Finding the right summer color is key to looking stylish and staying cool. While everyone has their style, lighter colors are preferred in the warmer months. Darker colors can cause overheating, especially on hot and humid days. Choosing the right outfit for the season is important, but wearing the right colors is equally important.
That said, light colors reflect heat well, but black colors block UV rays better. Thin black materials absorb heat at a faster rate than thick black cloak-like materials.
Since most people find it uncomfortable to wear dark clothes in the sun, we recommend wearing light-colored clothes and using sunscreen with SPF protection. On cooler days, try wearing various black garments to see if they help prevent sunburn.
Don’t Wear:
Black
In the summer, especially when the sun is out, avoid this color. Black clothing absorbs heat better than white. Taking in more heat means feeling sweaty, tired, and unmotivated. A heat stroke can result from a fun day or evening out.
Gray
While gray may keep you cool in the summer, it is not very forgiving and easily shows sweat stains. This includes light and dark grays. Avoid being tagged in a sweaty photo online!
Dark green
Aesthetically, these colors look better in the colder months, especially in the fall and winter. Summer is the season for light neutrals, pops of color, and pastels, not dark tones.
Wear:
White
Sweat stains aren’t visible, and they keep you cool when the sun is beating down on you. Plus, white is a classic summer color.
Pastels
Palettes that complement your skin tone can add color without overheating you in hot weather. They’re subtle and can be combined if you want to play with color without going overboard — think floral prints!
Blue
Avoid black or white if you want some UV protection without the heat absorption of black. Of course, the shade of blue matters, but denim is a fabric that can be worn year-round and comes in various thicknesses. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends denim for skin protection.