What's warmer? 100% cotton, or (Walmart) fleece?

[JEDI]

At walmart:

100% cotton jacket
Fleece jacket

Both are the same price.

Which is warmer? WHY?

 

[IronWing]

Fleece will be warmer. It traps more air forming a thicker insulating layer. Cotton also doesn't wick very well.



Edit: I'm a natural fiber snob and better than 90% of my wardrobe is 100% cotton, but for some things, petrochemicals are just better.

 

[marincounty]

I watched a show onetime that was all about how "cotton kills" because when it gets wet it has no insulation value and people tend to freeze to death. This was in regards to people backpacking.

OTOH, think of all of the lives saved by cotton in hot places like India and Thailand, people would die in polyester. And I don't think cotton will catch fire like polyester, so I won't use it. Natural goose down ftw.

 

[dullard]

Too many variables to even begin to answer. Warmth depends on three things: thickness, thermal conductivity of the material, and windbreaking ability. The problem is you give us no information on either.

The thickness is easy for you to figure out. But the thermal conductivity isn't so easy. What is the material? Is it a tight weave or a loose weave? Is it wet, damp, or dry? Etc.

 

[keird]

Once your clothes are wet, the water or sweat starts to evaporate, drawing warmth away from your body 25 times faster than when dry.

Get polyester fleece for cold weather unless there is a higher risk of burns compared to hypothermia.​

 

[DaWhim]

I no longer buy sweater that is made from cotton. it is heavy and it doesn't keep me warm. wool is the sh1t!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Fleece will be warmer. It traps more air forming a thicker insulating layer. Cotton also doesn't wick very well.

Edit: I'm a natural fiber snob and better than 90% of my wardrobe is 100% cotton, but for some things, petrochemicals are just better.

Cotton doesn't wick at all. It soaks up moisture and holds it in the fabric right next to your skin, which is the last thing you want when it's cold out.

 

[lxskllr]

I no longer buy sweater that is made from cotton. it is heavy and it doesn't keep me warm. wool is the sh1t!

Yup, wool's the superior outdoor "hitech" material. I don't care for synthetics, but it depends on what I'm doing. Whitewater paddling I used a poly fleece pullover, camping, and solid ground activities I pick wool, and for general purpose wool or cotton is good.