As the golf season hits its dog-days-of-summer stretch, managing heat becomes crucial for peak performance.
Overheating can lead to increased sweating, muscle cramps, and reduced focus, impacting both body and mind. According to Hans Larsson, longtime swing coach for Ludvig Aberg, the body enters survival mode under these conditions.
Apart from hydration and nutrition, the color of your clothing plays a significant role in heat management. A 2019 study led by Toshiaki Ichinose from the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Tsukuba, Japan, explored how different colored polo shirts absorb radiant energy. Using special cameras, the team measured surface temperatures to reveal varying heat absorption rates across nine colors.
Best & Worst Colors to Wear in Summer Heat
Here’s how they ranked, from coolest to hottest:
1. White
Known for its minimal light absorption, keeping temperatures lower.
2. Yellow
Surprisingly effective, securing second place in the study.
3. Light Gray
Unexpectedly high ranking, offering notable heat reduction benefits.
4. Red
Tiger Woods’ favored color, showing better-than-expected performance.
5. Purple
An unexpected high finish, just missing out on the top spots.
6. Blue
Could benefit from shade variation to improve cooling properties.
7. Green
Surprising result: absorbs more infrared light than even black, making it one of the hottest colors.
8. Dark Green
Better suited for cooler seasons due to higher heat absorption.
9. Black
Absorbs 86% of infrared light, generating the highest heat levels among all colors.
Understanding these findings can help optimize clothing choices for staying cool during summer activities, ensuring both comfort and performance are maximized.
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