Dear Editor,

After relocating to the bustling city of Kingston, I noticed something unexpected — my wardrobe slowly shifted towards darker colours, especially black.

At first, it seemed like an odd choice. Kingston’s heat can be intense, and I had always believed that wearing black would only make me feel hotter. Yet, day after day, I found myself reaching for black clothes and feeling more comfortable than I ever imagined in the sweltering heat.

I couldn’t quite explain it at first. It wasn’t until almost a year later that I realised why I was gravitating towards darker colours, particularly black. What I thought was a simple style preference actually had a lot to do with practicality and comfort. Contrary to popular belief, black can help you stay cool in hot climates, including Kingston’s rising temperatures.

Most people think black absorbs heat and should be avoided in warmer weather. While it’s true that black does absorb sunlight, it also radiates heat away from your body more efficiently than lighter colours. This helps with temperature regulation and can actually keep you cooler in the long run. After realising this, it all started to make sense — I wasn’t overheating, I wasn’t sweating excessively, and the black fabric seemed to make my daily commute far more bearable.

Another thing I noticed is that I didn’t have to worry about visible sweat marks as much. In Kingston’s heat, sweating is inevitable, but black clothes tend to hide it better than lighter shades. This made black a go-to colour for maintaining a fresh and professional look throughout the day.

Even in air-conditioned office spaces, where the temperature can shift from one extreme to another, I found that black and other dark colours were still my best bet. These shades allowed me to transition seamlessly from the heat outside to the cool indoors, while maintaining a sharp, business-appropriate appearance. Black was no longer just a colour for formal events — it became my everyday staple for comfort and confidence.

It took me almost a year to fully understand why I felt so comfortable in black despite Kingston’s rising temperatures. It wasn’t just about style — it was about practicality. Black allowed my body to cool itself naturally and reduced the appearance of sweat, while still keeping me looking professional.

Now I know that black isn’t just a winter colour or something to wear at night. It’s a smart, versatile choice for hot days and cooler offices alike.

If you, too, are battling high temperatures and looking for comfort and style, consider adding more black to your wardrobe — you might be surprised.

Leroy Fearon

leroyfearon85@gmail.com