Dark or light clothing when it is hot

Short answer: In direct sun, light is coolest. In shade and indoors the colour barely matters, and then the weight and cut of the fabric decide.

In direct sun

Dark fabric absorbs more light and gets warmer at the surface. Standing in sun for a while, you notice the difference. Light colours reflect more and are therefore cooler to wear.

In shade and indoors

With no direct sun there is no radiation to reflect, so colour barely matters. Here the fabric's weight, cut and fibre decide whether you feel cool. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

What matters more than colour

A loose cut that lets air circulate, a light fabric and a fibre that moves moisture away from the skin do far more than the colour choice. See bamboo clothing for women and bamboo underwear for women.

Frequently asked questions

Is white always coolest

In direct sun yes. Otherwise the difference is too small to feel.

Why do people wear dark clothes in hot countries

Because loose dark clothing traps air between fabric and skin and shades from the sun at the same time.

What about underwear in heat

Choose a thin layer that sits close and moves moisture. Colour makes no difference here.