When it comes to sun protection, sunscreen isn’t the only tool you have. Sun protective clothing is an effective, hassle-free way to guard your skin against harmful UV rays. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in sun-protective clothing so you can make informed decisions for your skin health. Read more...
Photo: TechEI
Disclaimer: This page contains an affiliate link to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through this link.
Sun-protective clothing is more than just a fashion choice; it plays an important role in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. While many assume that any clothing offers sufficient protection, the reality is that not all fabrics are created equal. The false sense of protection we can gain from clothing without UV protection can lead to chronic UV damage that accumulates in the DNA of our cells. The long-term effects of this have been linked to the development of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.
What is Sun-Protective Clothing, and How Does It Work?
Most people think their skin is protected from UV (ultraviolet) exposure if they are wearing any type of clothing. To some extent, this can be true but the question is really how much protection is your clothing offering? Sun-protective clothing is specially designed to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Unlike regular clothing, it’s tested and rated using UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), which measures how much UV radiation penetrates the fabric. Think of UPF and SPF as similar -- SPF tells us how much sun protection we get from sunscreen products while UPF tells us about clothing.
For example:
A white T-shirt typically has a UPF of 5, offering minimal protection. This is not even close to the recommended minimum UPF of 20. We often apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin and do not tend to consider the need to protect it under our clothing. Although daily chronic UV may not show itself as an actual sunburn, cellular damage occurs with chronic sun exposure.
UPF 50 clothing blocks 98% of UV rays, providing excellent coverage.
UPF clothing is tested to ensure effectiveness even after 40 machine washes, simulating regular wear and tear. Additionally, it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which can damage skin and accelerate aging. To be able to tell if your clothing is protecting you from UV it needs to disclose the testing it has undergone for UV protection. Skincare products use a rating scale called “SPF” or sun protection factor to give a sense of protection the product offers. Most people are familiar with this rating, in spite of how confusing it may be. The real challenge with SPF is that it only tells us how much UVB rays are blocked, not UVA.
Why is Sun-Protective Clothing Important?
The goal of sun-protective clothing is to understand the amount of protection your skin has from UV exposure underneath your clothing. The false sense of protection we can gain from clothing without UV protection stated can lead to chronic UV damage that accumulates in the DNA of our cells. The long-term effects of this have been linked to the development of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.
The goal of sun-protective clothing is twofold:
Prevent UV damage: Ordinary clothing may provide a false sense of security. Chronic UV exposure can accumulate in your skin’s DNA, leading to premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Reduce sunscreen reliance: By covering large areas of skin, these garments can minimize the need for sunscreen on covered areas, protecting your skin while reducing the environmental and health concerns linked to chemical sunscreens. If designed with coverage in mind, we can reduce the need for traditional sunscreen products for the face, hands, and limited areas of the body. This will reduce the overall impact of sunscreen products on our health (we absorb 4 x the safe amount in our bloodstream after one day of use on exposed areas not covered by a bathing suit) and the environment (the impact on coral and aquatic life).
Key Features to Look for in Sun-Protective Clothing
When shopping for sun-protective clothing, here are the key features to prioritize:
UPF Rating : Check the label for the UPF rating. This label tells you if the garment was tested for its ability to block UV rays.
Choose garments with a UPF of 30 or higher. A UPF 50 rating is ideal for maximum protection.
Fabric Type
Even though some people think you can just hold clothing up to light to see if it blocks UV visibly, this is absolutely not true. I have tested fabrics that have the same amount of visible light penetrating through but with different amounts of UV. UV is invisible, you cannot see it. The only way to ensure UV protection is testing.
Although companies will promote textiles as naturally UV blocking such as bamboo, this alone is not enough to determine UV protection. Any physical object will have some potential to block some UV, the question is always how much. if bamboo is loosely woven, it cannot block enough UV to achieve a UPF of 30 or 50. We have tested numerous bamboo based textiles and found them to often to have UPFs below 15. Again, look for the UPF testing verification on the label.
Design
Check the style. A sun-protective string bikini is not going to provide much UV protection for your overall body surface area.
Look for mock necks, long sleeves, and thumb tabs to protect commonly missed areas like the neck and hands.
Style and Wearability
Select items that fit your personal style. If it’s not comfortable or attractive, you’re less likely to wear it daily.
The sun we get at the beach and the pool is the exact same sun that we get when out for a walk, stuck in traffic, or gardening. Sun protection is important every day.
Durability
Opt for clothing that retains its UV protection even after multiple washes.
Recommended Sun-Protective Clothing by Activity
Here’s a breakdown of the best options for different activities:
Swimsuits
Features to look for:
High back for UV protection to the back to avoid sunburns around straps and to shoulders
Quarter or half zip at the chest to offer coverage when needed to the delicate skin of the chest
Long sleeves that can offer UV protection to the arms that does not wash off until you take it off
Swim pants or leggings are a wonderful quick offer for UV protection to the legs for lower body protection when needed.
Why it works: Traditional swimwear often exposes too much skin to the sun, making UPF-rated swimwear a game-changer.
Hiking Gear
Hiking places our head, scalp, back of the neck, back of the arms, and legs at risk for UV. The ideal hiking gear offers:
Mock necks to protect the back of the neck. We tend to turn our back to the sun not realizing that in protecting our face we are placing our neck and back at risk for excess UV exposure.
Long sleeves for full arm coverage.
Wide-brimmed hats for added face and neck protection. Be cautious of UPF ratings for hats. The protection offered can only be assured for areas in direct contact with the hat material. These products are not always tested through wear and tear. Focus on styles that have continuous materials without holes or openings.
Why it works: Hiking gear needs to cover areas like the scalp, neck, and arms, which are vulnerable to UV exposure during outdoor activities.
Running Gear
Running midday presents a challenge for those that focus on sunscreen use alone. Sweating can make the sunscreen less effective and wear off quickly. Look for:
Moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool.
Long sleeves, mock neck, and leggings for full coverage.
Close-fitting designs to prevent gaps during active movement.
Why it works: Sweating can make sunscreen less effective, so breathable sun-protective gear is essential for runners.
Casual Wear
I recently found a melanoma on the shoulder of a patient that wears sun-protective shirts routinely. The boat neck of the top revealed the precise location of her melanoma. Her tan line showed it was not covered by the shirt and she did not wear sunscreen on the exposed area with the false assumption her shirt was doing the job. Features to look for:
Shirts with mock necks and long sleeves.
Thumb tabs to protect the back of the hands while driving and walking.
Half-zip or quarter-zip is a bonus at the chest to offer
Pants that cover the calves and tops of feet.
Wide legs pants or boot-cut pants can offer added coverage for the tops of the feet.
Why it works: Everyday sun protection is just as important as beach or outdoor wear. Comfortable and stylish pieces make daily sun care easy.
The Bottom Line: Make Sun Protection a Daily Habit
Sun-protective clothing isn’t just for the beach or hiking trails—it is a year-round investment in your skin’s health. By prioritizing UPF-rated garments that suit your lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Choose wisely, and don’t forget to complement your wardrobe with sunscreen for uncovered areas!
FAQs About Sun-Protective Clothing
What’s the difference between UPF and SPF?
UPF applies to fabrics, while SPF measures sunscreen’s ability to block UV rays.
UPF measures both UVA and UVB blockage, while SPF only measures UVB blockage.
Can regular clothing protect you from UV rays?
Yes, but the protection varies widely. A tightly woven dark shirt offers more UV protection than a white T-shirt but can still have a UPF as low as 7 or 8. Look for UPF labeling for peace of mind protection.
How do I care for sun-protective clothing?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If clothing is treated with UV chemicals these can release over time and make the product less effective. Look for products that offer UV protection without added finishes as these tend to retain UPF over time.
For more information on sunscreen ingredients and sun protection tips, subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed about the latest in skincare and environmental health.
Comments