Did you know that sunburns are one of the leading causes of skin cancer? At some point in time, we all forget to put on our sunscreen or reapply it, and at the end of the day, wish we hadn’t. Being in the water, rubbing your skin with a towel, or performing activities where we sweat can all help sunscreen lose its effectiveness throughout the day.
This is why sunscreen clothing has become a larger part of the clothing industry. But does it actually work? Is it worth the investment?
Continue reading for a complete guide to sun protection clothing and why you and your family members should consider wearing it when you are out in the sun.
What Does It Protect Against?
UV protection clothing works to protect your skin from UV (ultraviolet) radiation. These rays from the sun fall into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. If you spend a lot of time outside, you are dealing with skin-aging UVA rays and sunburn causing UVB rays.
Depending on where you live, spring and summer will find you exposed to the most UV rays, usually between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. You can limit exposure during this time by wearing long-sleeved shirts, dark clothing, applying sunscreen, putting on sunglasses for eye protection, and wearing UPF protection clothes.
How Is Sunscreen Clothing Different?
If you were to take a regular cotton t-shirt, which has a UPF 5, you would be exposed to about 20% or 1/5th of the UV rays through your clothing. A sun protection t-shirt with a UPF 50, on the other hand, contains material that only allows 1/50th of the rays through. That comes out to 98% protection.
These clothes are made with a special fabric that helps to form a barrier against damaging rays. While a basic cotton or polyester shirt has a looser weave to allow for breathability, the material of a UPF tee shirt has a tighter weave acting as a shield.
The Federal Trade Commission also regulates the sale of these clothes, making sure they are up to the standards of the industry.
Who Can Wear It?
The most common use of sunscreen clothing is for swimming and water sports. This means that you can find swimsuits, tee shirts, wetsuits, and rash guards for people of all ages. They will vary in style, color, and design.
Children spend a lot of time in the water during the summer and it can be hard to remember to reapply sunscreen as often as needed. Wearing sun-protective clothing is one of the many ways to safeguard them as they play, and you can read more now about that.
If you are an outdoor runner, hiker, or gardener, you may benefit from wearing SPF clothing as well.
Protect Your Skin
Now that you are well-versed in sunscreen clothing, it’s time to add some to your wardrobe. Protecting your body from the sun has never been easier.
Did you find this article helpful? Look through our Outfits section to find more like it.
