Heat Retention
Heat retention is the ability of clothing or textiles to retain warm air around the body and reduce heat loss caused by outside air, thereby maintaining warmth while worn.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Heat retention is not a property of the textile itself generating heat, but a performance that holds air between fibers and fabric layers to reduce heat loss from the body to the outside. Material, construction, thickness, presence or absence of brushing, and layering all contribute comprehensively.
Warmth as clothing is not determined by heat retention of the textile alone. Since the perceived warmth also changes depending on wind penetration, roominess inside the garment, the presence or absence of lining or quilt batting, and the wearing environment, it is important to evaluate it according to the intended applications.
Features and Fabric Structure
In general, textiles that are bulky and easy to create air layers tend to offer better heat retention. Textiles with fuzz on the surface or reverse side, such as brushed fabrics, pile, boa, and fleece, are materials that can easily express a soft appearance and a warm texture.
Animal fibers such as wool and cashmere are materials that can easily provide heat retention by taking advantage of fiber properties and bulkiness. On the other hand, polyester and acrylic can also be designed to hold air depending on thickness, cross-sectional shape, brushing, and knitting structure.
Thick, dense textiles may be less likely to let heat escape, but thicker does not always mean warmer. The combination of a structure that holds a lot of air and a structure that resists wind should be considered together with the desired lightness and ease of movement.
Main Applications
Textiles that emphasize heat retention are used for autumn and winter coats, jackets, blousons, pants, skirts, dresses, and similar items. Brushed materials and double-layer knits are also used for casual wear, loungewear, and kids' wear.
For outdoor wear and sports cold-weather garments, heat retention may be combined with lightweight performance, moisture permeability, wind resistance, and quick-drying properties. For underwear, moisture absorption and quick-drying performance are also checked to maintain the temperature inside the garment while reducing chills from perspiration.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting a textile, do not judge it by the material name or thickness alone; check the bulkiness when actually touched, how air passes through it, the finish on the reverse side, and how it slides when layered. Processes and linings that improve wind resistance contribute to warmth, but balance with breathability must also be considered.
Brushed textiles and wool-blend textiles may change in nap, surface feel, and dimensions due to washing and friction. Check the care label and shrinkage rate in advance, and it is reassuring to perform washing tests before production. Whether a tumble dryer can be used also varies depending on the material and processing.
In bulky textiles, thickness may concentrate at seam allowances, causing steps or seam slippage. Match the needle, thread, presser foot pressure, and seam finishing to the textile, and organize seam allowances as needed. For textiles with pile, also align the pile direction before cutting.
Differences from Similar Terms
Heat retention is the performance of maintaining warmth, and it is different from exothermic moisture absorption. Exothermic moisture absorption is the concept of using the heat generated when absorbing moisture, whereas heat retention is characterized mainly by reducing heat loss through air layers.
Wind resistance is the performance of reducing the intrusion of cold wind. Although high wind resistance tends to increase the perceived warmth, it is a different performance from heat retention, which retains air layers on its own. It is designed while also considering the balance with breathability and moisture permeability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are textiles with high heat retention thick textiles?
Thickness is related to heat retention, but it cannot be judged by thickness alone. Brushing or pile that holds air between fibers, bulky yarns, and double-layer structures may provide warmth even when relatively light. Wind resistance and garment design should also be checked.
Do heat retention and exothermic moisture absorption mean the same thing?
No, they do not mean the same thing. Heat retention is the performance of keeping warm air inside the garment and reducing heat loss. Exothermic moisture absorption refers to the property of using heat generated when absorbing moisture. Some textiles combine both characteristics.
What should be noted when sewing brushed textiles?
The basic point is to align the pile direction consistently and check it before cutting. Because pile and thickness may cause seam slippage, steps at seam allowances, and presser marks, adjust the needle, thread, presser foot pressure, and seam finishing with test stitching.
