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
The weather map shows a tropical cyclone over the Philippines with its centre east of Manila.
Monday 10 November 2025

Super Typhoon Fung-wong

Philippines hit by second typhoon
Weather radar and wind radar for Portugal and Spain
Tuesday 11 November 2025

Portugal and Spain

Heavy rain and storms in Europe
Weather map of the UK and Ireland showing temperatures between 15°C and 17°C in major cities like London, Cardiff, Dublin, and Aberdeen, with an icon of a red thermometer on the left.
Thursday 6 November 2025

Unseasonable warmth

Mild autumn temperatures continue
All weather news
This might also interest you
Sunday 17 August 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Summer shots from a warm 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
Weather map of the UK and Ireland showing scattered showers with cloudy patches across much of the region, especially around western and northern areas. Sunshine symbols appear over London, Cardiff, and parts of southern England, while temperatures range from 17°C to 18°C in most places. Areas of heavier rain are visible over the Atlantic to the west.
Friday 29 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Unsettled conditions into the weekend
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement