolest way to wear it is to turn it around to the small of my back.

rabbit

Veteran

Late but I've had a silk money belt unsnap under a skirt and fall off without me noticing in Heathrow airport. It was probably a fluke, but it's made me leery.

The tricky part for me in hot climates is having a secure place, but also one you can access easily without undressing or feeling around your bra when you need to pay for something (assuming that you need to be carrying your passport or higher denomination bills for whatever you are doing). The thigh pockets on the right cargo pants and shorts fit a passport neatly and flatly without showing. I've also done various things that hang around my neck under layers and can be pulled out, but they aren't comfortable.

I'm going to try that scarf solution next-time. Thanks SuzyQ2!

missvee

Veteran

I was in BA 3 years ago and you're right to be concerned about security. Petty crime against tourists is rampant. I left my passport in the hotel safe and walked around with a credit card tucked away in a waist belt. I also carried a small amount of cash ($40 or so) in my pocket so that I could pay for coffee, museum admissions etc without fuss.
I also found that most people dressed very simply and in plain dark colours, even in the heat. I had brought some colourful tees and skirts but didn't wear them much. And I wore no jewelry, not even costume jewelry aside from an inexpensive watch. Come to think of it, I didn't carry a purse either. My husband had a ratty backpack with him that we used to hold a bottle of water, guidebook, map etc. I shoved my lipstick and sunglasses in there and let him carry the lot.
If all of this sounds a bit dire, don't worry, it's an amazing city and you'll have a wonderful time. Just keep an eye on your surroundings and you'll be fine.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Mo, I did order the Colosseum bra in 2 sizes. The ruching was not lumpy, but the placement of the pocket didn't work for me. It would be fine for a cooler climate where thicker clothing or layers would be involved, but with a lightweight tee/tank the outline of anything stowed showed right through. Also, as other reviewers mentioned, the zipper pull is not well placed.

I did end up purchasing these pocket boyshorts, though, and I think they are winners! The outline of a passport might show through my jersey pencil skirt, but it looks more natural that someone would have a hip pocket than a boob pocket. And everything is safely stowed under the clothing. I'll do a full review when I come back.
http://www.clevertravelcompani.....kets-modal

Missvee, thanks for the tip! I will keep the extra/backup stuff in my boyshorts and carry a small amount of cash for easy access.

MsMaven

Veteran

Have you seen this Eagle Creek Bra Stash?
wallets/2230 http://www.travelsmith.com/eag.....llets/2230

rae

(website)

Veteran

Yes, that was in my cart for a while, too, but it would not hold a passport (and DH doesn't trust hotel safes). I would definitely have gone that route for just $ and CCs.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I just make my dad carry everything :p

Helena

Veteran

Don't know for sure, but I would try maybe a specialty running store and see what they have for runners to keep cool, stash their cash and phone, etc. Good luck!

Eliza

Veteran

Rae- the last time I traveled to a city known for pickpockets, I bought a small credit card size pocket that snapped onto my bra strap up front- http://shop.eaglecreek.com/sil.....ash/d/1125. I was able to discretely access it when needed for a purchase and had my license for ID, my medical card and 2 credit cards in it.

Then I used a very flat, small Bagallini zippered cross body, that fit completely in front of me and under my arm. Had daily needs inside, including cash and other small items, but nothing that could result in identity theft or concern if it disappeared. It worked very well and I think that looking tightly put together makes you less of a target than having a less structured bag. At night, I carried a small clutch, to satisfy my longing for a "real" bag.

Sounds like a fun trip.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I like the idea of the scarf with hidden pockets, too. There's a possibility that we'll be moving to the big bad city soon (yuck) and something like that might be nice to have on the underground.

abc

Veteran

Rae, I hope you are having a wonderful trip (I think you're there now). If you have time please send us some nuggets / pics if not a full trip report once you're back pretty please...!!