Dark colours in summer

Short answer: Dark colours in summer are only a problem in direct sun. In the shade and indoors, colour makes no difference to how warm you feel. The thickness and fibre of the fabric matter far more than the colour.

Only in direct sun

Dark colours absorb more of the sun's radiation than light ones. That is why a black car gets hotter than a white one in the sun. But without direct radiation there is nothing to absorb. Indoors, in the shade or on a cloudy day, dark clothing takes up no more heat than light. See bamboo slips.

When colour counts

If you stand in direct midday sun for a long time, a dark outer layer can get warm. This is especially true if the fabric is thick and you are not moving. If you will be in the sun for many hours, a lighter colour can be a good choice. The rest of the time, wear whichever colour you like.

Dark hides sweat best

On a hot day it helps when marks do not show. Dark colours hide sweat marks far better than mid tones such as grey and light blue, where moisture shows as dark patches. Black and navy stay neat through a long day, even after lots of walking. See bamboo sweatshirts for women.

Fabric matters more than colour

A thin dark fabric is cooler than a thick light one. Warmth is mostly about how well air and moisture can pass through. A light, soft fabric that does not cling feels comfortable on a hot day, whatever the colour. Choose thickness and fit first, and colour second. See bestsellers for women.

A loose fit helps

Clothing that sits a little loose lets air move between fabric and skin. That does more for warmth than colour. A close fitting piece can feel warm even in a light colour, while a loose black piece can feel light. Think about fit when dressing for a hot day.

Dark as an inner layer

A dark piece under a light outer layer can show through. Under a dark outer layer, however, it disappears. In summer, when fabrics are thinner, it is worth thinking about what goes under what. If the inner layer matches the outer one in colour, it looks calm, even in strong sunlight.

Protect the colour from the sun

Strong sunlight can fade dark colours over time. Dry dark clothing in the shade or indoors where you can, and wash it inside out at the temperature on the care label. Black and navy then keep their deep shade longer, even after a summer of heavy wear.

Choose by the day

There is no reason to put dark colours away for the summer. If you are indoors, at the office or in the shade, colour makes no difference to warmth. If you will be in the sun all day, choose something lighter and thinner. That way you get the best of both all season.

Frequently asked questions

Is dark clothing too warm in summer

Only in direct sun. Indoors and in the shade, colour makes no difference to how warm you feel, because there is no radiation to absorb.

Are there advantages to dark colours in summer

Yes. Dark colours hide sweat marks far better than mid tones such as grey and light blue, so clothing looks neat through a long, hot day.

What matters most for warmth

The thickness and fibre of the fabric. A thin dark fabric is cooler than a thick light one, whatever the colour, and a loose fit helps too.