Why Wear Black During a Heatwave. Fresh and Chic.

Ask anyone, and they will tell you the right colour to wear in summer is white. Well, at least, that’s what almost everyone believes. But if you talk to science geeks, they will affirm that the best colour for summer is black. Maybe you – and I – should have paid a bit more attention in science class. But do not worry, we’re not here to send you back to school, keep reading, and you’ll see it actually makes sense.

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Why not white during a heatwave?

You’ve always heard that white clothing keeps you fresh because it reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them. This explanation makes perfect sense. So as soon as the first signs of summer appear, we all run to our wardrobes to get out those lovely white dresses or jumpsuits and say goodbye to all chic black clothes.

However, the heat doesn’t come only from the outside, from the sun; it also comes from one’s body, which explains why people stay close together for human warmth when it’s cold.

In reality, when the heat that the body naturally generates hits the white fabric, it will also get reflected, but in this case, right back to the body wearing the white cloth. In other words, the person will be cooking herself inside her clothes.

Why black is a summer colour

That’s why black is the best colour for summer outfits: although it absorbs heat from the sun rays, it also absorbs heat from your body. In other words, it won’t reflect the heat back to you. You do the math because your body is much closer to your clothes than the sun.

It is no wonder women have worn black in Sicily for hundreds of years, and so have the Touareg nomads in the desert.

How to choose a black summer outfit

Of course, you will need to find black clothes in light and breathable fabrics like thin cotton and linen to keep cool this season. The beautiful black tops and dresses made in Broderie Anglaise or trendy crochet are just perfect because the air comes through the little holes. Bohemian kaftans and slip dresses are not only lounge outfits but a chic option for a summer night out in the city.

These are dresses in cotton and linen from the COS SS24 collection

So ladies and lads, now that you know black is the best colour for summer, you can simply say black is the new white.

Photos via COS