Heat Shielding
Heat shielding is a material design or process intended to suppress heat from solar radiation, especially the effects of infrared rays, and reduce the rise in temperature of textile and clothing.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Heat shielding is a function that suppresses heat transmitted into clothing through textile by making it harder for infrared rays and other components in sunlight to be reflected or absorbed, and by reducing the rise in surface temperature of the textile. It is added not only through the type of fiber, but also through pigments, coatings, impregnation, fabric structure, and color design.
Heat shielding is not the name of a textile or a weave structure; it is a term that primarily indicates a function intended for sun-exposed environments. Even with the same heat-shielding textile, performance and the coolness felt when worn differ depending on the material, thickness, color, and processing method.
Features
Heat-shielding textiles are expected to help reduce heat buildup inside clothing in situations exposed to sunlight. Some have a glossy or whitish appearance, but the effect on appearance and hand varies depending on the processing method, and some designs are difficult to distinguish from ordinary textiles.
Even if a textile has heat-shielding properties, breathability, water absorbency, and quick-drying performance are not necessarily sufficient. For comfort in hot weather, it is important to assess not only heat shielding but also breathability, moisture absorption and quick-drying performance, garment ease, and the use of linings and layering.
Main Applications
It is used in spring and summer outerwear, blousons, jackets, pants, shirts, hats, and similar items that are exposed to sunlight. In sportswear, workwear, and uniforms used outdoors, breathability and durability are also required depending on wearing time and level of activity.
Outside of clothing, it may also be used for bags and interior applications that are easily exposed to sunlight. However, because the effect of heat shielding depends on sunlight conditions, garment structure, and the wearer’s amount of perspiration, it should be evaluated under conditions close to the intended application.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting, check the test results and evaluation conditions for heat shielding, and make judgments with the comparison items, color, front and back of the textile, and dry or wet state aligned. Dark colors generally tend to absorb heat more easily, so practical evaluation including color variations is necessary. If needed, also check breathability and lightfastness.
Depending on the processing, washing, friction, dry cleaning, and ironing heat may cause differences in the persistence of appearance and function. Since shrinkage may also occur in textiles containing natural fibers, conduct washing and sewing tests before mass production, and determine the care label and finishing conditions.
Textiles with coatings or resin processing may develop needle holes, whitening at seams, press marks, or changes from heat pressing. Needle size, thread, sewing conditions, interfacing adhesion, and pressing temperature should be verified through prototypes in advance.
Differences from Similar Terms
UV-cut processing is a function that suppresses ultraviolet rays and mainly targets the transmission of ultraviolet light. Heat shielding mainly focuses on dealing with infrared rays and other components that cause heat, so UV-cut and heat shielding do not have the same purpose or evaluation method. Some textiles have both functions.
Cool to the touch is a property in which heat moves easily at the moment of contact, creating a cool feeling, and its mechanism differs from heat shielding, which suppresses temperature rise caused by sunlight. In addition, heat retention is a function intended to store heat, and it is considered for uses opposite to heat shielding, which aims to reduce heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heat-shielding textiles the same as UV-cut textiles?
No, they are not the same. UV-cut mainly suppresses ultraviolet rays, while heat shielding aims to reduce heat from sunlight, especially the effects of infrared rays. Some textiles have both functions, but the labeling and evaluation conditions for each function need to be checked separately.
Will heat-shielding textiles always feel cool even in hot seasons?
Heat shielding is a function for suppressing temperature rise in the textile and inside the clothing caused by sunlight, and it does not by itself guarantee comfort when worn. Because breathability and moisture absorption and quick-drying performance also affect the reduction of stuffiness, choose the textile while considering the intended use, activity level, and garment ease.
Does heat-shielding processing come off in washing?
Durability varies depending on the processing method, textile, and washing method. It does not necessarily lose its function immediately after washing, but it is necessary to check changes caused by repeated washing, friction, and heat treatment. Before adoption, check materials showing the appearance after washing, dimensional changes, and functional evaluation.
