Why are burkas etc. always black (or dark)?

[truconstruct]

That was mentioned on QI.

 

But notice how the women wear black, and the men wear light shades.

 

 

QI were just simply wrong, I've notice quite a lot on that show is utter balderdash.

[Wildcat]

I found the straightdope article as well, but I'm not sure I believe it. For one thing it deals with plumage rather than clothes, and whether it's ruffled or not, which is then extrapolated to whether clothing is loose or tight. Secondly, as mentioned earlier by someone else, I don't see why the absorption of emitted heat would vary with colour, whereas it's obvious that the amount of light energy absorbed (or reflected) would do.

 

Not sure <shrugs>

 

but the Bedouin and Tuareg wear dark colours and I doubt they do it to look good. You can also see them wearing white or light coloured clothing, so I would think it doesn't make a lot of difference.

 

White reflecting heat is fine but if your body is hot you would want it irradiating heat. I think I would go with the convection theory that makes dark loose clothes either preferable or no worse than white coloured clothing.

[truconstruct]

But then white also reflects the heat that is already inside so keeps it inside.

 

There's very little light eminating from a human.

[truconstruct]

I know this is different in some parts of the world (and I can't remember which) but white is associated with purity and black is the colour of the devil. That would fit the cultural/religious attitudes to men and women, though I've no idea if that's the reason.

 

There you have it QED.

[truconstruct]

I see a marketing opportunity arising here Hows about Goretex Burkha's ? Lightweight and breathable and availlable in any colour the client requires :D with the added advantage that they are perfect for the British weather being waterproof...

 

 

I may be onto something here :hihi:

 

It would be more than a little ironic since gortex was invented by Jews.

[Bigthumb]

http://www.islamfortoday.com/burka.jpg

 

The yellow burka.

[purdyamos]

There you have it QED.

 

 

What do you mean, QED? Where's your proof? I only suggested it on a whim.

[melthebell]

There is probably a good business opportunity to open a shop serving a niche market - a Burqa Boutique.

wouldnt that be like a shop that they buy em from already??

theyre not born wearing a burka (i dont think )

 

[mossdog]

Somebody asked this question before on a previous thread, but it was never answered. So I'm asking it again.

 

Why is it that traditional Muslim women's clothing is usually black? Surely in this sort of weather it would make more sense to wear a white one, which would keep the wearer cooler? Indeed since most Muslims live in hotter parts of the world, why are they not white as a matter of course?

 

Edit: genuine scientific enquiry so please don't let this descend into the usual drivel.

Because it represents darkness and control of the human spirit.Most religions wear it as the default tunic along with judges and lawyers.Judges even put on a little black cap to sentence people to death.

[tab1]

The difference with the overcoats is that you don't wear one while the sun's beating down. I can see the analogies with priests and nuns though. From your last sentence then there's nothing to stop them wearing a bright-coloured one like an Indian sari, for example? Seems odd that no-one does in that case, though I suppose if you're going to rebel against it the obvious thing to do is not wear it at all. Maybe YouFo666 is right and there's a whole market in designer burkas waiting to be exploited.

If the whole point is to avoid attention then bright colours may not be the right choice methinks.