Wearing black clothing can make you feel hotter, especially on a sunny summer day. Black absorbs light and converts it into heat more than lighter colors like white. But how much hotter does black clothing actually make you versus wearing white? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind how light and color impact temperature.
How Light Impacts Temperature
Visible light from the sun contains electromagnetic radiation that transfers energy when it hits an object. When light hits an object, some of it gets absorbed, some gets transmitted through, and some gets reflected. The light that gets absorbed converts into heat energy, causing the object to warm up. Darker colors absorb more visible light than lighter colors, so they convert more light into heat.
Black absorbs the most visible light – only about 5% of sunlight gets reflected from black, while up to 95% gets absorbed. White, on the other hand, reflects up to 90% of sunlight and absorbs just 10%. So black clothing absorbs a lot more sunlight and converts it into heat compared to white clothing.
Studies on Temperature Differences by Clothing Color
Scientific studies have quantified just how much hotter you can get wearing black versus white clothing in sunlight:
| Study | Temperature Difference Between Black and White Clothing |
|---|---|
| 2012 study in Journal of Heat Transfer | Black shirt was up to 11°F hotter than white shirt in sunlight |
| 2008 study in Ergonomics | Black coveralls were 7°F hotter than white coveralls indoors under lamps |
| 1980 study in Ergonomics | Black ensemble was 7°F hotter than white ensemble outdoors |
These studies show that black clothing can be several degrees hotter than white versions of the same clothing under the same conditions. The temperature difference ranged from about 7-11°F (4-6°C).
In the 2012 study, researchers used thermal imaging cameras and heated mannequins dressed in black and white shirts to precisely measure the temperature differences. They found that the black shirt was up to 11°F (6°C) warmer than the white shirt when exposed to a solar-simulated light source.
The 2008 study put participants in either black or white coveralls under bright lamps indoors. Skin temperature sensors showed the black coveralls were 7°F (4°C) hotter than the white coveralls.
The 1980 study had participants wear identical black or white ensembles outside on sunny days. Rectal temperature measurements showed those wearing black had core body temperatures up to 7°F (4°C) higher than those in white.
Factors That Impact the Temperature Difference
Several factors impact exactly how much hotter you’ll get wearing black versus white clothing:
- Amount of sunlight – More direct sunlight means black fabric absorbs more heat. The difference is amplified on clear, sunny days.
- Thickness and weight of fabric – Thinner, lightweight fabrics absorb heat faster. The difference is less pronounced with thicker, heavier fabrics.
- Fit of clothing – Tight fitting clothing retains more heat. Loose clothing allows better airflow which reduces the temperature difference.
- Type of fabric – Natural fabrics like cotton and linen absorb more heat than synthetic blends.
So a thin black cotton t-shirt will absorb a lot more heat than a thicker black polyester jacket. But in both cases the black version will be hotter than an equivalent white version under the same sunny conditions.
Does Dye Color Impact Temperature?
The color of fabric comes from dyes and pigments. These dyes and pigments absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light. Black dyes and pigments absorb most visible light, while white ones reflect it. This is why black fabrics absorb the most heat.
But does the inherent color of the dye itself impact temperature, or just the shade it produces? In other words, does a red dye absorb more energy than a blue dye, or are darker shades always hotter regardless of the dye color?
Most research indicates that it is primarily the darkness/lightness of the shade that matters, not the actual color of the dye. For example, a navy blue fabric will absorb just as much heat as a black fabric. And a light pink fabric will stay cooler than a dark red fabric.
One 2012 study found that when fabric shades were matched for darkness, there was generally no significant difference in temperature between colors in the visible light spectrum. However, infrared wavelengths did show some variation in absorption between colors of similar darkness.
Does Skin Color Impact Temperature?
Just as black clothing absorbs more sunlight than white clothing, darker skin also absorbs more sunlight and converts it into heat compared to lighter skin. However, the impact is much less pronounced than with clothing:
| Skin Type | Temperature Difference in Sunlight |
|---|---|
| Pale or fair skin | Up to 5°F cooler than dark skin |
| Medium or olive skin | Up to 2°F cooler than dark skin |
| Dark or brown skin | Absorbs the most heat from sunlight |
Studies using thermal imaging cameras and skin sensors show people with fair skin can stay up to 5°F (3°C) cooler in the sun compared to those with very dark skin. But more subtle differences between medium skin tones result in less than 2°F (1°C) variation.
Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. More melanin results in darker skin that absorbs more sunlight. But skin also contains blood vessels, sweat glands, and other structures that impact heat absorption and cooling. So the color of bare skin has less of an influence on temperature compared to clothing color.
Tips for Staying Cooler in Dark Clothes
If you want to be fashionable but dread wearing black in the summer heat, there are some tips to help prevent overheating in dark clothing:
- Seek shade or avoid direct sunlight whenever possible
- Wear loose-fitting styles to allow airflow between garments and skin
- Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton
- Wear dark colors only on your top or bottom, pairing with lighter colors on the rest
- Use sun-protective fabrics that are cooled by special dyes or coatings
- Wear moisture-wicking base layers to keep skin drier
- Apply sunscreen to exposed skin to prevent burns through dark fabrics
With some smart style choices, you can safely stay stylish in black or dark colors even on hot sunny days. Just be mindful of how much direct sunlight you’ll be exposed to and opt for loose, breathable fabrics to keep your cool.
Conclusion
Research clearly shows that dark-colored clothing, especially black, can increase body temperature significantly compared to wearing white or lighter colors. Black fabric absorbs up to 95% of sunlight and converts it into heat, causing skin underneath to get as much as 11°F (6°C) hotter than skin covered by white clothing.
Factors like the weight and fit of the clothing, amount of sun exposure, and sweat evaporation impact exactly how much hotter black clothing will be. But the color effect is clear – black allows much more heat absorption than white under the same conditions.
So if you want to stay cool in hot sunny weather, white or light colors are your best bet. But if fashion has you opting for darker shades, be sure to seek shade, choose breathable fabrics, and limit sun exposure to keep your cool.
