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, according to Marla Day, Kansas State
University
Research and Extension assistant clothing specialist.
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‘Loose’
refers to
a relaxed style that is neat, but comfortable. It is not 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," says Day, who offered these tips:
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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 is
not successful the first time, repeat treatment. Do
not 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 says.
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 and/or clothing likely
to bleed should be washed separately.
To
preserve color and
brightness, turn clothing inside out before washing. |
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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.
Choose
an appropriate
cycle. For example, a gentle cycle is recommended for linens
and cottons
because too much wringing or twisting can increase the amount of
ironing
needed. Place delicate or trimmed items (fringed, for example) in a
hosiery
bag or pillowcase pinned or tied shut during the wash cycle.
Need
to use bleach? Use
chlorine bleach on white cottons or linens; oxygen bleaches
on dyed
cottons or linens. Follow package directions.
When
removing clothes
from the washing machine, shake the clothes lightly to
diminish wrinkling before
putting them in the dryer or line drying. Dry like clothes on
appropriate
settings such as delicate, permanent press, etc. Do not over dry: Doing
so may cause shrinkage and set wrinkles.
Clean
lint filter
after each load. Hate
to iron? Line dry,
lay flat or hang (on a rust-proof hanger) linen or cotton clothes until
slightly damp. Ironing while still damp can make the job easier: A
steam
iron is recommended; choose a medium to hot setting and iron on the
wrong
side first. To bring out the sheen on light-colored linens, iron
lightly
on the right side. (Ironing on the right side is not recommended for
dark
colors.) To avoid impressions from seams, hems and pockets, use a press
cloth. Iron linen and cottons until they are smooth, not dry
they
will dry as they hang.
Store
clean clothing,
especially linens, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Choose clean
cotton or muslin bags as covers rather than synthetic garment bags;
plastic
storage bags or boxes; cardboard boxes and cedar chests may cause
fabrics
to discolor.
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Basket Weave Madras Shirt
Can’t
decide
what to wear? Teens
and young
adults follow trends they’re choosing
slick and clingy
polyester knits in neon brights reminiscent of the early
‘70s.
Adults over 40 are opting for comfortable, easy-care yet
stylish clothes in natural fibers.
Marla
Day, Kansas State Research and Extension
Find
something cool! Visit
the Clothing
section of Farmer's Market Online
Trying to remain cool during summer days
is difficult, but not entirely impossible. Here are
a few helpful tips.
* Limit physical activities during the hottest part of the day.
* Walk on the shady side of the street.
* Park cars in the shade. Roll car windows down and allow car to
cool before entering.
* Dress for coolness indoors and out. Lightweight, light-colored, loose
fitting clothes are most comfortable.
* In homes without air conditioning, open windows at night and
create cross ventilation.
* During the day, close windows and draw shades on sunny sides.
* Drink plenty of liquids. Unless on a salt-free or fluid
restricted diet, drink at least a gallon of liquid a day when
outside temperatures reach 95 degrees and no air-conditioner is
available.
Source: University of Missouri Extension
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