Left: Bali, right: Xitang. When exploring urban environments in sub-30°C climates, my go-to choice is a lightweight nylon suit, for three simple reasons: 1. When made in the right weave, nylon regulates body temperature well in temperate weather that fluctuates between moderately warm and cool/blustery. The fabric allows sweat to evaporate quickly, so you don't feel clammy, while its wind resistance prevents cold air from coming into direct contact with the skin. 2. Lightweight nylon clothes dry within a few hours. You can wash them at the end of the day and wear them the following morning. 3. Nylon is resistant to tears and abrasion. Aside from travel-related reasons, nylon is one of my favourite practical fabrics because it takes a long time to fade and degrade. I am still wearing the same pair of cargo pants that I started stress-testing five years ago (black pair, right). Despite being worn through years of spring, summer and autumn for work, travel and the gym, they have maintained their original shade of black.