When winter arrives, that crackling static electricity becomes a familiar concern. As the air turns dry, static buildup becomes more likely, and many people are bothered by clothes that cling or by those small, unexpected shocks.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at the connection between clothing and static electricity, and share a few simple ways to prevent it. You may already know some of these tips, but we hope they’ll be a helpful reminder as you get ready for the cold season.
What Is Static Electricity?
Static electricity refers to the buildup of an electrical charge within a material. All substances, including the human body and clothing, carry both positive and negative charges that are normally in balance.
But contact or friction can disturb this balance, causing one side to become positively charged and the other negatively charged. This process is known as electrostatic charging.
When electricity is released from charged clothing, it creates the familiar — and sometimes painful — little “zap.” Static electricity is more likely to occur in environments with humidity below 20% and temperatures under 25°C (77°F).
In Japan, static electricity is rare during the humid summer months. But from late autumn to early spring, when the air becomes dry and temperatures drop, static buildup occurs much more easily.
Samue Coordination and the “Triboelectric Series”
Let’s take a look at some coordination examples, using the triboelectric series that shows the charging tendency of materials.
(Note: The triboelectric series may vary slightly depending on conditions, and several versions exist. Here, we refer to one of the most commonly used versions.)
Combinations Prone to Static Electricity
Some material pairings are more likely to generate static electricity. It’s best to be cautious with combinations such as:
- Polyester × Nylon
- Wool × Polyester
According to the triboelectric series, polyester tends to become negatively charged, while nylon and wool tend to become positively charged. Therefore, these combinations are prone to generating static electricity.
Combinations Less Prone to Static Electricity
On the other hand, the following combinations are less likely to produce static electricity:
- Polyester × Cotton
- Wool × Wool
Cotton, like silk and linen, does not easily become charged. Incorporating cotton when layering different materials can help prevent static buildup.
In addition, even with materials that tend to generate static, such as wool, static electricity is less likely to occur when combining the same material.
In the photo above, the model is wearing Double Weave Stretch Samue [HIJIRI] with a polyester outer layer, paired with a Kasuri Wool Scarf made of 100% wool.
At first glance, the combination of polyester and wool might seem prone to static electricity. But, this outfit actually helps reduce static buildup because the model is wearing a 100% cotton samue undershirt beneath the outer layer.
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Additionally, the Double Weave Stretch Samue [HIJIRI], as its name suggests, uses cotton for the lining, which helps reduce static buildup.
Even our polyester samue can minimize static concerns when paired with cotton undergarments or samue underwear.
We also recommend using a humidifier and keeping your skin well moisturized to further prevent static electricity.
While polyester may seem less desirable in terms of static electricity, it actually offers many advantages:
- Highly durable and easy to wash
- Quick-drying
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Low air permeability (helps retain warmth)
- Easy to store and resistant to moth damage
It is a versatile material with many benefits—making it a practical and comfortable choice for everyday wear.
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By skillfully combining natural and synthetic fibers, you can reduce static electricity while keeping yourself comfortable during the winter season.
Among them, the blend of polyester and cotton offers both easy care and exceptional comfort, making it a highly recommended choice for everyday wear.
Dobby Herringbone Stretch Samue
/ Flannel Samue Underwear with Collar Guard
T/C Burberry-woven Quilt Samue
/ Flannel Samue Underwear with Collar Guard
By paying attention to fabric combinations, you can enjoy a more comfortable life with your samue—free from static electricity troubles, even during the cold season.