Why cotton feels cold when wet

Short answer: Because cotton absorbs a lot of water and releases it slowly. The wet fabric lies against the skin and draws heat away until it is dry again. The longer it takes to dry, the longer it keeps cooling you.

Cotton absorbs a lot

A cotton fibre can take up a large share of its own weight in water. That is one reason cotton feels pleasant on a warm day, but in the cold the same trait becomes a problem. The fabric turns heavy and clings to the skin. See the quicker alternatives in bamboo T-shirts for men.

And releases it slowly

The moisture sits inside the fibre and has to evaporate from there. That takes time, and meanwhile the fabric cools your skin. Evaporation needs heat, and that heat comes from you. A wet cotton top is therefore not just uncomfortable, it keeps drawing heat long after you have stopped sweating.

Wet fabric loses its air

Dry fabric holds small pockets of air, and those are what insulate. When the fabric gets wet, water fills the pockets and the fabric lies flat against the skin. Water conducts heat far better than air, so the insulation almost disappears. That is why a wet T-shirt feels cold, even if it is thick.

Why cotton is a poor inner layer in the cold

If you stand still with a wet cotton layer next to your skin, you cool down fast. This is especially true after a walk, a bike ride or outdoor work, when you have sweated and then take a break. Choose cellulose fibres that release moisture faster. See the styles in men's bamboo undershirts.

Thin fabric dries faster

How quickly a fabric dries depends on both the fibre and the thickness. A thin fabric has less water to get rid of and dries faster than a thick one. A thin bamboo viscose fabric works well as an inner layer, because it does not stay wet against the skin as long.

Cotton still has its place

Cotton is not bad in itself. For everyday wear in dry weather, at the office or at home on the sofa, it is fine. The problem only appears when damp and cold meet and you cannot change. So think about what the day holds before you choose your inner layer.

How to combine the layers

Put a thin, quick drying layer closest to the skin. On top you can happily wear a cotton jumper or sweatshirt, since it does not touch the damp skin directly. A windproof outer layer gives shelter. That way you get the comfort of cotton without losing heat. Browse all men's clothing.

Drying after use

Always hang a wet inner layer up to dry straight away rather than leaving it in a pile. Crumpled, damp fabric dries slowly and can start to smell. Wash at a low temperature and avoid the tumble dryer, and the fabric keeps its shape for longer.

Frequently asked questions

Is cotton always a bad choice

No. For everyday wear in dry weather it is fine. The problem arises in damp and cold conditions, especially when the cotton sits right against the skin.

How long does a wet cotton T-shirt take to dry

Many hours indoors. A thinner bamboo viscose fabric dries faster, but here too the time depends on the room temperature and the air around it.

What should you wear for hiking

Anything but cotton as the inner layer. Moisture next to the skin is the most common reason for feeling cold, so choose a thin layer that releases moisture quickly.