A Surprising Summer Drawback Of Wearing The 2024 Color Of The Year
It’s official! Peach Fuzz is Pantone’s Color of the Year. This delicate shade, which falls between peach and beige-pink, has been celebrated in several Spring/Summer 2024 runway shows. Designers like Michael Kors and Elie Saab have showcased Peach Fuzz in their summer-ready designs, including ethereal gowns and chic dresses, making it a standout choice for summer wardrobes. (reference: Glam)
We both know my blog posts don’t feature fashion tips (I leave that to Sierra). However, I do know color theory and odd pieces of trivia—and that’s why I’m talking about Summer trend palettes today.
While Peach Fuzz is undeniably stylish (which I can admit after doing research for this blog post), there’s a surprising drawback: it might be on the spectrum of colors that attract mosquitoes. Here’s why you must be cautious with this trendy color and how to incorporate it into your wardrobe smartly.
Why Peach Fuzz Attracts Mosquitoes
Research shows that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors such as black, navy, blue, and red. Interestingly, the color Peach Fuzz falls on the red-orange spectrum, which is also known to attract mosquitoes. This is because human skin tones appear to mosquitoes as a solid red-orange hue.
However, I have good news, so I don’t want you to worry too much about your clothing color choices. You see, color alone doesn’t significantly impact mosquito behavior. Still, it does when combined with natural body elements like carbon dioxide (CO2), blood type, and sweat.
A 2022 study from the University of Washington, published in Nature Communications, suggests mosquitoes preferred red-orange hues only after they detected carbon dioxide, which humans release when breathing. This typically occurs within a 100-foot range. (reference: Terminix)
So technically, you have some “breathing” room. See what I did there?
How to Wear Peach Fuzz Without Attracting Mosquitoes
Again, I’m not a fashion expert (reference: my closet). I’m focusing on color combinations and contrast. But I can tell you that wearing breathable fabrics and having a loose, billowy silhouette will keep you from sweating too much and breathing out more—releasing CO2.Despite its potential to attract the little blood suckers, you can still enjoy wearing Peach Fuzz by following these tips:
Watch out for high-contrast color combos:
High-contrast color combinations can make you more noticeable to mosquitoes. These insects are attracted to contrasts and can quickly spot high-contrast patterns against the natural background. If your outfit exposes a lot of skin, choose outfits with lower contrast to minimize mosquito attention.
Pair Peach Fuzz with Mosquito-Repellent Colors
Pair this peachy color with lighter hues like white, beige, or soft pastels. These colors are less attractive to mosquitoes and help reduce the overall visibility of these pests.
Use as an Accent
Instead of wearing Peach Fuzz as the primary color, use it as an accent. Accessories like scarves, hats, or bags in Peach Fuzz can add a stylish touch without drawing too much attention from mosquitoes.
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