What fabric should participants wear given they’ll get wet and muddy?
Given that participants are likely to get wet and muddy during the challenge, what fabric should be recommended for their dress? Are modern synthetic fabrics such as nida acceptable?
Answer
Synthetic polyester blends are generally the most suitable option for the challenge, including nida as well as fabrics like rayon and satin, with chiffon a good option for hijabs.
These fabrics tend to be lightweight, breathable and quick-drying, which matters a great deal once things get wet and muddy.
Nida does have some drawbacks: it can become slippery when wet, making climbing more difficult, and its minimal stretch can restrict movement when crawling or jumping.
Even so, it remains far more practical for the challenge than natural fabrics. Cotton and wool are best avoided altogether, since both become heavy and uncomfortable when wet, and can cause chafing.
It’s also worth remembering that the point isn’t to find the perfect technical fabric. Refugees making similar journeys don’t get to choose optimal clothing, and travel in whatever they have.
With realistic expectations and reasonable preparation, a nida abaya serves the purpose well, and is one way of standing in solidarity with the experience of refugee women.