Study reveals dark-colored clothes are best protection vs harmful UV rays

Some experts suggest that dark-colored clothes are the appropriate for against harmful UV rays, according to a study, GMA News' Vonne Aquino reported on "State of the Nation" Monday.

The most common advice to stay cool during the dry season is to wear light-colored clothes.

This is the practice of Tix Rodriguez, who wears a sleeveless shirt and shorts during his daily commute.

According to the study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, wearing dark-colored clothes such as black clothes and bright-colored clothes like red provides good protection from the sun's UV rays.

Meanwhile, light-colored or clothes with pastel colors are not able to absorb enough UV rays.

"The black colors will actually block more of the UV rays. Mas pumapasok ang UV rays sa lighter colors. So, it will cause more of pagkasunog or tinatawag na UV damage," said dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez.

(The black colors will actually block more of the UV rays. UV rays penetrate lighter colors more. So, it will cause more of burning or what is called UV damage.)

Type of fabric

The type of cloth should also be considered.

The doctor advices that for those who expect extreme exposure to the sun, wear dark-colored clothes with tightly woven fabric like nylon, polyester, and lycra.

However, Marquez said, when tightly woven clothes are used these should be changed often so that sweat does not accumulate on the skin. These types of clothing do not absorb much sweat. So there is a risk to have prickly heat.

For people who will not stay under the sun too long can light-colored cotton shirts.

From the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippine Textile Research Institute, in order to stay fresh, wear clothes made of "breathable fabric" or clothes that does not retain sweat on the body.

Also, clothes made of linen and cotton to improve body airflow.

Audric Zuriel Cruz, DOST's Textile Materials Research Group head said it is also good to use clothes made from natural materials such as abaca and piña. — BAP, GMA News