I've seen a few posts online suggesting a long sleeve thrift store shirt as an equal alternative to a high dollar sun shirt for SoCal. When I see this, the only thing that comes to my mind that could be found at a thrift store is a dress shirt type of deal. Am I correct that this is what said posts are talking about? Many shirts like that are made of polyester/cotton, while I've seen nylon shirts suggested multiple times. Is polyester ok for the desert? Being an east coast hiker, I'm pretty lost when it comes to desert garb.
On another note, I really really liked wearing my running shorts on the AT rather than pants. Are running shorts acceptable in the desert or will my legs turn to dust? I will be using an umbrella.
Thanks in advance
-Young Blood