What is the best colour to wear for sun protection?

The weave and weight are the most important factors in determining the sun protective effectiveness of fabrics, but it turns out colour plays an important role too.

We were all told growing up to wear lighter colours because they are the coolest colours in the sun, but scientific studies have proven that darker colours are more effective at protecting us from the sun's harmful UV rays. Just like a denser weave can prevent UV rays from reaching and damaging our skin, so too can certain colours.

Read on to discover the best colours to wear in the sun and how to wear your favourite colours while still ensuring high sun protection.

Choose dark and intense colours for sun protection

A study conducted in Spain found that fabrics with darker or more intense colours tended to have better UV radiation protection than lighter colours. Of all colours tested, dark blue offered the best levels of UV protection, making it the best colour to wear in the sun. Contrary to the popular belief that they are the coolest colours in the sun, white and yellow were the worst performing colours in terms of UV protection.

So why is this the case? The researchers admitted that, whilst the results of their tests were conclusive, they were not entirely sure why some colours performed better at preventing UV rays from penetrating fabrics than others.

The Cancer Council in Australia suggests that darker colours absorb UV rays, which helps block them from your skin. That’s why dark blue, black, and dark red are the best colours for sun protection compared to white or pastel colours of the same fabric.

Make sure your favourite colours are the coolest colours in the sun

As a leading Australian sun protective clothing brand, Solbari tests every fabric with the Australian Government. We can confirm from our fabric testing results that darker colours are the best colours for sun protection. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t still be safe in the sun while wearing your favourite colours.

We only offer the best fabrics for sun protection and these still come in a range of stylish colours. All our garments have been tested and rated UPF50+ by the Australian Government. So, no matter which products you choose, you can wear any of the colour options with confidence.

Find the best fabrics for sun protection at Solbari

Dermatologists recommend sun protective clothing to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. That’s because you can still get sunburned through regular clothing. Instead of relying on the coolest colours in the sun or the best colours for sun protection, you need to wear clothing that has been designed to block UV rays.

Solbari’s award-winning range includes UPF 50+ shirts, polos, trousers, arm sleeves, and umbrellas in a wide variety of colours to suit all your needs and preferences.