Scientists develop a purple fabric that reflects sunlight and stays up to 6.2°C cooler, offering a colourful alternative to white summer clothes

Image Credit: Adelaide University A new purple cooling fabric developed by Chinese and Australian researchers could offer a way to stay cooler in intense summer heat without relying on traditional white clothing. The study published in the journal ‘Small,’ describes that the material is designed to reflect sunlight while allowing heat to escape from the fabric. Outdoor tests found that it remained up to ‘6.2°C cooler’ than commercially dyed purple cotton under direct sunlight, while tests using simulated skin showed an even stronger cooling effect. The research, led by scientists at Zhengzhou University with involvement from Adelaide University, addresses a…