Deep blue and red cotton garments provide effective protection against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, according to a study from Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya in Terrassa, Spain, reports HealthDay News.

For the study, researchers dyed cotton fabrics in various shades of red, blue and yellow. Then they measured the ability of each to soak up UV light.

The results indicated that deep blue pigments had the highest UV absorption. Yellow shades had the least.

Researchers said the findings could lead  to the production of clothing fabrics with  improved UV protection. But one scientist said they need more information to explain how color and other factors interact to provide varying degrees of sun protection.

For more info about UV protection, read RH’s “Boost Your Sunscreen IQ.”