Finding the right color for summer is essential to 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 season-appropriate outfit is key, so is wearing certain colors – both make a world of difference.
That said, it’s a bit of a Catch 22: light colors are resistant to heat buildup, but black colors provide better UV protection. Apparently thick materials, similar to a black cape, are better at keeping out 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 clothing and applying SPF protection to the skin in the form of sunscreen. On days that aren’t as hot, experiment with different black items and see if it prevents you from getting sunburned.
Do not use:
Black
This is the last 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 generally not wanting to do anything. This can ruin a fun day or night out and can even contribute to heat stroke.
Grey
While gray can keep you cool in hot weather, it’s not very forgiving, as they show sweat stains very easily. This applies to both light and dark grays. Don’t get tagged online in a sweaty photo, avoid grey!
Dark greens, browns and purples.
Aesthetically, all of these colors are best suited for the cooler months, and they also look best in fall and winter. Opt for light neutrals, pops of color and pastels during the summer, stay away from these dark shades.
Uses:
White
Sweat stains are not very visible and will keep you as cool as possible when the sun’s rays relentlessly beat down on you. Also, white is always such a crisp and cool look for summer.
Pastels
Choosing the right pastels for your skin tone can add a pop of color without overheating you in hot weather. They’re subtle and layerable if you’re looking to experiment with color in a way that isn’t 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 black. Of course, the shade of blue will make a big difference, but denim is a fabric that can be worn for many seasons and comes in different levels of thickness. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation has given denim high marks when it comes to skin protection.
What kind of fabric and fabrics to look for in your summer clothes?
Now that you know how to stick to light colors, what clothes should you wear in this shade? Stick with light, flowing silhouettes made from fabrics like cotton, linen, eucalyptus, and bamboo. Loose-fitting clothing will keep you cooler by allowing more air to pass over and around your body. Stay away from tight-fitting clothing made of fibers like Spandex and other non-breathable fabrics like polyester.
wear a hat this summer
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or walking around with an umbrella is the perfect way to double down on skin protection on top of your SPF products while adding a sense of Hollywood glam. These accessories can make your outfit even more elegant. You can always wear a cap, but any side that doesn’t have a brim won’t be as protected (ie your face or the back of your neck).
The ice cube test
Don’t you believe us? Put one ice cube on a dark garment and one on a light cloth that is exposed to sunlight. You’ll quickly notice that the ice melts faster on the dark fabric, significantly faster than on the white.
Psychological factors
Did you know that white clothing creates a desired psychological effect because white is commonly associated with being fresh, clean, and light? Just looking at the color black will make you sweat on a humid day!
