The best color to wear in the sun for sun protection depends on the fabric and how much UV protection you need. While lighter colors generally reflect more sunlight, dark colors like dark blue, black, and dark red offer superior UV protection compared to lighter shades like white or pastels, provided the fabric is the same. Bright colors, such as bright yellow or red, can also absorb UV rays and provide a degree of protection.
Understanding the Impact of Color on Sun Protection
Different colors absorb and reflect sunlight differently. This affects how much UV radiation reaches your skin.
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Dark Colors: Darker shades, including black, dark blue, and dark red, tend to absorb more UV radiation, thus shielding your skin more effectively than lighter colors. Multiple sources confirm this; for example, Solbari and Solbari UK both state that these dark colors are superior for sun protection when compared to lighter fabrics of the same material. A Quora answer (https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-color-to-block-the-Sun) also supports this conclusion.
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Light Colors: Lighter colors, such as white and pastels, reflect more sunlight. However, this does not automatically mean they provide better sun protection. The level of protection depends heavily on the fabric itself. For optimal protection, choose light-colored clothing made from a UV-blocking fabric. MangGear recommends focusing on light shades and bright hues like light blue and pink in conjunction with UV-blocking fabrics.
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Bright Colors: Sources such as Huntsman Cancer Institute note that bright colors like red can also absorb UV rays, offering a degree of protection. The intensity of the color correlates with the protection offered - a brighter yellow shirt offers more protection than a pale yellow one.
Fabric Matters More Than Color
It's crucial to remember that the type of fabric plays a much larger role in sun protection than color alone. A dark-colored shirt made of thin cotton will offer less protection than a light-colored shirt made of tightly woven, UV-resistant fabric. Look for clothing with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating for optimal sun protection regardless of color.
Conclusion
The best approach is to wear clothing made of a high UPF fabric, and while darker colors generally offer more protection than light colors for the same fabric, bright colors can also offer substantial sun protection. Consider both fabric and color when selecting clothing for sun protection.
