Home / Editor's Pick /

Why do we wear light colours in summer?

16:00
28 May 2023

Seasonal fashion
Why do we wear light colours in summer?

Summer clothes

With summer soon to arrive our wardrobes are starting to change. But why is it that lighter colours and natural fabrics work best in heat?

Natural fabrics like linen and cotton absorb sweat and allow skin to breathe (metaphorically speaking).

They are much better than man-made fibres such as polyester which can trap the moisture against your skin leaving you hot and uncomfortable as a result.

Colours are a great way to show off your personality but in summer some work better for you than others. White is good if you’re outdoors in direct sunlight as it can reflect the heat better than any other colour.

Although, if you are spending time in the shade then black can more effective to wear as it radiates heat outwards into your environment which cools you down.

Keep an eye on the forecast near you on the app and dress for the weather ahead.

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Weather map of Europe with high and low pressure areas marked. Isobar lines show the pressure distribution, alongside a forecast map. Different weather conditions from northern to Southern Europe.
Monday, 22 December 2025

"High over low"

Blocking weather conditions at Christmas
Weather radar showing clouds and showers over Algeria and Morocco. Next to it, a warning map with the rain area in Algeria marked. Surrounding regions mostly sunny and dry.
Thursday, 18 December 2025

Algeria affected

Rain in the desert
Dense green forest with tall trees as bright sunlight streams through the canopy, casting long shadows across the leafy ground.
Sunday, 21 December 2025

Winter solstice

Days start getting longer from now!
All weather news
This might also interest you
Split weather map showing UK wind speeds in orange-red shades up to 40 mph on the left and warning levels in green-yellow on the right, with a central wind warning sign.
Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Warnings active

Storm Benjamin impacts the UK
Mammatus clouds
Thursday, 21 August 2025

Unusual view

Mammatus clouds over Ireland
Friday, 22 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Sunny start for some, overcast later
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList