Every summer, as temperatures rise, the same advice is repeated: “Wear white because black absorbs heat.” However, scientists say the choice of clothing during a heatwave is more complicated than color alone.
The most suitable summer clothing depends on a combination of factors, including the garment’s fit, the fabric used, environmental humidity and the body’s ability to lose heat.
The issue has become increasingly important as climate change contributes to more frequent and intense heatwaves. In Greece, the number of days with severe thermal stress has increased by 12 to 17 days per year, while more than 95% of Europe is now regularly recording temperatures above historical averages.
What desert clothing teaches us about heat protection
A recent BBC report highlighted an old but important scientific question: why do Bedouins, who live in one of the hottest environments on Earth, often wear long, loose and black garments in the desert?
A study published in the scientific journal Nature examined how clothing color affects heat exposure and challenged the idea that black clothing is always unsuitable in hot weather.
Researchers found that while black fabric absorbs more solar radiation, the additional heat does not necessarily reach the body. The reason is the loose design of traditional Bedouin clothing.
The space between the fabric and the skin creates an air layer that works as a natural ventilation system. Warm air rises and escapes, helping the body release heat.
The findings suggest that a loose black garment can, in some conditions, be cooler than a tight white one.
However, experts stress that this does not mean color is irrelevant. Instead, it shows that the fit of clothing can be equally important — or even more important — than its color.
Why sweat evaporation matters
George Havenith, a professor of Environmental Physiology and Ergonomics at Britain’s Loughborough University, has studied extensively how clothing affects the body’s temperature regulation.
According to him, the body’s cooling mechanism does not depend simply on producing sweat, but on the evaporation of sweat from the skin.
“The problem is not sweat itself, but whether it can evaporate,” he explains.
In dry conditions, sweat evaporates more easily, allowing the body to release heat. But when humidity levels are high — as often happens in coastal areas of Greece — the air already contains large amounts of water vapor, slowing down evaporation.
Under these conditions, even heavy sweating may not provide the expected relief.
The best clothing choices for hot weather
Experts agree that one of the most important features of summer clothing is that it should not cling tightly to the body.
Loose-fitting clothes:
- allow air to circulate
- help sweat evaporate
- reduce heat trapped between the skin and fabric
By contrast, tight clothing, even if it is light-colored, can make it harder for the body to release heat.
For this reason, experts note that a “white T-shirt” alone is not a guarantee of protection from extreme heat. The choice of fabric is equally important.
Linen, cotton and technical fabrics
Linen is considered one of the best options for hot weather because it is lightweight and allows air circulation.
Cotton also provides comfort, but it has a disadvantage: it absorbs sweat and may remain damp for a long time.
Modern technical fabrics, widely used by people who exercise regularly, are designed to move moisture away from the skin. However, their effectiveness depends on weather conditions.
In dry environments, they can be highly effective. In humid conditions, their benefits are reduced because the main problem is no longer moving sweat away from the skin, but allowing it to evaporate.
The future of “cooling” fabrics
As climate change increases the need for better heat protection, researchers are developing new materials designed to help maintain lower body temperatures.
Scientists are studying fabrics that reflect more solar radiation, materials that improve the release of infrared radiation, and “smart” fabrics that adapt to environmental conditions.
Until these next-generation clothes become widely available, experts say the basic rules for dressing during hot weather remain simple.
The best summer clothing should:
- be loose and allow air circulation
- be made from lightweight, breathable fabric
- avoid trapping moisture
- provide protection from direct sunlight
Experts also warn that outdoor workers, older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses face a higher risk of heat exhaustion.
They emphasize that proper clothing is an important protective measure, alongside avoiding sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, staying hydrated and spending time in cool spaces.
