How do you avoid static?

Question

Is there a way to avoid getting those annoying shocks of static electricity when you touch something metallic? Is it more a factor of clothing you wear or how hairy you are :)

Answer 1

Don't wear rubber soled shoes, such as athletic shoes.
With an athletic shoe you are not grounded, you are insulated from the floors, and your body surface builds up a static charge as you walk across carpeted floors of even when your slack and pant legs rub together as you walk.
If I wear a leather soled shoe I very seldom ever get a static shock when touching a metal file drawer or doorknob.

Answer 2

It is usually a matter of the relative humidity in the air. The drier the air, the more charge can build up on you through friction between you and your clothes, your shoes and the rug, etc. If you want to avoid the sharp pain of a static spark, before you touch something metal pull a coin out of your pocket and touch the metal with that. The charge will jump from the coin to the metal and you won't feel the spark.

Answer 3

Water absorbs free electrons that cause static shocks. That is why you don't get them in the summer when it is more humid. The best way to avoid them is to have a humidifier installed in your furnace at home. It is more a factor of your clothing then body hair though. Things with lots of fibers tend to pick up static charges and make sparks when you touch things.

Answer 4

Fall Tip #1:
Time to break out those fall sweaters! To avoid static electricity, lightly spray Static Guard on sweaters before putting them on to prevent a shocking new hair style.
Fall Tip #2:
Avoid sparks at your next football game - spray Static Guard on your stadium blanket before you use it.
Fall Tip #3:
Boots paired with a skirt are always part of fall fashion. Be sure to spray nylons or tights with Static Guard to avoid a creeping skirt or a clingy situation.
Fall Tip #4:
Leggings and layering are back in style this season. To avoid static build up — spray leggings and all your layers with Static Guard before dressing.

Answer 5

A static charge is caused with the build up of kanetic energy (in most cases friction) clothing can certenally add to the charge but it wont stop the original friction from occuring.

Answer 6

man made fibres

any synthetic clothing or shoes

They should be made to add carbon black lol
to give a minimum conductivity