RP-317 -- The Effect of Garment Design and Fabric Thickness and Weight on the Insulation Values of Clothing PDF

An electrically-heated manikin was used to study the effects of garment design, fabric type, and test method (.i.e., garments tested individually or as part of an ensemble) on the thermal insulation value (I_T and I_cl clo) of clothing.

The results indicated that the three experimental fabrics of 100% cotton twill were significantly different from each other for all of the textile characteristics except thermal insulation. Consequently, the large differences in fabric weight did not necessarily cause corresponding differences in fabric insulation. Design variations constructed of these three fabrics had similar clo values; however, differences in fabric insulation for the broadcloth shirting and wool suiting fabrics caused differences in clothing insulation. It appears that fabric insulation affects clothing insulation, but not in the same degree for all designs.

The ASHRAE list of garment clo values needs to be revised to include more design and fabric variations.