With summer in full swing, many people are looking for ways to stay cool and beat the heat. One question that often comes up is what color clothing is best for hot weather? Some people swear by wearing white, while others think light and bright colors work better. There’s actually some science behind which colors are most effective at keeping you cool in warm temperatures.
How Clothing Color Affects Heat
The color of clothing affects how much heat is absorbed from sunlight. Darker colors absorb more sunlight and light colors reflect it. Dark fabrics get hotter in the sun, while light fabrics stay cooler. This is because dark colors absorb more visible light energy that hits it, converting it to heat. On the other hand, light colors reflect a greater portion of this visible light.
When light hits an object, it is either absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. The energy that is absorbed turns into heat. With dark clothes, more of the energy is absorbed and less is reflected, making the fabric hotter. White clothing reflects the most sunlight, keeping the wearer cooler.
Some examples of light and dark clothing colors:
Light colors: white, tan, light pink, light blue, light green
Dark colors: black, brown, dark red, navy, forest green
The difference in how much heat these colors absorb can be significant. One study found black fabric could get up to 13°F hotter than white fabric in direct sunlight. The cooling effect of lighter colors can make a noticeable difference when spending time outdoors in sunny and hot conditions.
Which Colors Best Reflect Heat?
So when it comes to staying cool in the summer heat, which colors are the best choices? Here are some top options:
White
White is the most reflective color and does the best job of keeping you cool. It reflects up to 95% of sunlight. The reason white works so well is because it contains all visible wavelengths of light. So when sunlight hits a white garment, most of the light is reflected away rather than being absorbed as heat. This makes white one of the best color choices for keeping cool in hot weather.
Pastels
Pastel colors like light pink, mint, lavender and baby blue reflect more sunlight than darker shades of those colors. Pastels work better than darker counterparts like royal blue or forest green when it comes to staying cool. The paler the pastel, the more sunlight it will reflect.
Yellow
Yellow is another good reflective color that can help keep you cool. Yellow tends to reflect about 60% of the sunlight that hits it. Bright and light yellows work best for reflecting heat away from your body.
Natural and Khaki
Tan or khaki-colored fabrics are also decent choices for hot days. They reflect about 55-60% of sunlight. While they aren’t as effective as white at cooling, tan and khaki are much cooler than darker browns and absorb less heat than black or darker colors.
What About UV Protection?
When choosing clothing for sunny and hot conditions, you’ll also want to consider ultraviolet (UV) protection. The color of fabric affects how much UV radiation can penetrate the material and reach your skin. Darker colors generally provide more UV protection than lighter ones.
Here are how some common clothing colors rate for UV protection:
| Color | UPF Rating | UV Protection Level |
|---|---|---|
| White | 15 | Good |
| Yellow | 15 | Good |
| Red | 45 | Very good |
| Green | 55 | Excellent |
| Blue | 65 | Excellent |
| Black | 95 | Excellent |
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how well a fabric blocks UV rays from reaching the skin. A higher UPF number means more UV ray protection. While white may be the coolest color, black offers the most protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics with a UPF rating of 30-50+ to get the best of both worlds – cooling power and UV protection.
Other Cooling Fabric Factors
In addition to color, other factors like fabric weave, weight, and construction impact how hot clothing feels. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes allow better airflow next to the skin for evaporative cooling.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are very breathable, while synthetics like polyester tend to get hotter. However, advanced technical fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly can help prevent sticking and overheating. The looser the weave of the fabric, the more air passes through and the cooler it feels.
Fabric treatments like nano-coatings can enhance breathability and moisture wicking. Some companies even make cooling fabric technologies that reflect infrared radiation or absorb heat through unique chemistry.
Best Practices for Staying Cool
Here are some top tips for staying cool in the heat regardless of what color you wear:
- Choose loose, lightweight fabrics that allow airflow next to the skin.
- Wear light colors like white, tan, or pale pastels which reflect more sunlight.
- Look for breathable natural fabrics or moisture wicking technical fabrics.
- Wear a hat to protect your head and shade your face.
- Wear UV blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to prevent sunburn.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Take breaks in the shade or cooler indoor spaces when possible.
- Avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day, usually 12-3pm.
The hottest days of summer call for wearing loose, light colored clothing to stay cooler outside. Breathable, moisture wicking fabrics paired with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen provide protection from the sun’s rays. Seeking shade and staying hydrated are also key to avoiding overheating. With some thoughtful wardrobe choices, you can comfortably enjoy the sunny season and make the colors you wear work in your favor to beat the heat.
Conclusion
When choosing clothing to stay cool in hot weather, lighter colors like white, tan and light pastels reflect the most heat. White tops the list, reflecting up to 95% of sunlight that hits it. Other good choices are pastels, yellow, and natural shades like khaki. Darker colors absorb more heat from sunlight. However, darker colors offer more UV protection. Breathable, lightweight fabrics in light colors, along with hats, sunglasses and hydration help prevent overheating in sunny, hot conditions. With some strategy around wardrobe choices, you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long.