As awareness grows about the harmful effects of UV radiation on our skin, more people are turning to sun-protective clothing as an integral part of their sun safety regimen. From UV protection apparel to innovative designs, sun protective clothing offers a practical and stylish solution for minimizing sun exposure and reducing the risk of skin damage. Below, we’ll explore the basics of sun-protective clothing, including its benefits, features, and how to choose the right garments for your needs. If you find yourself with questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us today or call us at 855-936-4411. 

Understanding Sun Protective Clothing

Sun protective clothing is specifically designed to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Unlike regular clothing, which provides some level of sun protection, sun-protective clothing is engineered with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings to indicate its effectiveness in blocking UV radiation. UPF-rated clothing typically ranges from UPF 15 to UPF 50+, with higher ratings offering greater protection.

Benefits of Sun Protective Clothing:

1. Enhanced UV Protection: UV protection apparel offers superior UV protection compared to regular clothing, reducing your risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
2. Convenience: Unlike sunscreen, which requires frequent reapplication, sun-protective clothing provides consistent protection throughout the day, even when wet or sweaty.
3. Comfort: Many sun-protective garments are designed with lightweight, breathable fabrics that offer comfort and ventilation, making them ideal for outdoor activities in hot weather.
4. Versatility: Sun-protective clothing comes in a variety of styles and designs, from swimwear and hats to shirts and pants, allowing you to incorporate sun protection into your everyday wardrobe.

Features to Look For:

1. UPF Rating: Choose UPF-rated clothing of 30 or higher for optimal protection.
2. Tight Weave: Look for fabrics with a tight weave, as they offer better UV protection than loosely woven fabrics.
3. Dark Colors: Darker colors tend to absorb more UV radiation than lighter colors, providing additional protection.
4. Moisture-Wicking: Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics that draw sweat away from the skin, keeping you cool and comfortable during outdoor activities.
5. Coverage: Select garments that provide ample coverage for areas prone to sun exposure, such as the neck, arms, and legs.

Tips for Sun Protection:

• Wear sun-protective clothing along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for comprehensive sun protection.
• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas of skin not covered by clothing.
• Check clothing labels for UPF ratings on clothing and care instructions to maintain their protective properties over time.

What Types of Sun Protective Clothing Should You Wear? 

These types of sun-protective clothing offer varying degrees of coverage and protection against harmful UV rays, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing sun exposure and reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

1. Sun Hats: Wide-brimmed hats or bucket hats with UPF-rated fabric provide shade and protection for the face, neck, and ears. Skin cancer most often appears on the face and neck, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat is one of the easiest ways to protect those areas.
2. Sun Shirts: Long-sleeved shirts made from lightweight, UPF-rated fabrics offer coverage for the arms, torso, and shoulders.
3. Sun Hoodies: Hooded shirts or pullovers with UPF protection provide added coverage for the head, neck, and upper body.
4. Sun Jackets: Lightweight jackets or outer layers with UPF-rated fabric offer protection from the sun while providing warmth or wind resistance.
5. Sun Pants: Long pants made from UPF-rated fabric offer coverage for the legs and lower body, ideal for hiking, fishing, or other outdoor activities.

Best Sun Protection Clothing Brands

When choosing sun-protective clothing, consider factors such as UPF rating, fabric type, fit, and style to ensure you find garments that suit your needs and preferences. Below is a list of some of thesun-protecting clothing brands on the market.

• Solbari: Australia boasts a global reputation for pioneering skin cancer prevention, and Solbari stands as a testament to this legacy. A global leader in skin cancer prevention, recognized with prestigious awards and offering UPF50+ rated clothing.
• Mott: Fashion-forward sun protection brand based in Chicago, USA, recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
• Stingray: Australian brand providing premium rash guards and swimwear for superior UV protection.
• Cabana Life: Stylish beachwear combining sun protection with fashion, founded by skin cancer survivor Melissa Papock.
• Snapper Rock: Leading sun protection swimwear brand for children, distributed worldwide.
• Coolibar: Trusted name in UPF50+ sun protective clothing, hats, and accessories, endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Find Out More With GentleCure™ Today

Sun-protective clothing offers a simple yet effective way to safeguard your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. By understanding the basics of sun-protective clothing and choosing garments with appropriate UPF ratings and features, you can enjoy outdoor activities with confidence, knowing that your skin is well-protected. For more information about how to protect yourself, you can browse our blog where we go over common signs of skin cancer on the nose and scalp, as well as ways to find support if you have been diagnosed with skin cancer.