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.

Embrace Summer Fashion Smartly

While Peach Fuzz is a beautiful and trendy color for summer 2024, being mindful of how you incorporate it into your outfits can help you stay stylish and mosquito-free. You can enjoy the best summer fashion without mosquitoes’ unwanted attention by pairing Peach Fuzz with lighter shades, opting for loose-fitting clothing, and using natural repellents.