Are white clothes better than black clothes in summer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether white clothes are better than black clothes for summer wear, focusing on the effects of color on heat absorption and comfort. Participants explore the implications of clothing color on temperature regulation, sweating, and material properties.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that there is no actual temperature difference between white and black clothes, but note that black clothing may lead to increased sweating.
  • Others argue that white clothes are better in summer because they reflect more sunlight, while black clothes absorb more heat, potentially creating a slight temperature difference.
  • A participant points out that while black materials absorb sunlight, white materials may be more transparent and rely on diffraction for their appearance, which could affect how they block sunlight.
  • There is a mention of the role of cloth thickness in blocking sunlight, with thicker fabrics providing more protection from infrared heat, regardless of color.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the effects of clothing color on temperature and comfort in summer.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific definitions of "white" and "black" clothing, as well as assumptions about material properties and environmental conditions. The discussion includes unresolved aspects related to the physics of light absorption and reflection.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in clothing choices for summer, the physics of light and heat, or material science may find this discussion relevant.

JimmyJockstrap
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I suppose technically there is no temperature difference u just sweat more with black.

please correct me.
 
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i suppose white clothes ARE better in the summer time. it is more hot in summer so white clothes are useful as black ones tend to absorb more heat. And since black absorbs more heat, there will be a slight tempreture difference.
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JimmyJockstrap said:
I suppose technically there is no temperature difference u just sweat more with black.

please correct me.
There is a temperature difference, which is why you sweat more. Black materials will absorb sunlight, white materials will reflect it.
 
Fibers which make up "white" cloth are often more transparent than white pigmented. The white appearance arises primarily from diffraction. Black cloth is usually dyed and can have a greater sunlight blocking factor than undyed "white" clothes.

The sun block we apply to our skin is absorptive at critical frequencies, not reflective. The ideal "color" for reflection would be "silver" (reflective at a given frequency).

The thicker the cloth, the more sunlight is blocked. Humans can withstand more infrared heat - as in an oven - while thickly clothed than naked.
 

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