Comfort of Subjects Clothed in Cotton, Water Repellent Cotton, and Orlon1 Suits

Abstract

The effect of wearing clothing made from cotton, water repellent cotton, and Orlon fabrics of similar constructions on the comfort of women subjects seated in an environ ment of 94° F and 80% RH was determined. In no case did the subjects state that they were hotter in one suit than in another nor were there differences in the total weight losses, evaporative weight losses, rectal temperatures, or times of onset of sweating of the subjects when clothed in the three suits. However, the water repellent cotton suit did have a lower weight gain during the tests than did the untreated suit and, conse quently, left more liquid moisture on the skin of the subjects. If the subject perspired freely, this liquid moisture on the skin was rated as a source of discomfort.