How would you describe the feeling when you put on a shirt after a swim in the ocean with one word? For some reason I wanna say starchy...
It's not one word, bu maybe these can help: The shirt clung damply to her skin. The shirt molded to her body.
"Starchy" is the last word I would use. Starchy implies stiff and hence dry, like Cave Troll said. I'd have to see the sentence, but I'd be inclined to go the easy route and just say "wet."
I think it depends on the frame of mind of your character after the swim. Soothing or like a balm could work, similarly irritating, itchy or, indeed, starchy depending on context. Maybe let the word you choose tell more about the emotional state of the protagonist rather than any description of the fabric.
Stiff and uncomfortable? Contrasting with the freedom of the ocean? Needing a new launderer? Not a description that would have come to my mind but might make sense within context.
I repeat. Clammy adjective unpleasantly damp and sticky or slimy to touch. "his skin felt cold and clammy"
restrictive or oppressive. shackling even. After the freedom of the ocean and the sun it will not be pleasant. However, if the character has had a chance to towel off properly and is nice and dry and even starting to feel a little cold, it would be none of these words and would be comforting.
Having lain in the sun for nearly an hour, the shirt was warm and inviting. Until I tried to put it on, of course. Nothing more difficult than trying to dress when one's skin is still clammy from a long swim. It was worth the effort. Once on, the soft material was exquisite against my skin, knocking the chill from my bones and causing me to sigh with pleasure.
