Beware of Sharks: Colors You Should Not Wear in the Ocean

The ocean certainly is an unpredictable place. Strong currents, gigantic waves and even in the best places to surf, the sun is probably not the only dangerous thing. From sharks, jellyfish and sea urchins to jet skis and fellow water athletes. When it comes to safety in the ocean, one factor that is often overlooked is the role that clothing can play. While it may seem like a minor detail, the colours that you choose to wear while diving or swimming in the ocean can actually have an impact on your safety, particularly when it comes to shark attacks. In this article, we will explore the science behind what colors attract sharks and provide some tips on what is the safest color to wear in the ocean.

Why are Wetsuits Black — The Importance of Color in the Ocean

Whether you look for the newest wetsuit for swimming, scuba diving or surfing — one thing they all seem to have in common is the colour. Every wetsuit in the world seems to be black, but why is that?

Are Sharks Attracted to Bright Colors?

The main reason for wetsuits to be black is actually not the possibility of a shark encounter. Wetsuits are typically black for practical and functional reasons. The black colour absorbs heat from sunlight, helping to keep the wearer warmer in cold water. Black is also durable, masking stains, wear, and tear, making the wetsuit last longer. 

Additionally, black neoprene, the material most wetsuits are made from, is cost-effective to produce in its natural state, which is already dark.

Neoprene is black primarily due to its production process and functional benefits:

1. Manufacturing Process:
   During the creation of neoprene, carbon black—a fine black powder—is added as a filler. Carbon black enhances the material’s strength, durability, and resistance to wear, making it better suited for demanding conditions like those encountered in wetsuits.

2. UV Protection:
   Carbon black also provides protection against ultraviolet (UV) light, reducing material degradation caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. This extends the lifespan of the neoprene.

3. Thermal Benefits:
   Black absorbs heat more effectively than other colours, helping to retain warmth. For wetsuits, this can be an added benefit in cold water by offering slight thermal assistance, just like our wetsuit thickness guide offers.

4. Practical and Aesthetic Reasons:
   Black is versatile, hides stains and wear, and creates a sleek, professional look that has become standard for wetsuits and other neoprene-based products.

In summary, neoprene’s black colour is both a result of its manufacturing and a practical choice for performance and durability.

Coming back to the question of what colors you should not wear in the ocean, thinking of the appearance of a seal, black seems an odd choice.

But actually bright colours, especially yellows and whites, are sometimes referred to as “yum-yum yellow” because they stand out in the water. Sharks rely on their keen vision and may be attracted to high-contrast colours and patterns that differ from the surroundings. 

While wearing bright colours doesn’t guarantee an encounter with a shark, it’s generally recommended to avoid flashy or high-contrast gear to reduce visibility in areas where sharks are present.

What is the Safest Color to Wear in the Ocean?

Choosing the safest colour to wear in the ocean involves finding a balance between being visible to other surfers or rescuers and minimizing attraction to sharks. Bright colours like neon yellow, orange, and green are excellent for visibility, making it easier for others to spot you in the waves or during low-light conditions. 

Adding reflective details to your gear can further enhance your safety. However, when it comes to sharks, avoiding high-contrast patterns like black-and-white stripes is important, as these can resemble prey signals. Neutral or dull tones, such as light blue or grey, blend better with the ocean environment and are less likely to draw a shark’s attention. 

So many contradictory tips, and you are wondering now how to buy a wetsuit?

A good compromise might be colours like bright blue or turquoise, which are visible to humans but don’t stand out sharply to sharks. For the best of both worlds, consider wearing gear with neon accents or high-visibility panels that avoid bold patterns, ensuring you stay safe while enjoying the water.

Are Shark Really Dangerous for Divers

It is difficult to determine the exact number of shark attacks on divers per year, as these incidents are often not reported or are misidentified as something else. However, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), a database maintained by the University of Florida, there were a total of 64 unprovoked shark attacks on divers worldwide in 2020.

It’s indispensable to note that the number of shark attacks on divers represents a small fraction of the overall number of shark attacks that occur each year, as most attacks involve swimmers, surfers, and other beach goers. 

Additionally, the number of shark attacks on divers has remained relatively stable over the past decade, with an average of 64 attacks per year from 2011 to 2020. What the report did not say, was the colour of the scuba wetsuits the divers were wearing. 

What Colors Are Sharks Attracted to?

First, let’s address the question: Are sharks color blind? The answer though is a bit complicated. The shark’s eyes have specialized cells called chromatophores that allow them to detect light and dark, but they do not have the same type of colour-sensitive cones that humans have.

This means that they are not capable of seeing the full range of colours that we can. However, they are thought to be able to distinguish between different wavelengths of light, which can allow them to perceive certain colours as being brighter or darker than others.

So, if sharks aren’t able to see colours in the same way that we do, what makes certain colours more attractive to them for us colors you should not wear in the ocean? One theory is that sharks are attracted to contrasts, and that bright or fluorescent colours can stand out more vividly against the ocean’s blue and green tones.

For example, a bright yellow or orange dive suit might be more visible to a shark than a darker colour like black or blue. However, it’s important to note that this theory is still being researched and is not fully understood.

Despite the limited research on the subject, there are some colours that have been shown to be more attractive to sharks in certain circumstances. For example, in a study published in the journal “Animal Behaviour,” researchers found that lemon sharks were more attracted to divers wearing yellow and white dive suits than those wearing grey or black suits.

Similarly, in a separate study published in the journal “Marine Biology,” researchers found that bull sharks were more likely to approach bait that was coloured red or yellow than bait that was blue or white. These findings suggest that bright, contrasting colours on your wetsuit or drysuit may be more attractive to sharks, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Myth: Do Sharks Not Like Red Light

The idea that sharks do not like red light is a myth. Sharks’ sensitivity to light, including their ability to perceive different colours, is still a subject of scientific research, but here’s what we know:

Sharks are believed to have monochromatic vision, meaning they see in shades of gray rather than perceiving a full spectrum of colours. Studies suggest they lack cone cells for detecting red, so red light may appear dark or invisible to them.

Yet, sharks are highly sensitive to contrast and movement, rather than specific colours. Any light, regardless of its hue, might attract or deter them based on intensity and behaviour, not the colour itself.

The myth likely stems from the idea that red light is less visible to certain marine animals, making it useful for divers or underwater photographers to avoid startling wildlife. This does not mean sharks dislike or avoid red light specifically.

In fact, sharks rely more on their other senses, like their ability to detect electric fields and movement, than on vision to locate prey.

How to Choose the Right Wetsuit Colour

Which Wetsuit is the one for you depends on several facts. The first one is your choice of water sports. Do you do kitesurfing or windsurfing, do you need a special triathlon wetsuit, one for scuba diving or for surfing?

Finding the Right Wetsuit Size

Besides the type of activity you require the wetsuit for, the next important thing to find out is the water temperatures and season you need it for. A wetsuit temperature guide can help you figure out exactly the range of thickness that is best for you. 

Wetsuits are designed to keep you warm by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin, which your body heats up. The thickness of the wetsuit determines its insulation ability.

• 50 °F — 60 °F (10 °C — 16 °C): 5 mm to 7 mm wetsuit full body
• 60 °F — 65 °F (16 °C — 18 °C): 4 mm to 5 mm wetsuit
• 65 °F — 75 °F (18 °C — 24 °C): 3 mm to 4 mm wetsuit
• 75 °F — 85 °F (24 °C — 29 °C): 2 mm to 3 mm wetsuit or a thinner suit like a long-sleeve rash guard
• 85 °F and above (29 °C +): 1 mm to 2 mm wetsuit or just a rash guard for sun protection

A wetsuit size chart can then give you an idea of the measurements your wetsuit should have due to your body height. A wetsuit should fit snugly to your body without being too tight. A tight fit helps maintain the warm water layer, while a loose suit won’t keep you warm. Consider the following:

• Snug Fit: The suit should feel snug around your chest, legs, and arms but not restrict your breathing or movement.
• Avoid Gaps: Make sure there are no gaps or loose spots around your neck, wrists, or ankles that could let cold water in.
• Ease of Movement: Ensure you can move freely, especially in the shoulders and legs. If you’re doing a lot of paddling, look for a wetsuit with flexible panels.

Once you’ve found the perfect wetsuit, it’s important to take proper care of it. Familiarize yourself with what to avoid, how to wash your wetsuit, and how to dry it correctly to ensure it lasts and serves you well on many adventures to come.

What Colors Are Sharks Not Attracted to?

Once you figured out the kind, size, and thickness of your wetsuit, you can fully concentrate on the choice of colour. Especially, on the colour that keeps you most safe in the water.

As light penetrates water, colours start to disappear in the following order: red disappears first, followed by orange, yellow, green, and blue. At deeper depths, colours like blue and green are still visible, while warmer colours like red and yellow are no longer discernible.

Since sharks may have difficulty seeing warmer colours like red or yellow, these colours would not attract them, unlike other marine animals that might be drawn to more vibrant colours.

Blue and green are more easily visible to sharks, especially in deeper waters, where they are still discernible. However, blue is considered less likely to attract sharks compared to the contrast of movement or other stimuli, such as splashing or electric fields.

In the end, sharks are more responsive to contrast and movement, not necessarily to specific colours. Which is why when encountering a shark, staying still is generally considered the best approach, rather than moving quickly.

If you stay still, the shark may approach, but typically won’t feel threatened and is more likely to swim away after evaluating the situation. They often do not see humans as prey, and remaining calm can help maintain that perception.

Conclusion: What Colors Attract Sharks?

Although we don’t fully understand why sharks might be drawn to certain colours, research suggests that bright, contrasting colours and shiny or reflective materials could catch their attention. Meaning, colors you should not wear in the ocean are mainly neon colours and wild patterns. To play it safe, it’s best to avoid wearing these while in the ocean. That said, shark encounters with divers are quite rare, and you can make them even less likely by sticking to good diving practices and staying mindful of your surroundings. The ocean is an incredible place to explore, and with a little care, it can be enjoyed safely.

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