Final answer:
Light-colored clothing is advantageous in the desert because it reflects sunlight during the day, keeping the body cooler, and at night, loose fit provides insulation by trapping warm air. It also protects against ultraviolet radiation, aiding in thermal comfort and health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wearing light-colored clothing is particularly beneficial in desert environments due to the extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. During the day, the white color of the clothing reflects sunlight, rather than absorbing it like darker colors would. This reflection helps to keep the body cooler in the blistering sun. At night, the loose fit of such clothing is beneficial as it allows for air convection, which can take heat away from the body, but in cold desert evenings, it can also help to trap a layer of warm air close to the skin, providing insulation. The layer of fabric also provides protection from the sun's ultraviolet radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn and overexposure.
People often experience discomfort when wearing tight black clothing on a hot day because black absorbs more solar radiation, thus making the person feel hotter, unlike white clothing which acts as a blackbody reflecting the radiation. Considering thermal comfort and health, people living in and visiting hot climates often choose clothing that will help them maintain an equilibrium or comfortable body temperature.
Region also plays a role in clothing choice. Those living closer to the equator tend to encounter higher levels of sunlight and thus have different needs compared to those in less sunny environments. The ability to select appropriate attire can be linked to geographical and cultural adaptations that humans have developed over time.