Why You Should Never Wear This Color T-Shirt, Sweatshirt or Hoodie in Winter
The t-shirt, hoodie and sweatshirt colors you should be wearing in winter
Every season has its color rhythm.
Summer bursts with bright clothing-color optimism, including sunshine yellows, ocean blues and coral reds. But winter? Winter slows down. The winter palette turns richer, deeper and more intentional. There’s a reason darker colors dominate your favorite cold-weather wardrobes—and it’s not just following some fashion trend.
Listen to this Story on the Disney Travel Style Podcast
The Science Behind Darker Winter Shades
Darker fabrics (such as black, navy, forest green, deep burgundy and so on) don’t just look warmer; they are warmer.
Dark hues absorb more sunlight, converting it to heat and keeping your body temperature a notch higher on those crisp morning walks or chilly travel days. Light colors like white, cream or pastel blue, on the other hand, reflect light (and warmth) away from you—great for summer, not so great for snow and cold.
The Best T-Shirt, Hoodie and Sweatshirt Colors for Winter Travel
If you’re on the move this winter, your gear needs to be as adaptable as your itinerary. Here are the top winter-approved shades that work from airport gates to alpine getaways:
Charcoal Gray: The ultimate neutral tone: classy, minimal and perfect for mixing and matching with any travel outfit.
Navy Blue: A cool classic that pairs effortlessly with jeans, khakis or layered winter gear.
Deep Burgundy or Maroon: Rich, confident hues that bring life to your look without going over the top.
Forest Green: Naturally grounded and perfect for winter adventures outdoors.
Jet Black: Always sleek, always right and unmatched in its ability to absorb warmth and hide wear from the road.
Colors to Avoid When It’s Cold
While there’s no real fashion crime in color (although some snobby types may disagree), there is a practical one. In winter, steer clear of bright whites and pastels.
These hues reflect light instead of absorbing it, leaving you chillier and looking out of sync with winter’s natural mood. You really don’t want to fight winter, do you? A white tee or light pink hoodie might be perfect under palm trees, but against a backdrop of frost and flannel? It’s out of place—and worse, it’s cold.
Winter Fashion Is About Mood (and Movement)
Winter color palettes go beyond fashion—they capture a feeling.
It’s not all about the practicality of warmth when you’re outside. Darker tones create a sense of warmth, depth and comfort that fits perfectly with cozy mornings, road trips and fireside evenings.
So when you’re pulling together your next winter travel outfit, remember: darker doesn’t mean dull—it means seasonally smart.
At 1923 Main Street®, our graphic tees, hoodies and sweatshirts are made for travelers who know that every color tells part of the story. This winter, choose the shades that move with the season—and with you.