CLOTHING Clothing is worn both for purposes of modesty and to main tain a constant body temperature. In this connection it must be borne in mind that the skin is the most important organ in temperature regulation. Clothing aids in protection from the effects of a lowered temperature by holding warm air enmeshed (insulation), so that the body lives in a temperate climate, and also by influencing conduction, convection and evaporation.
Heat losses by conduction are favored by clothing made of plant fibers, since these conduct heat outwards better, although heat losses by this means are relatively slight. Furthermore the extent of the loss is reduced by the air enmeshed in the fabric, which factor is however greater in fabrics made from animal fibers, since their elasticity is less affected by laundering.
Heat losses by conduction are favored by anything which permits the warm air close to the body to be blown away. The degree to which this occurs is influenced by the porosity of the clothing. Of fabrics, flannel is the most porous and silk the least. Leather, paper and rubber prevent heat losses by this means.
If the spaces in the fabric be filled with water, the losses by evaporation as well as by conduction are increased. Thus wet clothes may chill the skin, and the cessation of exercise while the clothing is wet may be dangerous. Wool has the greatest hygroscopic power of all fabrics, so that water evaporates slowly from it. An ideal fabric would permit sweat to evapo rate when poured out and would not stay wet when sweating ceases, or do away with the enmeshed air when wet.
The fabrics which make the most suitable clothing to be worn next to the skin in summer and warm climates are cotton or close meshed linen. For cold climates and for individuals who get little exercise wool is best. There are differences of opinion concerning those best adapted to individuals likely to get wet. Some advocate wool, for it absorbs sweat and still enmeshes air. Others object to it as it does not permit quick heat losses and dries slowly. Others favor cotton, especially coarse meshed fabrics, for permitting a quick heat loss. Objections raised to it are the fact that it wets through rapidly and no air spaces are left, while the heat losses may be too rapid.
Outer clothing in the summer is worn chiefly for appearances. It should be as permeable as possible and for this purpose cotton or linen are best. In winter woolen is the fabric of choice. If one is in the wind, impermeable goods should be selected. If a person lives mainly indoors in the winter the outer clothing need be the only change of adaptation. If one exercises in the cold do not make any change except to leave off the outer clothing while exercising.
The color of clothing has no effect on the radiation of the heat. Those colors which reflect the most heat absorb the least.