Does wearing white actually keep you cooler?
With summer in full swing, many people opt for lighter colored clothing in an effort to stay cool. The theory is that because white clothing reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, it won’t get as hot, and in turn, will keep the wearer cooler than if they wore darker colors. But does wearing white really help keep you cooler in warm weather? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
How clothing color affects temperature
The color of clothing affects how much heat is absorbed from sunlight. Darker colors absorb more sunlight, while lighter colors reflect it. Here’s a breakdown of how some common clothing colors affect temperature:
Color | Sunlight Absorption |
Black | Absorbs almost all sunlight |
Dark Blue | Absorbs about 80% of sunlight |
Red | Absorbs about 70% of sunlight |
Green | Absorbs about 60% of sunlight |
White | Reflects 80-90% of sunlight |
As you can see, black clothing absorbs the most sunlight and gets the hottest in the sun. Meanwhile, white clothing reflects the vast majority of sunlight, so it stays cooler.
Does wearing white really keep you cooler?
Multiple studies have shown that wearing lighter colors like white can indeed keep you cooler in warm weather compared to wearing darker colors:
- A 2012 study published in the journal Nature Communications found that people who wore white clothing had significantly lower skin temperatures than those wearing black clothing in direct sunlight.
- Researchers in the Middle East compared white and black Bedouin robes under desert sun conditions. They found white robes stayed nearly 50°F cooler close to the skin than black robes.
- Scientists measured skin temperatures of athletes wearing white and black uniforms during daytime football games in the heat. Players had consistently lower skin and core temperatures when wearing white.
The evidence clearly shows that white clothing reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat than darker clothing. So wearing white will keep you cooler than wearing black or other dark colors in warm sunny conditions.
How does white clothing keep you cooler?
There are a few reasons why white clothing is able to keep skin cooler than darker colors:
- Reflectivity – The white pigment in white clothing is highly reflective. It bounces a large percentage of sunlight off rather than absorbing the heat.
- Radiation – White fabrics radiate absorbed heat back away from the body more efficiently than dark fabrics.
- Conduction – White clothing blocks conductive heat transfer from the sun-warmed fabric to the skin better than dark clothing.
In other words, white fabrics stay cooler by reflecting sunlight, releasing heat quicker, and impeding heat transfer to the skin better than darker pigments. This creates a cooling effect for the wearer.
Factors that affect cooling performance of white clothing
Several variables influence how effectively white clothing is able to keep skin cool:
- Type of Fabric – Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are more breathable and release heat faster than synthetics.
- Weave and Weight – Loosely woven, lightweight fabrics allow better airflow and cooling.
- Fit – Well-fitted clothes allow better air circulation and cooling than tight fits.
- Direct Sunlight – The cooling effect is more pronounced in direct sun. Shade and cloud cover diminish the impact.
- Humidity – White clothing is less effective when humidity is high because it blocks evaporation and airflow to the skin.
So loosely woven, lightweight white cottons will provide the most cooling power on hot sunny days. But the cooling benefits are reduced on cloudy humid days or in the shade.
What areas of white clothing provide the most cooling?
Since different parts of the body are exposed to the sun in different ways, white clothing covering certain areas has a greater cooling effect:
Body Area | Cooling Power of White Clothing |
---|---|
Head & Neck | Very High |
Shoulders | High |
Chest & Back | High |
Arms | Moderate |
Hands | Low |
Legs | Low |
Research shows wearing white hats, shirts, and tops provide the greatest cooling benefit in hot weather. The head, neck, shoulders, chest and back tend to be the most exposed. Legs and hands don’t get as hot to begin with and thus white clothing in those areas doesn’t make as much of a difference.
Should you wear all white in hot weather?
Wearing head-to-toe white is not necessarily ideal for staying cool in summer. Here are some pros and cons of wearing all white:
Pros:
- Maximizes reflectivity and heat protection
- Uniform look
Cons:
- Can get dirty easily
- Less versatile for different situations
- Bright glare from excessive whiteness
Instead of white from head to toe, it may be better to incorporate white strategically in hot-weather outfits:
- White shirt or tank top paired with lighter color shorts or skirt
- White pants with colorful breathable top
- White hat or visor for sun protection
This allows you to stay cool while still having versatility and style for different occasions.
Other tips for staying cool in summer
In addition to wearing white, here are some other tips for staying cool and comfortable when the mercury rises:
- Seeking shade – Avoid direct sun exposure by staying in the shade as much as possible
- Lightweight, loose clothing – Allows better airflow
- Natural fabrics like cotton and linen – More breathable than synthetics
- Minimize dark colors – Absorb and trap more heat
- Wear a hat – Protects your head and face from the sun
- Use cooling accessories – Cold packs, cooling towels, or bandanas
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of cool water to replenish fluids
- Limit alcohol – Causes dehydration and reduces your body’s ability to regulate temperature
Following these tips along with wearing white in key areas can go a long way towards keeping your cool when temps rise.
Conclusion
Research clearly shows that white clothing reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat compared to darker colors. This means wearing white is an effective way to stay cooler in hot sunny conditions. The head, neck, shoulders, chest and back see the greatest cooling benefits from white clothing. Lightweight, breathable white fabrics like cotton provide superior cooling power. While wearing all white has advantages and disadvantages, strategic use of white along with other heat-beating tips can certainly help you keep cool when the temperature spikes.