As heatwaves become more frequent and intense due to climate change, experts say choosing the right clothing can help keep the body cool, reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and even lower dependence on air conditioning.
Researchers say wearing appropriate clothing during hot weather can allow people to increase their air conditioner temperature by around 2°C, helping reduce electricity consumption while also benefiting the environment.
Is white really better than black?
White clothing is generally recommended during summer because it reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, while black clothing absorbs more heat.
However, experts say colour is only part of the equation. The fit and fabric of clothing play an equally important — and sometimes greater — role in regulating body temperature.
A landmark study conducted in the 1980s examining why Bedouins living in desert regions often wear black robes found that loose black clothing does not necessarily increase body heat. Instead, the fabric absorbs heat generated by the body and allows it to escape through airflow, particularly in windy conditions.
Experts say if clothing fits tightly against the skin, white remains the better choice. But if the garment is loose, black clothing can also help keep the body cool.
Loose clothing is the key
According to specialists, the looseness of clothing is more important than its colour.
Loose-fitting garments allow air to circulate between the fabric and the skin, helping sweat evaporate and naturally cool the body.
Textured fabrics such as seersucker and piqué are also recommended because they do not cling to the skin, making them feel cooler in hot weather.
Which fabrics are best for hot weather?
Fashion and textile experts recommend lightweight, breathable materials during extreme heat.
- Cotton is comfortable and breathable but absorbs sweat and takes longer to dry.
- Linen provides excellent airflow but also dries relatively slowly.
- Merino wool absorbs moisture while reducing odour, making it popular for outdoor activities.
- Nylon and polyester wick moisture away from the body and dry quickly, making them common choices for sportswear, although they may retain odours more easily.
- Some studies also suggest bamboo-based fabrics help reduce heat transfer and provide greater comfort in high temperatures.
Dry heat and humid weather require different clothing
Experts say moisture-absorbing fabrics work well in dry climates because sweat evaporates quickly, helping cool the body.
In humid conditions, however, breathable fabrics that allow both air and water vapour to pass through are more effective in maintaining the body's natural cooling process.
Less clothing can mean more cooling
Professor George Havenith, an environmental physiology expert at Loughborough University in the UK, says wearing fewer clothes—where socially and culturally appropriate—is one of the most effective ways to stay cool because it allows sweat to evaporate more efficiently.
However, he also stressed the importance of protecting exposed skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation when outdoors.
Cooling technology in modern clothing
Scientists and sportswear manufacturers are developing advanced fabrics that respond to temperature changes.
Researchers have created synthetic fibres that become more breathable as temperatures rise, allowing excess body heat to escape. Some experimental fabrics also contain special materials that absorb excess heat, helping wearers stay cooler in extreme conditions.
Wet clothing can also help
Experts say lightly dampening clothing or placing a wet scarf or towel around the neck can significantly cool the body.
As the water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the skin, reducing body temperature through natural evaporative cooling.
Experts' advice
Health and climate experts recommend wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing during heatwaves, while emphasising that the fit of the garment is often more important than its colour.
They also advise using lightweight damp cloths around the neck or head when temperatures become extreme and choosing appropriate clothing to reduce reliance on air conditioning and lower energy consumption.
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