Sun and what the fabric does

Short answer: A piece of fabric between the sun and your skin does two things. It shades you from the radiation, and it holds a little moisture that cools as it evaporates, so a thin, dense layer is often cooler than nothing.

Two things at once

Many men take their top off when the sun is strong, because it feels coolest. But a thin layer of fabric does two things at the same time. It puts shade over the skin, and it holds some of the sweat you produce anyway. Both can make a hot day more comfortable than bare skin.

The fabric gives shade

A densely woven layer stops much of the radiation before it reaches your skin. It works like a small shade you carry with you. Shoulders and neck take most of the sun when you walk or stand. If you want bare shoulders, bring a layer you can pull over. See bamboo tank tops for men.

Density matters most

What matters most for how well fabric protects is its density. A densely woven layer stops more radiation than a loose one, whatever its colour. Hold the fabric up to the light: if you can see clearly through it, sun gets through too. A dense fabric can still be thin and easy to wear.

Moisture under the fabric cools

A thin layer holds a little sweat, and as the moisture evaporates it cools the skin. Without fabric, sweat evaporates fast or drips off, and the cooling is brief. With a thin layer the moisture stays a little longer and evaporates evenly. See bamboo sweatshirts for men for cooler evenings.

Colour matters less than density

A dense light fabric shades better than a loose dark one. Colour is not irrelevant, but it comes second. If you choose by colour alone, you may end up with fabric that looks cool but lets the sun through. Look first at how dense the fabric is, then think about colour.

Dark clothes are a trade off

Dark clothes absorb more heat than light ones, so they can feel warmer in direct sun. But they also stop more radiation. It is a trade off between heat and protection. On a very hot day in full sun many choose light colours, while dark works well when you move in and out of shade.

A loose fit lets air in

Fabric that sits loosely lets air move between skin and cloth. That helps moisture evaporate and keeps heat from building up. Tight clothes cling more easily when you sweat. On hot days, choose a fit with a little room so the fabric can do its job.

Remember the bare skin

Clothes only protect what they cover. Arms, legs, face and neck need sun cream or shade. Take breaks in the shade around midday, when the sun is strongest, and drink water. See most popular for men for light pieces that work well on hot days.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cooler with or without a top in the sun

With. A thin layer shades you from the radiation and holds a little moisture that cools as it evaporates, giving your skin a break from the sun.

What matters most for sun protection in clothing

The density of the fabric. A densely woven layer stops more radiation than a loose one, whatever colour it is.

Are dark clothes warmer in the sun

Yes, they absorb more heat. But they also stop more radiation, so it is a trade off between heat and protection.