{"675316":{"#nid":"675316","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Stay Cool: Top Fabrics to Wear to Survive the Summer Heat","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs the summer heat intensifies, with temperatures sometimes soaring to triple digits, the question of which fabrics are best for staying cool becomes particularly relevant.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mse.gatech.edu\/people\/sundaresan-jayaraman\u0022\u003ESundaresan Jayaraman\u003C\/a\u003E, a professor in Georgia Tech\u2019s School of Materials Science and Engineering, offers insights into the properties of various fabrics and why some are more effective than others in hot, humid conditions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJayaraman, a renowned expert in fibers, polymers, and textiles, recognizes linen as the best fabric for hot and humid conditions. He explains that linen\u0027s effectiveness lies in its superior moisture management properties. The fiber structure of linen allows it to absorb moisture quickly and then transport it away from the body. This is due to linen\u0027s high moisture regain capacity, which means it can absorb a significant amount of moisture without feeling damp.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe moisture vapor transport rate for linen is much greater than that for cotton or polyester,\u201d he explained. Additionally, linen\u0027s bending rigidity prevents it from clinging to the body, allowing for better air circulation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECotton is another popular fabric for summer, known for its softness and breathability. However, Jayaraman points out that while cotton effectively absorbs moisture, it tends to retain it longer than linen, making it feel clammy in extreme heat. Cotton\u0027s moisture vapor transmission rate is lower than linen\u2019s, meaning it doesn\u0027t dry as quickly.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe structure of cotton fibers, which are ribbon-like and can trap more water, also affects cotton\u2019s performance. While it\u2019s more prone to sticking to the body due to its lower bending rigidity, cotton is generally comfortable for less humid conditions or for shorter durations in the heat.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile polyester may not be the first fabric that comes to mind for summer, its performance can be significantly enhanced with chemical treatments. Dri-FIT technology, for instance, improves polyester\u2019s moisture-wicking properties, making it a popular choice for athletic wear.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cRegular polyester is terrible when it comes to moisture absorption,\u201d admitted Jayaraman. \u201cBut Dri-FIT polyester doesn\u2019t feel clammy and is very comfortable for being physically active in the summer months.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile functionality is crucial, aesthetics also play a role in fabric choice for the summer. Linen, despite its excellent cooling properties, is prone to wrinkling and may not drape as elegantly as cotton or treated polyester. Jayaraman notes that linen\u0027s natural stiffness, which contributes to its cooling benefits, also leads to its tendency to wrinkle. He says, \u201cFor a crisp appearance, linen garments often require ironing before wear.\u201d For those prioritizing appearance, cotton offers a softer drape and a smoother look, albeit with slightly less cooling efficiency.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EAs summer heat intensifies, the question of which fabrics are best for staying cool becomes particularly relevant. Sundaresan Jayaraman, a professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, highlights linen as the best fabric for hot, humid conditions due to its superior moisture management properties and high moisture vapor transport rate. While cotton is soft and breathable, it retains moisture longer, making it less effective in extreme heat, and treated polyester with Dri-FIT technology offers enhanced moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for active wear.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Smart textiles expert and Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering shares insight into the best fabrics to wear in the Summer"}],"uid":"35798","created_gmt":"2024-07-02 18:49:22","changed_gmt":"2024-07-02 19:31:04","author":"Ayana Isles","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2024-07-02T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2024-07-02T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"674284":{"id":"674284","type":"image","title":"Linen properties","body":null,"created":"1719947618","gmt_created":"2024-07-02 19:13:38","changed":"1719947618","gmt_changed":"2024-07-02 19:13:38","alt":"illustration of how linen works to keep wearer cool.","file":{"fid":"257781","name":"Linen properties - June 28, 2024.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/07\/02\/Linen%20properties%20-%20June%2028%2C%202024.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/07\/02\/Linen%20properties%20-%20June%2028%2C%202024.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":55023,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/07\/02\/Linen%20properties%20-%20June%2028%2C%202024.jpg?itok=dSDl-HA5"}}},"media_ids":["674284"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"145","name":"Engineering"}],"keywords":[{"id":"185238","name":"summer heat"},{"id":"9875","name":"textiles"},{"id":"9874","name":"fabric"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39471","name":"Materials"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"},{"id":"71901","name":"Society and Culture"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAyana Isles\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Media Relations Representative\u003Cbr\u003EAisles3@gatech.edu\u003Cbr\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}