Field-Tested Clothing Tips for Mission Life
The first time we moved to our mission field in rural Gabon, my mind was consumed with what our family and ministry needed. My packing list was as long as my arm — and only a few days before departure did it hit me: the equatorial sun was going to be scorching, and I had no summer clothes for myself.
Cue the last-minute dash to the shopping mall. Our baby was restless in the pram (stroller, for our American friends), so my mum offered to carry her while I pushed the empty pram. Racing against time, I used it as a shopping cart, tossing clothes on top and trying T-shirts over my own outfit to skip the changing room. I knew I looked a bit frantic, but the stares from fellow shoppers were growing alarmingly intense. Then I caught sight of myself in a shop mirror — and understood everything. I was a grown woman, pushing a teddy bear in a pram, frantically shopping with no child in sight!
Over the years, clothing has remained one of the last things I think about — especially for myself. But it’s one of life’s necessities, and the mission field has taught me a few things worth passing on.
Iron-Free Wins
Iron-free clothing makes life on the road so much easier. Our first house couldn’t handle the heat from an iron — it used to blow out the entire electrical system! Rolling clothes while packing helps keep wrinkles at bay, and many quick-dry fabrics are both breathable and wrinkle-resistant. They’re a dream in hot climates and dry fast when you’re constantly on the move.
T-Shirts & Tops
If you’re hand-washing clothes (and no washing machine in sight), beware of wide necklines. They tend to stretch out quickly with repeated scrubbing. Stick to sturdier cuts that hold their shape. Low necklines amongst other things can be culturally inappropriate. If in doubt, always ask the locals.
Underwear Essentials
Where we live, finding new underwear in your size is like spotting a unicorn. So pack extras!
Tropical tip: Bras may be built for support, but they’re no match for the equatorial sun. Intense UV rays and heat can warp moulded cups and fry elastic faster than you can say “hand wash only”. To keep your undergarments in shape (literally), skip the direct sunlight and let them air dry indoors. It’s more modest too, which matters in many cultures. Your bras — and your budget — will thank you.
Shoes That Last
Apart from underwear, the next must-pack item is a good pair of shoes, especially running shoes and sturdy walking shoes. Market options are often poor quality and wear out quickly — definitely not worth the money.
Crocs / Croc-like Shoes
Crocs are brilliant — waterproof and easy to clean and wash. Most people know about their sandals and clogs, but did you know they make wellies / rainboots too? So much lighter to pack than traditional boots. Just a heads-up: they shrink in the sun! Ours became two sizes smaller with time. Keep them in the shade unless you want to donate them to a toddler!
Laundry Lessons
Another tropical tip: beware of mango flies if they’re in your area. These sneaky insects lay eggs on clothes that were dried outdoors but not ironed or killed by the sun. The larvae can burrow into your skin and hatch — yes, it’s as unpleasant as it sounds! We’ve lived to tell the tale, but the scars are real. Ironing, it turns out, isn’t just about looking crisp — it’s self-defence!
Dress to Impress (Sometimes)
Pack at least one or two “respectable” outfits and a good pair of shoes. You’ll need them for church, weddings, or unexpected meetings — especially with local authorities. We’ve found that dressing well often means less hassle in official settings.
Kiddie Clothes
When our son was little, he loved zooming around on his knees with his toy cars — which meant his trousers didn’t stand a chance. Before long, they looked more like Swiss cheese than clothing. We stitched on patches, dubbed it fashion, and voilà — those pants held up like champs!
Shopping Smarts
To save time and sanity, if I find a good cut, I buy it in multiple colours — or even two of the same. It’s one way of staying ready, unlike that unforgettable day I was pushing a pram (stroller) with no child, no clothes in the suitcase, and one rather perplexed teddy bear.
Love,
Joyce
Enjoyed this blog post? Why not check out more practical tips about overseas mission life:
- Suitcase Secrets from a family on the move (Part 1): Four Creative Alternatives to Suitcases
- Suitcase Secrets from a family on the move (Part 2): Four More Suitcase Tips for Overseas Missions
- Organised, ready and the chocolate lived to tell the tale