These days, we hear a lot about the importance of UV clothing and how it can save our skin from sun damage. But is the sun really that bad?
Actually, yes. While it supports all life on Earth, the sun can also damage our skin. In fact, in just 15 minutes, we can start experiencing a sunburn.
While most people shrug off sunburns, it’s clear that something is wrong. Our skin isn’t meant to be burned. However, we are meant to be outdoors, enjoying the natural world.
So how can we do this? By wearing clothing that protects us from the sun’s harmful rays without making us too hot or sweaty. That’s exactly what UV blocking clothes do.
Keep reading to discover why UV clothing is so important and how it actually works to keep us safe.
The Ineffectiveness of Normal Clothing
During the daytime, the world is illuminated by the sun. The rays of light that make it to the earth and provide light are ultraviolet rays (UV).
They are extremely important to sustain life on earth. However, they are all incredibly strong. Too much exposure to these rays can damage our skin.
That’s why people wear clothing outside, even in the summertime. But can UV rays go through clothes? Most clothing lets UV light pass right through to your skin. In fact, cotton is so ineffective, that it only contains a UPF between five and eight.
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, which is similar to SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. If the sun was blazing, would you trust your skin to a sunscreen that only had 5 SPF?
Nope! Then you shouldn’t trust your skin with clothing, such as cotton, that’s ineffective. You need something that blocks more rays without overheating your body. Enter UV clothing.
What Is UV Clothing?
Many people refer to UV clothing as sun protection clothing, summer technical apparel, or simply, sun shirts. It’s a type of technical apparel that is designed for warm or hot weather.
It’s generally lightweight, thin, and breathable. But the most important factor is that the fabric itself blocks and reflects UV rays away from your body. So unlike cotton, which allows so much UV light to pass through to your skin, the technical fabric of UV clothing sends these rays packing.
Why Is UV Clothing Important?
Without proper protection, the sun is going to burn your skin. Not only is it painful, but it can lead to many other problems.
For one, you can expect to have wrinkly skin and age spots prematurely. On a more serious note, a couple of sunburns over your lifetime can increase your risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and leads to tens of thousands of deaths each year.
But the worst part is that sunburns are completely optional. And no, you don’t have to stay indoors in order to protect yourself. Nor do you need to lather yourself up in sunscreen every day.
You can simply choose to wear the right UV clothing when you know you’re going to be out in the sun.
Does UV Protective Clothing Work?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV clothing needs to have a minimum of 30 UPF in order to be considered safe and effective at blocking the sun.
Excellent-rated UV clothing will have a UPF of 50. But how does it work?
UV-blocking properties mostly come from the fabric itself. Many natural materials, such as cotton or hemp, do not naturally block UV rays.
That’s why in the summertime, UV clothing is typically made from synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, or even wool. Though, ineffective materials can be made into UV clothing by adding dyes or chemicals that help block UV rays.
The knit is also important. Tight-knit clothing will allow less light to pass through than looser-knit clothing. In general, heavier or thicker clothing can block rays better than lighter clothing.
However, modern clothing brands are able to produce the lightest, most comfortable clothing for hot weather with a UPF of 40 to 50.
UPF from Head to Toe
The best UV clothing for women and men is simply clothing that you will actually wear. That means it needs to look flattering, rather than technical.
Here are the garments to invest in if you spend enough time outside in sunny weather.
Shirts
The most common type of UV clothing is shirts. Short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts should be the first thing to pick up for sun protection. As you walk, run, play, or work outside, your shoulders and arms are exposed to the sun more than other parts of your body.
You can find UV clothing styles for women, men, and kids. You can find dress shirts, athletic shirts, outdoorsy shirts, and casual shirts in a variety of styles and colors.
Replace a bunch of your old, useless shirts with modern UV blocking shirts. They’re far more comfortable anyway.
Bottoms
Your legs have a ton of surface area as well. Get at least one pair of light, UV-blocking pants to protect your entire legs for long days in the sun.
Get a couple of pairs of UV shorts as well, to keep your upper legs safe when it’s just too hot for pants.
Hats
Keep your face, neck, ears, and eyes safe from the sun with a UV hat as well. Yes, your eyes can actually be damaged from too much direct sun exposure as well.
Kids
You can find all of these types of clothing available for kids as well. Since children are much more susceptible to sunburns than adults, make sure their wardrobes are stocked up with UV clothing and outfits.
Even on overcast or cooler days, the sun can still pose a threat. Don’t take a risk by letting your kids get burned necessarily.
Clothes That Protect
Just like sunscreen, UV clothing works to block out harmful UV rays, protecting our skin. This helps us to spend more time outside, knowing that we are safe. Plus, UV clothing is generally more comfortable than other types of clothing.
So there’s no reason not to find your favorite brand and stock up on clothing that saves, rather than continuing to wear clothing that doesn’t.
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