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.