CLOTHING 211 



good conductor of heat, damp garments quickly cool 

 the surface of the body. Underclothing should also 

 be capable of frequent and thorough cleansing on 

 account of the impurities taken up from the perspira- 

 tion. 



The fabrics commonly used in manufacturing un- 

 derwear are woolen, cotton, and linen. Many think 

 woolen best for a cold, damp, or changeable climate, 



Picking cotton. 



because it is a poor conductor of heat, and does not 

 cause colds by suddenly chilling the body through too 

 rapid absorption and evaporation of perspiration. 

 A generally admitted objection to woolen undergar- 

 ments is that they shrink in boiling water, and so 

 cannot be as thoroughly cleansed as other fabrics. 

 Even when carefully washed in tepid water, they 

 gradually shrink. Shrinking makes woolen fabric 



