What to Look for in Clothes That Protect Against the Sun
Lindsay Knake
| 2 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Protecting your skin from the sun is an essential part of maintaining your health while spending time outdoors.
You probably already know you need to wear sunscreen, but Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) gear can help with added protection. This clothing type protects against UVA and UVB radiation. Whether button-up shorts, long-sleeved T-shirts, neck gaiters, hats, swimsuits, gloves and pants, there is a wide range of gear that helps keep your skin safe from the sun’s damaging rays.
While most clothing can provide some protection from the sun, UPF gear is designed and treated specifically to shield your skin from UV rays. UPF clothing has some advantages over sunscreen, including protection against both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF only protects against UVB rays.
Here are things to look for when shopping for UPF clothing:
UPF
When choosing sun protection clothing, look for a higher UPF rating. UPF 30 blocks 96% of the sun’s rays, while UPF 50 protects against 98% of the sun’s rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
The Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation on tags shows products that meet the criteria for safe and effective sun protection.
UPF clothing, like any other garment, will eventually breakdown from use. Most gear can last two to three years. Tags may also tell you how many washes the garment can handle as the finish can diminish after washing, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Cloth
Look for densely woven cloth such as synthetic fibers, denim or wool. The close fibers provide more protection from UV rays than thin or loosely woven cloth.
Color
Dark and bright colors keep out more UV rays than light colors.
Fit
Loose-fitting garments provide more protection than tight clothing, which can stretch and allow UV rays through.
Coverage
Choose long-sleeved shirts and pants or skirts to cover more of your skin. Wear a shirt with a higher collar or a neck gaiter and wear a hat to keep the sun off your face.
Activity
While there is UPF gear for swimming, paddling and boating, it can lose protective ability when it gets wet. Many pieces created for summer activities are made of polyester and will dry quickly.
In addition to clothing and accessories like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, continue to use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on all exposed skin for the best possible sun protection. Don’t forget your neck, hands and feet.
Image: Getty Images
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