- Garments with a UPF rating of 50+ provide steadfast, enduring UV defense, maintaining their protective qualities unlike sunscreen, which fades or wears off.
- It’s advisable to seek out the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Approval and opt for darker, densely woven materials that provide greater skin coverage.
- To maximize effectiveness, pair UPF clothing with sunscreen on exposed skin, and handle your apparel delicately to preserve their protective capabilities over time.
As the summer temperatures soar, extending our time outdoors means a higher risk of sun exposure. While sunscreen is a common solution, can sun-protective attire offer superior protection? We sought out expert opinions and compiled their insights on how such clothing functions, what to consider when shopping for it, and how to ensure it remains effective.
Dr. Emily Wood, M.D., is a dermatologist board-certified at Westlake Dermatology in Marble Falls and Austin, Texas.
Sun-protective attire encompasses garments designed with integrated UV defense to safeguard the skin against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These items are graded by their Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), which reflects their efficiency in blocking UV radiation. The higher the UPF rating, the stronger the protection.
Donning a shirt with a UPF of 50+ affords a level of protection akin to SPF 50+ sunscreen but with greater consistency. Unlike sunscreen, which can degrade, clothing maintains consistent coverage throughout the day. Many fail to apply sufficient sunscreen or forget to reapply it every two hours, diminishing its effectiveness and raising the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
“Sun-protective clothing resists water and sweat, offering superior sun protection, particularly for prolonged outdoor activities and for keeping active children safe,” Dr. Emily Wood, a board-certified dermatologist, elaborates.
Fashion has evolved significantly in recent years, with functionality no longer compromising style. From wide-brimmed hats and light dresses to swimwear, shirts, and pants, there’s a plethora of sun-safe options available.
Experts suggest that clothing with a UPF of 50 or more offers the most effective sun protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation endorses fabrics that meet this standard, which consumers can identify through the seal found on products like clothing, hats, and accessories crafted from UV-protective materials.
One of the pioneering brands to earn this seal of approval is Coolibar. The company employs specific fabric construction, color, and weight to block UV rays. Sean Kifer of Coolibar emphasizes the need for durable garments that can withstand multiple washes and exposure to sweat, chlorine, and salt.
Kifer advises seeking out items in darker or more vibrant hues, which absorb more UV rays than lighter or sheer fabrics. He suggests choosing pieces with tighter weaves and thicker materials, and opting for styles that offer more coverage, such as those with long sleeves, high necklines, or longer hems.
Wood concurs that investing in high-quality UPF-rated attire is crucial: “Most individuals are unaware that a standard t-shirt only offers about SPF 5 sun protection.”
Experts agree that sun-protective clothing is the first line of defense, but a broad-spectrum sunscreen is still necessary for comprehensive protection.
“Sun protection is best thought of as a comprehensive routine,” Kifer states. “Clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for uncovered areas provide the best protection.”
“Sunscreen is unnecessary under areas covered by UPF clothing,” says Wood. “I always recommend my patients apply sunscreen before putting on clothing to ensure they cover all potential exposed areas, such as shoulders, wrists, waistline, or other areas that may become exposed due to movement or dampness.”
She also emphasizes the importance of overlapping sunscreen: “I always apply my sunscreen so that it overlaps with the edges of my sun-protective clothing.”
Proper care is essential for maintaining the optimal performance of sun-protective clothing. Kifer suggests washing garments in cold water with a mild detergent and avoiding fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh detergents. Line drying or using a low-heat drying cycle is ideal. UPF clothing should never be dry cleaned, as the chemicals can degrade the protective fibers over time.
Quality UPF fabrics should last for several seasons, but there are signs that a garment may need to be replaced. These include thinning fabric, stretching or sagging, holes, fraying, and excessive pilling.
“As a general guideline, if the fabric appears visibly worn or allows light to pass through, it may no longer offer full UPF 50+ protection,” Kifer advises.
