Yes, research indicates that mosquitoes are influenced by clothing color when choosing their targets. A 2022 study from the University of Washington, published in *Nature Communications*, found that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are more attracted to colors like red, orange, and black, which have longer wavelengths (around 650 nanometers). These colors mimic visual cues associated with skin or blood hosts, making them stand out to mosquitoes after they detect carbon dioxide from a person’s breath.
The study also showed that mosquitoes tend to avoid colors with shorter wavelengths, such as green, blue, and white. These hues don’t align with the visual signatures of their typical hosts and may signal less appealing targets. This preference kicks in once mosquitoes are already drawn close by CO2, suggesting color is a secondary cue refining their choice rather than the initial trigger.
While clothing color can influence bites, it’s not the sole factor—body heat, sweat chemicals, and movement also matter significantly. Darker colors might also absorb more heat, indirectly boosting attraction by raising skin temperature. So, wearing lighter shades like white or pale blue could reduce bites slightly, but don’t count on it as your only defense against these persistent pests.