The Clo value is a critical measure used in the textile and apparel industries to assess the thermal insulation properties of clothing. This value is essential for understanding how well a particular piece of clothing will keep a person warm in varying environmental conditions. The higher the Clo value, the greater the thermal insulation and warmth that the clothing will provide.
A Clo value helps determine the level of comfort that clothing will offer based on temperature, moisture, and environmental factors. This measure is especially valuable for outdoor clothing, sleepwear, and workwear in cold environments. It helps manufacturers design better clothing products that meet the needs of different climatic conditions. Additionally, the Clo value is used in ergonomics, sportswear, and personal protective equipment design.
Formula of Clo Value Calculator
The Clo value, a measure of clothing's thermal insulation, is calculate using the following formula:
Where:
- Clo = The clothing insulation value (unitless)
- R = The thermal resistance of the material in square meters Kelvin per watt (m²·K/W)
- 0.155 = A constant used for conversion
Thermal resistance (R) refers to the ability of a material to resist the flow of heat. In this formula, the constant 0.155 is use to convert the thermal resistance value into the Clo scale, which is easier to interpret in terms of clothing comfort.
Pre-Calculated Values for Quick Reference
| Clothing Material | Thermal Resistance (R in m²·K/W) | Clo Value |
|---|---|---|
| Thin T-shirt | 0.05 | 0.32 |
| Light Sweater | 0.25 | 1.61 |
| Heavy Winter Jacket | 0.80 | 5.16 |
| Sleeping Bag (Cold Weather) | 1.50 | 9.68 |
These values provide an estimate of how much insulation various types of clothing provide, helping to easily gauge the warmth of garments without needing complex calculations.
Example of Clo Value Calculator
Let’s say you are evaluating a heavy winter jacket with a thermal resistance value (R) of 0.80 m²·K/W. To calculate the Clo value for this jacket:
Clo = 0.80 / 0.155
Clo = 5.16
This means that the heavy winter jacket has a Clo value of 5.16, indicating it will provide a high level of warmth and thermal insulation. This value is useful when comparing different pieces of clothing or determining what is necessary for specific weather conditions.
Most Common FAQs
The Clo value helps designers and consumers assess how well clothing will perform in different temperatures. For instance, a higher Clo value is suitable for colder environments, while a lower Clo value might be chose for more temperate conditions.
Yes, the Clo value is applicable to all types of clothing, including everyday garments, sportswear, outerwear, and specialized protective clothing. However, it is most useful for clothing designed to provide warmth or insulation in cold weather.
For outdoor clothing such as winter jackets, Clo values typically range from 1.5 to 5.0, depending on the garment’s insulation properties. A Clo value above 3.0 is often consider suitable for harsh winter conditions.