Natural clothing cooler in summer

By NANCY B. PETERSON

K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN --- On a hot summer day, a loose-fitting, loose woven (like a basket weave) all-cotton shirt is likely to be cooler than a knit golf or polo shirt. A loose fit will allow air to circulate and cool the body. Tight-fitting clothes, including knits that hug the body, can trap hot air and moisture and add to summer discomfort, said Marla Day, K-State Research and Extension assistant clothing specialist.

"Loose" refers to a relaxed style that is neat but comfortable. It isn't the same as baggy or sloppy --- too much fabric can trap hot air and hold heat. The newer, relaxed style --- usually without a tight-fitting collar and cuffs, defined waistline or tight belt --- is a popular choice in tailored professional or dressy casual clothing. Natural fibers like cotton and linen also can be a plus because natural fibers breathe; man-made fibers can trap heat and moisture, she said.

"Consumers who resisted choosing clothing made with natural fibers because it required ironing are now choosing the fibers with innovative fabric finishes that have simplified clothing care --- some luxurious linens now have a Teflon coating that reduces wrinkling and ironing. Newer detergents, clothes washers and dryers also offer more options that can simplify clothing care and extend its life," said Day, who offered these tips:

- Read clothing care labels before buying. Refer to them before the first washing or dry cleaning.

- Treat stains when they are fresh. On new clothes or clothing that may not be colorfast, test stain removal treatment on an inside seam or hem. Blot rather than rub --- rubbing can set the stain.

If stain removal isn't successful the first time, repeat treatment. Don't place clothing still in need of treatment in a clothes dryer or hot sun --- heat will set the stain, Day said. She encourages consumers to keep a stain stick or other stain treatment products near laundry facilities to encourage family members to treat stains promptly.

"Treating a stain promptly can make a difference in whether or not it will come out," she said.

- Sort clothing by color and type (socks, pants, T-shirts) and fiber (naturals like cotton or man-made, like polyester). Sorting by type is important --- sweat socks are white, but they shouldn't be washed in the same load as a delicate white linen blouse or lingerie. Sorting by fiber also is important --- man-made fibers can attract oils that can be released from natural fibers during washing. Wash them separately, said Day, who also recommended separating clothes that call for special care. For example, a new navy blue sweatshirt, stone-washed blue jeans and denim skirt all are blue, yet a new sweatshirt can "bleed," which means that color from one fabric can be transferred to other fabrics in the wash load. New clothing or clothing likely to bleed should be washed separately.

- To preserve color and brightness, turn clothing inside out before washing.

- Select appropriate washer load size and water level.

Think you can squeeze two loads into one? Overloading a washer or dryer is hard on the appliance and the clothes, which may not get as clean or be fully rinsed, she said.

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