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
Split image showing a low-tide estuary at sunset on the left with concrete blocks, boats, and pastel sky, and a bright full moon on the right glowing through thin clouds above dark tree silhouettes, divided by a curved white line.
Sunday 7 December 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Winter weather snaps and a supermoon too
Split image showing a snowy Christmas market on the left and a UK weather map on the right with pink zones indicating widespread snowfall over Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and Newcastle, plus white snow icons.
Monday 8 December 2025

Everyone wants to know...

How likely is a White Christmas?
Weather radar map of the UK and Ireland showing widespread blue precipitation bands with temperatures near major cities, overlaid by a large cloud with two blue raindrops.
Tuesday 2 December 2025

Close to record-breaking

A wet autumn season in the books
All weather news
This might also interest you
Friday 22 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Sunny start for some, overcast later
plit image showing a double rainbow over a rocky shoreline on the left and sheep grazing in a green field under stormy clouds on the right.
Sunday 2 November 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mixed conditions on an unsettled week
Split weather map showing the UK and Ireland. The left side illustrates strong winds circulating around a low-pressure system, with gusts of 20–30 mph highlighted in orange and yellow. The right side shows radar imagery with widespread blue rain bands and patches of thunderstorms, especially over northern England and Scotland.
Thursday 28 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Remaining widely unsettled
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

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList