Brace for the heatwave: Best clothing colors revealed

In the coming days, temperatures across many parts of the US will soar. The heat can be intense, so looking after your well-being and comfort is essential. One of the simplest ways to do this is by choosing the proper clothing. Research by scientists from Japan has shown that color plays a crucial role in this situation. The choice of the best colors for hot weather may surprise many.

In 2019, a team of Japanese scientists led by Toshiaki Ichinose from the National Institute of Environmental Studies researched the clothing colors most suitable for hot days. Although some time has passed since the publication of their research, its findings remain relevant. This knowledge can help many of us cope with the upcoming heat wave. Meteorologists from IMGW predict temperatures will reach 91 degrees Fahrenheit this week.

Heatwave over tthe US - which colors of clothing to choose for hot days?

Japanese scientists experimented to determine which clothing colors are best on warm days. They used mannequins dressed in polo shirts of nine colors: red, yellow, black, white, blue, green, gray, and others. The mannequins were placed outside in the sun at 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

After about five minutes, the researchers checked the surface temperature of the fabrics using a thermographic camera. They found a 20-degree difference between the coolest and warmest shirts. The study showed that the surface temperature of the white polo shirt was about 86 degrees Fahrenheit, matching the air temperature during the study. On the other hand, the highest temperature was recorded with the black shirt, which had a surface temperature exceeding 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Approximately 45 – 55 percent of the radiation reaching the Earth is infrared (IR), which is invisible to the naked eye. The experiment showed that not black, but dark green absorbs the most infrared radiation—87 percent. Black absorbed 86 percent of the incoming infrared, while white was the least absorbent at around 63 percent.

Experts recommend that the best colors for hot weather are white, yellow, gray, and, surprisingly, red, considering it’s often seen as a "warm" color. They suggest avoiding black, dark green, purple, and blue clothing items. However, scientists note that the results may vary slightly depending on the dyes used in manufacturing the clothes.