Do keep in mind that synthetic fibers are killers in the very unlikely event of a fire.

Just another reason I prefer to wear cotton while traveling on planes.

I generally whip my ropes and cordage by melting the cut tips, so I know that hot, melting nylon is hot and nasty, not the thing you want in contact with one's delicate skin, but...

Killers? If things are hot enough to melt nylon, I would think the victim has even bigger problems. Are there documented cases of deaths caused only by melting synthetics- no other contributing conditions (like scorched lungs?)?

I can see the point when flying, especially with undergarments. But then, I find flying less and less satisfactory or cost effective, even if I can keep my shoes on for TSA.

Are there any data regarding synthetics/fire/trauma? Obviously, there is potential, but just how much of a real world problem is it?

For these reasons, Marines have been limited to wearing clothing made with these materials only while on the relatively safe forward operating bases and camps where encounters with fires and explosions are relatively low.

In addition to its No Melt, No Drip thermal feature
The CORDURA® brand Baselayer fabric is constructed with a unique blend of
INVISTA T420 nylon 66 fiber and cotton to help protect soldiers when
exposed to heat in flash fire situations such as IEDs or vehicle fires.
The fabric insulates the body under heat threat, and when exposed to these
high temperatures, the fabric forms gels and chars around the cotton
creating an entirely new fabric structure with a higher ignition
resistance that does not drip or melt onto the skin underneath like
polyester.

air pocket will provide you with an addi-
tional buffer from the searing heat of a
fire that may save your life.
Finally, one very important considera-
tion when donning your flight suit is
what you wear underneath it. Certain
fabrics can melt at temperatures as low
as 300 degrees F, whereas Nomex can
withstand temperatures as high as 700
degrees F for a very short period of time.
So, wearing synthetic underwear, such as
polypropylene, under the flight suit
could be an invitation to pain in the event
of a fire! Any product with polyester will
behave in a similar manner and can
adhere to your skin before the fire will
burn through your flight suit, if tempera-
tures are high enough. Yet, even so, some
of our winter undergarments are made of
polypro or other synthetic materials
because they are better at keeping us
warm because of their property of draw-
ing moisture away from the body. So, the
choice between warmth and ultimate
safety throws us a curve. The bottom line
is that you have a choice as to what you
wear under your flight suit, so choose
wisely. Definitely avoid wearing poly-
ester "work-out" clothes under your
flight suit, and choose cotton clothing to
wear when conditions permit. This could
reduce the seriousness of burn injuries
while increasing personal comfort.