Models that predict human responses to the thermal environment must be able to account adequately for the insulative effects of clothing in order to be of practical use. The mechanisms of heat transfer between the human body and the environment and the resistive effects of clothing on this heat transfer are reviewed. The widely used two-parameter method for quantifying the resistance of clothing to dry and evaporative heat transfer is described and the limitations of this description are noted. However, it is argued that not enough information exists to allow other more complex methods to be used for practical applications. Until further information becomes available enough data exist for the two-parameter description to enable its use by the models of human response. An example of the ISO/DIS 7933 model's predictions is given to demonstrate the effect that using different methods of describing the insulative effects of clothing can have on a model's predictions.
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