Why do arab people wear long black garments?

Question

I hears it helps keep you cool but I cannot see the reasoning behind it.

P.S No racial spin-offs

Answer 1

well, it is the women that wear the head to toe black.

an abaya and shayla (no idea how to spell it)

i am currently in the United Arab Emitrates and it is not an uncommon thing to see most arab women with some sort of covering. some do not choose the head covering or the full face one.

but it is part of their culture to wear them, and even though black does absorb the sun, covering most of the skin is cooler. any covering what so ever is cooler than skin with contact with the sun.

Answer 2

its not just arabs, "goths" are known to aswell,

anyway i think its more of a cultural/fashion thing, as black absorbs electromagnetic radiation alot better then white. (this is why it appears as black, it is not allowing any visible light to reflect)  

and if it is absorbing more energy, where does this go?? its converted to the form of thermal energy meaning it makes you feel"warmer"

how ever, im not sure they need the extra heat, considering countries in which they are known to mainly inhabit are usually very hot!