i do a LOT of travel. In Asia, where bespoke tailoring is affordable.
i usually end up handwashing in the hotel room because it's the only way to get garments turned around in less than 24 hours.
i have perfected the art of quick washing in a hotel room.
the bottleneck now is, how long it takes for cotton to dry while hanging in a fire-escape stairwell, or up on the roof.
i'm thinking that silk may be the ticket.
But which kind of silk?
PS. synthetic fabrics are not under consideration.
The lighter the silk, the faster it dries. Lightweight "tropical" wools are also a possibility, though they'll dry a bit slower. They are, however, still comfortable when damp.
Stay away from plant fibers and their derivatives like rayon if you want fast drying.
Don't discount synthetics. Some of the newer wicking polyester fabrics are incredibly comfortable in heat, dry quickly, and are very easy to care for. Find something made of Malden Mills' "silkweight" PowerDry and try it... you may become a believer, too.
I haven't timed it after laundry, but linen dries a lot faster than cotton when I'm wearing it, and isn't nearly as uncomfortable while it's still wet.
Joy Beeson
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