Perception of the Heat of Sorption of Wool

Abstract

We have conducted wearer trials demonstrating that human subjects can perceive the heat of sorption of water vapor by wool garments in typical winter conditions. We found that this heat of sorption causes wearers to rate wool garments as warmer under certain conditions than materials with little or no heat of sorption, such as acrylic. If the garments are thoroughly dried before use, the full benefit of this heating effect is realized.