Why should cotton clothing be avoided in cold weather to prevent hypothermia?

You should avoid wearing cotton clothing in cold weather, especially as a base layer, because cotton absorbs moisture and keeps it near the skin, making you feel cold and increasing the risk of hypothermia [3]. When cotton gets wet from sweat, rain, or snow, it loses its insulating ability, allowing the body to lose heat more rapidly.

How Does Cotton Affect Body Temperature?

In cold environments, your body tries to maintain a warm core temperature to protect vital organs [3]. When you sweat or your cotton clothes get wet, they absorb and retain this moisture. Water is a good conductor of heat, meaning it effectively pulls heat away from your body, even if the surrounding air temperature is not extremely cold. This constant cooling effect can lead to a drop in core body temperature, a medical emergency known as hypothermia [1].

Recommended Alternatives to Cotton in Cold Weather

To keep your body warm and dry in cold weather, it is recommended to choose fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin and provide effective insulation. Recommended options include:

• Lightweight wool: Wool, especially merino wool, is an excellent choice as it provides warmth even when wet and effectively wicks moisture.
• Polyester or polypropylene (Polypro): These synthetic fabrics are specifically designed to wick sweat away from the skin, helping to keep you dry and warm [3].
• Fleece: Polyester fleece is a good option for middle layers as it provides excellent thermal insulation and is lightweight.

It is important to wear multiple layers of clothing, with the base layer being moisture-wicking, middle layers for insulation, and an outer layer for protection against wind, rain, and snow [3]. You can remove or add layers depending on your activity level and temperature changes to keep your body temperature stable [3].

Signs of Hypothermia and When to Seek Help

Hypothermia can happen gradually and you may not realize you need help because it affects your thinking [1]. Early signs include feeling cold and shivering. As the condition worsens, signs may appear such as stumbling, slurred speech, confusion, and difficulty coordinating [3]. If your body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), this is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment and can lead to death if not treated quickly [1]. If any of these signs appear, you should seek medical help immediately. For more information on danger signs, first aid, and the prevention of hypothermia, you can visit Hypothermia: Danger Signs, First Aid, and Prevention (Arabic).

Additional Tips for Preventing Hypothermia

In addition to choosing the right clothing, there are other steps you can take to prevent hypothermia:

• Stay dry: Avoid getting wet as much as possible, and wear waterproof and insulated footwear [2].
• Cover your head and extremities: Heat is lost from the head, hands, and feet quickly, so wearing a hat, gloves, and wool or polypropylene socks is essential [2].
• Eat and drink: Your body needs fuel to stay warm. Eat carbohydrates for a quick energy boost, and drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty [3].
• Take breaks in warm places: If you are spending a long time in the cold, move to a warm place periodically [2].

Medical references

• How to prevent frostbite and hypothermia
• Hypothermia
• Cold and Work: Types, Causes, Preparation