Finding the right color for summer is essential in both looking stylish and staying cool. While everyone has their own sense of style, It’s generally better to wear lighter colors in the warmer seasons. Darker colors can make you overheat, especially on those brutally hot or humid days. While choosing a seasonally appropriate outfit is key, so is wearing certain colors — they both make a world of difference.
That being said, it’s a bit of a Catch 22: light colors are resistant to collecting heat, but black colors provide better protection for the UV rays. Apparently, thick, black cloak-like materials are better for staving off heat, but thin black materials absorb heat at a high and accelerated rate.
Since it would be extremely uncomfortable for most to always wear these dark clothes in sunny conditions, we suggest wearing light clothes and applying SPF protection to your skin in the form of sunscreen. On the days when it’s not so hot, experiment with different black garments and see if it stops you from getting sunburned.
Don’t wear:
Black
This is the ultimate color to avoid in the summer, especially when the sun is out. Black clothing absorbs more heat than white clothing. Absorbing more heat means feeling sweaty, lethargic, and overall just not down to do anything. This can ruin a fun day or evening out, and can even contribute to heat stroke.
Gray
While gray might keep you cool in the hot weather, it’s not very forgiving, since they show sweat stains very easily. This goes for both light and dark grays. Don’t get tagged online in a sweaty pic — avoid gray!
Dark greens, browns, and purples
Aesthetically, all of these colors are more suitable for the colder months, and they also look better in fall and winter. Opt for light neutrals, pops of color, and pastels during the summer instead, staying away from these dark tones.
Do wear:
White
Sweat stains aren’t super visible, and it’ll keep you as cool as can be when the sun’s rays are beating down on you relentlessly. Plus, white is always such a crisp and fresh look for summer.
Pastels
Choosing the right pastels for your skin tone can add a pop of color without overheating you in warm weather. They’re subtle and can be combined if you’re looking to experiment with color in a way that’s not overwhelming — think floral prints!
Blue: a unique middle ground
If you don’t want to wear black or white, consider blue, which offers a certain amount of UV protection, without all the heat absorption of the color black. Of course, the shad of blue will make a major difference, but denim is a fabric that can be worn through many seasons and comes in different levels of thickness. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation has rated denim highly when it comes to skin protection.
What kind of weave and fabrics to look for in your summer clothes?
Now that you know to stick to light colors, what clothing should you wear in this shade? Stick with light and loose silhouettes made of fabrics like cotton, linen, eucalyptus, and bamboo. Loose clothes will keep your cooler since it allows more air to pass over and around your body. Stay away from tight clothes made of fibers such as Spandex and other non-breathable fabrics like polyester.
Wear a hat this summer
Wearing a wide brimmed hat or walking around with a parasol is the perfect way to double down on skin protection besides your SPF products while adding a sense of Hollywood glam. These accessories can make your outfit even more stylish. You can always rock a cap, but whatever side doesn’t have the brim won’t be as protected (ie, your face or the back of your neck.)
The ice cube test
Don’t believe us? Put an ice cube on a dark piece of clothing and another one on a light piece of cloth which is in bright sunlight. You’ll quickly notice that the ice melts faster on the dark piece of cloth — significantly faster than the white one.
Psychological factors
Did you know that white clothing creates a desired psychological effect because white is commonly associated with being cool, clean and light. Just looking at the color black will make you sweat on a humid day!
