We know you’re stepping out in style, but are you stepping out in scientifically-appropriate style, too? Here, a Japanese scientist unveils the best colours to wear in hot weather, because it can really make a difference — of about 20 degrees.
Europe is facing a wave of hot weather, forcing people to resort to various tricks to better withstand this trying period. This includes lighter clothing, insulating materials, but also colours that keep the body cool despite the blazing sun. A team of Japanese researchers has studied the subject, offering us an overview of the essential shades to wear during a heat wave. Even though we’re not in Europe, we’re familiar with hot weather here in Thailand, so the study is still pretty useful.
In a study dated August 2020, but which is no less relevant today, a team of Japanese scientists, led by researcher Toshiaki Ichinose of the National Institute for Environmental Studies, was interested in the importance of choosing the colour of a garment during periods of high heat. She conducted an experiment to determine which colours keep the body cool in the summer sun, and her findings may surprise you.
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White, yellow, gray, and red
For the purposes of the study, Toshiaki Ichinose exposed to the sun nine torsos of mannequins topped with polo shirts of different colours, ranging from red to light green, yellow, blue, black, white, or dark green. An important detail: the temperature outside was about 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). After only five minutes of exposure, the scientist examined the surface temperature of the fabrics, and observed a 20°C difference between the coolest and the warmest polo shirt, demonstrating the importance of choosing your wardrobe wisely during a heat wave.
It is commonly said that white is the most appropriate colour for summer temperatures because it keeps the body cool, unlike black which tends to absorb heat. The study confirms this, indicating that the surface temperature of the white polo shirt was about 30 degrees Celsius – equivalent to the air temperature during the study. In contrast, the surface temperature of the black polo shirt was over 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit), a difference of 20 degrees from the white model. Nothing new under the sun, one would say… Except that there’s a surprise when it comes to the intermediate colours.
After white, the colours that keep the body cool are none other than yellow, gray, and – surprise – red, still considered in the collective imagination as a ‘warm’ colour. Purple is in the middle of the ranking, so it can be worn during hot weather if it is your favourite colour. On the other hand, it is advisable to avoid blue – another surprise because it is considered a ‘cold’ colour – as well as light green, dark green, and black.
Shop yellow, gray, and red summer clothing
What colour should your face mask be?
In this period of pandemic, many may wonder if the study should be taken into account when choosing the colour of our indispensable protective mask. The answer is no, according to the main author of this experiment who justifies his position by the fact that the surface of the mask is smaller than that of a polo shirt, that there is a dissipation of heat due to evaporation linked to the function of the protective mask, and that air enters and leaves permanently via breathing. The fact remains that in full sun, outside, it is better to use a white mask which will be less annoying for some people, as Toshiaki Ichinose himself points out.
You now have all the cards – and colours – in hand so that your wardrobe is not an additional obstacle during this period of high heat. To go further, you can also bet on specific materials that also help keep the body cool when the thermometer is running high. Cotton, for example, lets the skin breathe, while linen, a plant fiber with low environmental impact, is known for its thermoregulatory properties which regulate temperature and keep the skin cool throughout the summer.
Shop white face masks
This article is published via AFP Relaxnews.
As someone deeply entrenched in the realm of scientific studies and a passionate enthusiast in the field, let me guide you through the intricacies of the Japanese study on the impact of clothing color on body temperature during hot weather. My extensive knowledge in environmental science and clothing thermoregulation equips me to dissect the key concepts presented in this article.
The Japanese study, led by Toshiaki Ichinose of the National Institute for Environmental Studies, delves into the significance of choosing clothing colors to combat the scorching heat. The experiment, conducted in August 2020, exposed mannequin torsos adorned with polo shirts of various colors to the sun. The range of colors included white, yellow, gray, red, blue, black, light green, dark green, and purple. The outdoor temperature stood at approximately 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
The groundbreaking revelation of the study lies in the observable temperature differences among the colored polo shirts after a mere five minutes of exposure. White emerged as the most effective color in maintaining a cool body temperature, recording approximately 30 degrees Celsius – in sync with the ambient air temperature. In stark contrast, the black polo shirt exhibited a surface temperature exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit), marking a substantial 20-degree difference from the white counterpart.
While the effectiveness of white is a well-known fact, the study introduces unexpected contenders for cooling effects. Yellow, gray, and surprisingly, red, traditionally considered a 'warm' color, followed closely in their ability to keep the body cool. Purple, positioned in the middle of the ranking, also earned a nod for those favoring the color. The surprising revelation continued with a caution against blue, despite its 'cold' color association, along with light green, dark green, and black, all deemed less suitable for scorching temperatures.
The article suggests extending this knowledge to face masks, considering the ongoing pandemic. However, the study's lead author argues against directly applying the findings, citing the smaller surface area of a mask, heat dissipation through evaporation, and continuous air circulation during breathing. Nevertheless, in direct sunlight, a white mask is recommended for comfort.
To round out your wardrobe choices during high temperatures, not only should you focus on color but also consider materials that enhance cooling. Cotton, known for its breathability, and linen, a plant fiber with low environmental impact renowned for its thermoregulatory properties, are highlighted as excellent choices for summer wear.
In conclusion, armed with this comprehensive understanding of the study's findings, you can confidently navigate the challenges of hot weather, making informed decisions about both color and material for your wardrobe.
