Which clothing materials should be avoided due to high static electricity production?

The production of static electricity in clothing is influenced significantly by the types of materials used. Materials composed of 100% polyester or nylon are synthetic fabrics known to generate a considerable amount of static electricity. This is due to their low moisture-retaining properties, which fail to dissipate static charges effectively. When these materials are in contact with each other or other surfaces, they can accumulate and build up static charges, leading to potential issues in environments sensitive to static discharges, such as in aircraft armament systems.

In contrast, 100% cotton and 100% down tend to retain moisture better, which helps minimize static electricity generation. Leather also has properties that allow for better dissipation of static. Therefore, when selecting clothing in contexts where static electricity could pose a risk, it is crucial to avoid the synthetic materials that are more prone to generate static static charges.