K-State fashion studies experts give their tips for staying warm this season
MANHATTAN, Kan. — No one wants to be stuck outside in cold temperatures without the proper attire. Kelsie Doty, an assistant professor of fashion studies in Kansas State University’s College of Health and Human Sciences, says there are some important factors that go into staying warm when working or playing outside.
“We often recommend that people layer for the cold weather, rainy weather and wet season,” Doty said. “A different fiber might be appropriate for each layer.”
Doty says there are two main textile families, synthetic and natural, . Synthetic textiles are made from such petroleum fabrics as polyester and nylon.
“Natural fibers are things like cotton, linen and wool,” Doty said. “They come from plants or animals.”
Natural fibers are divided between plant fibers and animal fibers. Those two categories make a huge difference when it comes to the time of year to wear them.
“Plant type fibers like cotton, linen or hemp are good for hot weather,” Doty said. “Animal fibers, like wool, mohair or even silk can be really good for colder weather.”
Deciding which layers to wear could make the difference between a warm or cold outing. “I think strategic layering is just as important as the fiber choice because you don’t want to work against that fiber choice by leaving out an air gap.”
When dressing in layers, other suggestions include:
- Base Layer: “We want something that is going to be knit and very close to the skin,” said Reannan Boisvert, doctoral student in fashion studies, who spoke recently on the weekday radio program Agriculture Today along with Doty. “(That is) most likely something that is made of an animal fiber like wool, which has natural properties that help to wick moisture away.”
- Mid layer: “The mid layer is really important to help keep air trapped next to your body,” Doty said. “Air is actually our best thermal insulator.”
- External Layer: “This layer is what’s going to keep you nice and toasty in the coldest months in Kansas,” Doty said. “The exterior layer has the most power for keeping someone dry or someone protected from the elements.”
Doty recommends a dense exterior layer like nylon or denim, ora materials in which the yarns are tightly packed so the air or water cannot get in.
Doty recommends avoiding cotton and plant-based fibers as they keep the moisture in themselves. “When it’s cold out, it can be really dangerous because that moisture right next to the skin (may get) trapped and causes frostbite,” Doty said.
More information on topics covered by K-State Extension is available at local extension offices in Kansas.
