Clo Value Calculator
Formula:
The formula to calculate the Clo Value is: Clo=R/0.155R​
Where:
- RRR = Thermal Resistance (in m2â‹…K/W)
- 0.1550.1550.155 = Conversion factor
Comprehensive CLO Value Chart
Here’s a CLO value chart with insulation levels for different clothing:
| CLO Value | Clothing Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Nude or minimal clothing (e.g., swimwear) |
| 0.1 - 0.2 | Light summer clothing (underwear, shorts, tank tops) |
| 0.3 - 0.4 | T-shirt with shorts, summer dress |
| 0.5 - 0.6 | Short-sleeve shirt with light pants, business casual (polo, slacks) |
| 0.7 - 0.8 | Long-sleeve shirt with trousers, light sweater |
| 0.9 - 1.0 | Business attire (dress shirt, trousers, blazer) |
| 1.1 - 1.2 | Fall outfit (sweater, warm pants, lightweight jacket) |
| 1.3 - 1.5 | Mild winter wear (thick sweater, insulated jacket, wool pants) |
| 1.6 - 1.8 | Standard winter wear (heavy coat, scarf, gloves, hat) |
| 1.9 - 2.2 | Cold-weather protection (thick wool sweater, thermal underlayers, insulated coat) |
| 2.3 - 2.6 | Extreme cold outfit (down-filled jacket, multiple insulation layers, insulated boots) |
| 2.7 - 3.0 | Severe winter protection (ski suit, thick gloves, fur-lined hood, thermal pants) |
| 3.1 - 4.0 | Arctic survival clothing (heavy-duty thermal layers, full-body insulation, extreme cold gear) |
| 4.1+ | Expedition-level cold gear (multi-layered extreme cold protection, professional mountaineering outfit) |
Table of Contents
What is the Clo Value?
The Clo Value measures the thermal insulation provided by clothing. It indicates how effectively a material can retain heat and keep the body warm. This metric is essential for textile engineers when designing garments for specific climates or conditions.
Why is Clo Value Important?
Clo Value helps determine:
- The comfort level of clothing in different environments.
- Thermal resistance for various fabric types.
- Ideal material combinations for extreme temperatures.
How is Clo Value Calculated?
The formula to calculate the Clo Value is: Clo=R/0.155R​
Components of Thermal Resistance
Understanding thermal resistance (R) is crucial for Clo Value calculations. Thermal resistance depends on:
- Material Thickness: Thicker materials generally have higher resistance.
- Thermal Conductivity: Fabrics with low conductivity retain heat better.
- Air Permeability: Materials that trap air provide better insulation.
How to Use the Clo Value Calculator
Using the Clo Value Calculator is simple. Follow these steps:
- Input Thermal Resistance (R):
Measure the thermal resistance of the fabric or garment. - Apply the Formula:
Divide the RRR value by 0.155 to obtain the Clo Value. - Interpret the Result:
- Higher Clo Value: Better insulation for colder climates.
- Lower Clo Value: Suitable for warmer environments.
Example Calculation:
If R=0.31 m2⋅K/WR = 0.31 Clo=0.1550.31​=2.00
This means the garment provides moderate insulation.
Factors Influencing Clo Value
Several factors can impact the Clo Value of clothing:
1. Fabric Type
- Wool: High Clo Value due to excellent insulation properties.
- Cotton: Lower Clo Value, better for warm climates.
2. Layering
Multiple layers trap more air, increasing thermal resistance.
3. Humidity
Wet fabrics lose their insulating ability, reducing the Clo Value.
4. Fit and Design
Tight-fitting clothes may reduce air trapping, lowering insulation.
Applications of the Clo Value Calculator
The Clo Value Calculator is widely used in various industries:
1. Textile and Apparel Design
Designers use Clo Values to develop garments suitable for diverse weather conditions.
2. Outdoor Gear Manufacturing
Companies create jackets, sleeping bags, and other products optimized for thermal performance.
3. Climate-Specific Clothing
Garments designed for arctic regions or tropical climates rely on accurate Clo Value calculations.
Tips for Accurate Clo Value Calculation
- Always measure thermal resistance in a controlled environment.
- Consider the impact of layering on overall insulation.
- Use precise instruments for determining RRR.
Benefits of Using a Clo Value Calculator
- Precision:
Quickly calculates insulation values with minimal effort. - Efficiency:
Saves time in fabric testing and garment design. - Practical Insights:
Provides data to improve the functionality of clothing.
Conclusion
The Clo Value Calculator is a vital tool for textile engineers and designers. By accurately measuring the thermal insulation of fabrics, it helps create garments tailored for specific conditions. Whether you’re designing for extreme cold or mild weather, this tool ensures that your clothing meets both comfort and performance standards.
With the right calculations, you can produce garments that not only fit well but also keep wearers comfortable in any climate. Start using the Clo Value Calculator today to achieve precision in your textile projects.