COLD LAYER

Cooling Layers of Clothing

Arista Meier

September / September - 2023

Muthesius Kunsthochschule Kiel

Master of Arts

Description

Continued warming as a result of ongoing climate change means that temperatures above 40°C are becoming more common in Europe and will continue to rise in the future. To support human thermoregulation and cool the body, three cooling layers have been developed for the head, forearms and calves. The cooling layers are designed to prevent the body from overheating in extreme temperatures above 40°C and have a positive effect on the wearer’s health and well-being, as well as providing protection from UV radiation. The layers are moistened with water for optimum cooling. The fabric absorbs moisture within the fibre and evaporates when worn, depending on body and ambient temperature and humidity. The fibre absorbs the sweat produced by the body on the surface of the skin and transports it to the surface of the fibre. This creates evaporative cooling with increased air circulation through the fabric.