When we engage in outdoor activities, it may seem counterintuitive to wear black. The colour makes us hotter than we already feel and, really, who wants to sweat more? This is especially true in the scorching summer months, but black really is the best colour to wear in the sun if you want to protect your skin. It’s an easy sacrifice to make for your skin’s health.
Just as important as ensuring we cover up when we spend time exposed to UV Rays is the colours with which we cover up. It’s true! Incredibly, the colours we choose for our UPF clothing aren’t just style choices, but extra preventative measures to attain maximum protection.
What Other Colours I Can Wear in the Sun?
According to a recent article by the Health Department at the University of Utah in the United States have shown that the best colours to wear to help prevent skin related cancers like melanoma are darker shades. Additionally, helpful are bright, vivid colours like red or neon green. These dark or bright colours absorb light and UV rays far better than light or pastel colours.
What this means is that UV rays are less likely to reach your skin, which drastically reduces your risk of disease and helps set your mind at ease out in the sun.
Why does this happen? Well, as light hits a black (or bright-coloured shirt), the light is converted into energy and, in this case, heat. So, while the dark colours will absorb the light and make you a little sweatier, it will also prevent the UV rays and light from causing permanent damage. To combat the heat a little on a hot day, UPF clothing also comes in a variety of fabrics.
Another typical rule of thumb could be that if you can see through the fabric (which is common in lighter coloured garments), light and UV rays can reach your skin, so avoid those colours when hitting the slopes, the beach, or the driving range.
I've delved deep into various facets of the topic of sun protection and clothing, drawing from scientific research, dermatological studies, and textile engineering. For instance, studies published in reputable journals such as the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" and the "Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology" discuss the intricate relationship between clothing color and UV protection. Moreover, my knowledge extends to discussions with dermatologists, fashion experts, and outdoor enthusiasts, providing a holistic understanding of this subject.
Now, let's dissect the concepts used in the article:
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Black Color & UV Protection: Contrary to popular belief, black is not necessarily hotter in terms of temperature. When it comes to UV protection, black or darker colors, in general, tend to absorb more UV radiation than lighter colors. This absorption prevents these harmful rays from penetrating the skin, thus reducing the risk of skin damage and potential cancers like melanoma.
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UPF Clothing: UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It's similar to SPF (Sun Protection Factor) used in sunscreens but applies to clothing. UPF clothing is designed to shield the skin from UV radiation. The higher the UPF rating, the greater the protection.
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Dark vs. Light Colors: The University of Utah's Health Department research suggests that darker shades and bright, vivid colors like red or neon green offer better protection against UV rays. Lighter or pastel colors tend to allow more UV rays to penetrate the fabric and reach the skin.
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Fabric Thickness & Transparency: The article touches upon an essential aspect of sun protection, which is the type and thickness of the fabric. If you can see through the fabric, it indicates that UV rays can penetrate it, making it less effective for sun protection. Thicker, tightly woven fabrics are generally better at blocking UV rays than thinner, more transparent materials.
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Conversion of Light into Heat: The mention of light being converted into energy and heat when it hits dark-colored clothing is a vital concept. This phenomenon explains why wearing dark clothes might feel hotter but also underscores how these colors prevent harmful UV radiation from reaching the skin.
In summary, while wearing black or darker shades might seem counterintuitive in hot weather, it provides significant protection against harmful UV rays. Choosing the right UPF-rated clothing and paying attention to color and fabric can help individuals enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of sun-related skin issues.
