The CARE Lab is studying whether lightweight, infrared-transparent clothing can help the body release heat more effectively during exposure to high temperatures. The project, called CHILI (Clothing-based Heat-stress Intervention using Lightweight Infrared-transparent apparel), evaluates passive cooling garments that are designed to enhance heat loss from the upper body without batteries, fans, or circulating fluids.

In a nutshell: participants complete controlled heat-exposure sessions while wearing either a conventional shirt or a passive cooling garment. Throughout each session, we use wearable sensors and physiological measurements to assess how the clothing affects the thermal conditions beneath the garment and the body’s response to heat.

The primary outcome is the temperature of the microclimate between the skin and clothing during periods of radiant heat exposure. We also examine skin temperature, core temperature, heart rate, recovery following heat exposure, thermal comfort, and perceived exertion.

The study will help determine whether radiative cooling fabrics produce meaningful physiological benefits under realistic heat-stress conditions. It will also clarify whether changes in clothing design can reduce the strain placed on the cardiovascular and thermoregulatory systems.

Ultimately, this research aims to support the development of practical, low-energy strategies for protecting workers and other populations who face increasing exposure to extreme heat.