With temperatures soaring to 34°C across England and Wales, clothing experts have warned Brits to avoid five specific colours during the extreme heat. An amber weather warning for extreme heat remains in place, with the Met Office forecasting highs of 33°C today.
Why Colour Matters in a Heatwave
Christian Constantin, owner of clothing print company OK T-Shirt, explained that dark colours absorb more sunlight and heat, making the fabric warmer against the skin. Lighter colours reflect the sun's rays away from the body, helping to keep people cooler.
Constantin said: "Black is the worst colour you can possibly wear in a heatwave. Dark colours absorb far more sunlight and heat than lighter ones, which means the fabric warms up against your skin. Lighter colours reflect the sun's rays away from the body instead of soaking them up."
The Five Worst Colours to Wear
According to OK T-Shirt, the colours to avoid are:
- Black
- Navy
- Charcoal and dark grey
- Dark brown
- Deep, rich tones like burgundy or forest green
Best Colours for Staying Cool
The experts recommend these colours to reflect heat:
- White (reflects the most sunlight)
- Cream and beige
- Pale blue
- Soft pastels like lilac, mint, and blush pink
- Light grey
Fabric Choices Matter Too
Beyond colour, fabric choice is crucial. Constantin warned against synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. He said: "They don't breathe, they trap sweat against your skin, and they stop your body cooling itself naturally. A lot of cheap fast-fashion clothing is made from these materials, so people are walking around in heat traps without even realising it."
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are better alternatives as they allow air circulation and moisture evaporation.
Impact of the Heatwave
The extreme heat has disrupted daily life, with thousands of schools closing and pet owners advised not to walk dogs during daytime. The Met Office forecast for today states: "A dry, warm and sunny start to the day. Turning even hotter as the day goes on with extreme heat continuing as well as high humidity. Perhaps some high cloud moving in at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 33°C."
Residents are urged to stay hydrated, seek shade, and dress appropriately to avoid heat-related illnesses.
