What is the best color to wear for sun protection?
The weave and thickness of the fabric are vital in determining the effectiveness of sun protection. Have you ever wondered whether the color of the material has any role to play? Many of you may still think that lighter colors are the best to go out in the sun. But much research has confirmed that darker colors are the most effective in shielding our skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Contrary to the widely held belief that white and yellow are the calmest colors to wear in the sun, it is found that they are the worst colors when it comes to sun defense. Read on to find out more about the best color to wear for sun protection.
According to a study done in Spain, it was found that dark and vibrant color fabrics shielded the skin from UV rays much better than lighter shades. In this research, many colors were tested and the conclusion was that dark blue and red were the best in terms of UV protection. Yellow was found to be the least effective color in stalling UV rays. The reason why some colors performed better in preventing the UV rays from penetrating through the fabric was not apparent.
Your clothing not only makes you look and feel good, but they also absorb and block harmful UV radiation. It is one of the most effective ways of protecting against sunburns and skin cancer. It is one of the simplest ways to stay safe in the sun. Sun protective clothing, hats and sun glasses are required in addition to a broad spectrum sunscreen which is essential for sun protection. Although clothing shields you from harmful UV rays, not all fabrics and colors provide equal safety.
According to the Cancer Council in Australia, darker colors absorb UV rays well and obstruct the rays entering our skin. During testing, the same texture of the fabric was used and only the colors were different. It was noted that black, dark blue, and dark red absorbed UV rays and protected the skin much better than pastel shades of the same fabric. Thick clothes with a tighter weave provide more protection than lightweight fabric with loose weaves. Once you choose your fabric, then go for the color.
White is comfortable to wear on a hot day as it reflects sunlight and does not absorb heat. However, UV rays penetrate white clothing easily, just like other light shades. In contrast, colors like black absorb the UV rays and have the sun blocking power. But it can be uncomfortable and you may feel warm and sweaty because it absorbs heat, especially on hot summer days. The color dark blue gives good UV protection as it is a dark color and heat absorption is less when compared with black. So, you will feel comfortable as well as protected. Skin Cancer Foundation highly acclaims blue color for UV protection.
As a leading sun-protective clothing and accessories brand, Outdoors Tribe offers you many choices to select from. As our clothing come with a high UPF label, offering the best fabrics and stylish colors, any item you select will give you great protection from UV rays. Therefore, you can still be safe in the sun, while wearing your favorite colors.
Dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum sunblock and sun protective clothing to prevent sun damage. Although regular clothing gives some protection, you can still be sunburned. Therefore, wearing clothes designed to block UV radiation is a wise choice, while keeping in mind that dark shades especially blue and red give the best protection.