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CulturePublished: 28 June 2026 at 03:37

Fashion Tips for Heatwave: Black vs White – Which One to Choose?

During heatwaves, fashion choices become survival questions. Experts and a 1980 study reveal that loose black clothing can be cooler than tight white attire.

Foto: Delfi

When summer heatwaves become the new normal, fashion priorities shift. People no longer just want to look stylish but also avoid overheating while maintaining dignity. Does black clothing really make you hotter than white? A 1980 study in the journal "Nature" titled "Why do Bedouins wear black robes in hot deserts?" offers a surprising answer.

Scientists measured the temperature inside Bedouins' black and white robes and found it identical. Although black absorbs more solar radiation, the extra heat is lost before reaching the skin. The secret lies in the cut – loose clothing creates a "chimney effect": hot air between the skin and fabric rises and is blown out, promoting cooling.

So, if you opt for tight clothing, white might be better. But if you prefer loose, flowing garments, black works more efficiently in the wind. An additional tip – textured fabrics like piqué used in sport polo shirts naturally stay away from the skin, preventing the garment from sticking.

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