Can a Clothing’s Color Keep You Safer?

Clothing choice is said to directly benefit our moods and attitudes, as well as reflect self-confidence.  Per Howlermag.com, “We can achieve more when we feel dressed for the occasion.” Clothing choices often influence how other people feel about us, too. For example, a person going into a job interview in jeans may be perceived as casual or laid-back, whereas another individual going for that same interview sporting a two-piece business suit might be perceived as sophisticated or conscientious. However, did you know that the color clothing you choose might help keep you safer? It’s true.

Mosquitos are known carriers of disease such as West Nile Virus, Zika, Chikungunya, Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Dengue Fever. Each is quite serious with the worst-case scenario resulting in human death. Health One Family Medicine explains, “Mosquitos are arguably among the most dangerous animals on the planet accounting for millions of deaths every year.” They are essentially flying parasites. But thankfully, most mosquito bites simply irritate the skin by creating an itchy nuisance that eventually goes away. But what do clothes have to do with this subject? Scientists are now saying that some color clothing YOU wear might attract mosquitos.

Scientists at the University of Washington have done some new research and discovered that mosquitos prefer certain colors. Mosquitos initially smell the carbon dioxide that humans breathe out. Then, they zero in on the colors of red or orange because that is how they see human skin regardless of pigmentation. It is widely known that mosquitos are attracted to human breath, sweat, and skin temperature. Per the Weather Channel, mosquitos also like black and dark colors because it reminds them of shade and places to get water. Mosquitos are also believed to have highly sensitive heat sensors and since dark colors absorb more heat than light clothing, it attracts them. So, if you want to avoid being on a mosquito’s menu, avoid colors like cyan, orange, red and black and opt for white, blue, green, and purple, which are much safer choices.

It’s quite interesting to learn that we can help protect ourselves from mosquito bites simply by choice of wardrobe. And knowing what lures them gives humans the additional power to find clever ways to stop them. Meanwhile, as you are pursuing your closet for an event that puts you near mosquitos, such as an outdoor hike or graduation ceremony, be mindful to stay away from those colors which signal to pesky mosquitos that you are there for the biting!