A&T Specialist Advises on Cold Weather Clothing


February 7, 1997

Greensboro, NC: In addition to telling us about strong winds, freezing temperatures, and precipitation, and cautioning us about road conditions, forecasters often also advise us to dress warmly.

According to a clothing and textiles specialist, there is much more to dressing warmly than putting on your jacket.
"Wearing clothing of the appropriate style, fit, fiber and fabric can help a person avoid unnecessary exposure to the cold," said Dr. Ellen Smoak, a clothing and textiles specialist with the North Carolina A&T State University Cooperative Extension Program.

Layered clothing will trap and hold warm air next to the body, said Smoak. "Even though a thicker fabric may be warmer than a single thin one, two thin layers, such as two shirts or light-weight sweaters worn together, can be warmer than one heavy layer weighing twice as much. Also, layered clothing can be easily removed as the body warms."

Examples of layered clothing are: a vest or jacket over a shirt, undershirts, sweaters and lined garments.

Absorbent fabrics allow moisture generated by the body to escape, and create a drier, warmer climate for the body. "Cotton and wool are the most absorbent fibers," said Smoak. "Fabrics made from these fibers allow perspiration to evaporate from the skin. Underlayers of clothing made from less absorbent fibers can become damp or wet from unevaporated moisture, and the fabric may adhere to the skin. This removes the layer of warm, insulating air that surrounds the body."

Fabrics with thick construction help hold the insulating layer of air surrounding the body. Examples of such fabrics are fake furs, thick tweeds, waffle weaves, some knit constructions, and quilted, laminated or bonded fabrics.

Close-fitting openings at the neck, wrists and ankles also help to retain the insulating layer of air around the body. However, clothes that fit too tightly or cling to the skin reduce the effectiveness of the air surrounding the body.

Other suggestions offered by Smoak include:

• Mittens are warmer than gloves, because less surface area is exposed.
  
• If any part of the body is cold, adding a hat or scarf will increase warmth.
  
• Over 60 percent of the body's heat loss occurs at the head. If the head is covered, heat escape is reduced.
  
• Shoes with thick soles are warmest.
  
• Accessories such as ties, scarves, shawls and dickeys can provide layers of added warmth.
  
• For active children, sew mitted cuffs inside coat sleeves and make sure shirts and tops are tucked securely into pants while outdoors.
  
• Cleanliness counts. If air pockets in and around fabrics are filled with soil particles, they cannot hold warm air to insulate the body as well.

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For more information, please call Dr. Ellen Smoak, NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, (336) 334-7956.