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 shows high level wind warnings during Storm Éowyn on the left, and noctilucent clouds on the right.
Tuesday 30 December 2025

January to June

2025: The year in weather
Split image showing dark, textured storm clouds hanging low in the sky on the left, and a bright rainbow arching over a parking lot with cars under a colourful sunset sky on the right, divided by a curved white line.
Saturday 27 December 2025

Your weather - Your shots

2025 as captured by you!
Split image showing a night-time UK rain radar map with blue precipitation bands, city temperature markers, and a rain cloud icon on the left, and a star-filled night sky with the Milky Way and a silhouetted telescope on the right, divided by a curved white line.
Sunday 21 December 2025

Ursid meteor shower

Wish upon a Christmas star
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
Sunday 24 August 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mammatus clouds widely spotted
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