During the summer months, staying cool can be a challenge as temperatures rise. While fans, air conditioning and cold drinks can help reduce body heat, the colors we choose to wear may also have an impact on how hot or cool we feel. Recent research has explored how different shirt colors absorb or reflect sunlight, providing insight into the best fashion choices for hot weather.
A study conducted by the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Japan tested how the surface temperature of shirts in various colors compared when exposed to direct sunlight. Using a thermal camera, the researchers were able to measure precisely how much heat each color absorbed over a period of time. Their findings showed significant differences, with certain hues remaining considerably cooler than others.
At the coolest end of the spectrum were whites and light colors like yellow, which reflected over 80% of radiation. Whites hovered around 86°F while yellows were also a relatively refreshing 86°F. These bright shades bounced light off their surface rather than absorbing it as heat. Gray also reflected well, keeping close behind at 90-95% reflectance.
Surprisingly, reds also proved good at repelling sunlight with less absorbed heat compared to darker colors. Warm reds around 95°F allowed body temperatures to stay low and prevent overheating. Lighter purples sat in the middle of the “cool” ranking too.
On the other hand, dark colors like black, dark blue, green and navy absorbed more than 85% of infrared rays, causing temperatures to rise dramatically over 100°F. Avoiding these deeper tones means lower risk of perspiration and discomfort in sweltering conditions.
By choosing lighter, brighter shades in clothes, accessories and prints, it is possible to regulate body temperature naturally. The right colors can make a difference of over 20°F and keep you up to 20 degrees cooler without extra effort. For a comfortable summer, let cool hues be your guide to stylish warmth relief!
