Every morning, thousands of construction workers in Qatar start their day by soaking their uniforms in water. The two-minute ritual kick-starts an important process: When the workers are toiling outside – often at summer temperatures above 120F (48C) – their uniforms can cool skin temperature by as much as 8C (14F), for up to seven hours.
The uniforms are made by British start-up Techniche International, which brands them as StayQool suits. Constructed from an outer layer of specially designed mesh, plus a waterproof inside layer, the suits absorb and remove heat through evaporation. They’re also adjustable: Workers can add or remove a cooling collar or wrist cuff as needed.
