How to pick the perfect

Sun Protection Layer

April 6, 2023

As the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays become increasingly harsh and harmful, it's more important than ever to protect your skin from the sun's damaging effects. While sunscreen is a must-have, it's not the only line of defense against the sun's rays. That's where UPF clothing comes in. In this blog, we'll take a look at why UPF clothing is a great choice for sun protection, and what to look for when choosing the best sun protection layer of clothing for you.

What is UPF?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It's similar to SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which is used to measure the effectiveness of sunscreen. However, while SPF measures the amount of time it takes for UVB rays to redden your skin, UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that penetrates a fabric and reaches your skin. A garment with a UPF rating of 50, for example, will allow only 1/50th of the UV radiation to pass through.

Why choose UPF clothing?

There are several reasons why UPF clothing is a great choice for sun protection. Firstly, it offers long-lasting protection, unlike sunscreen which needs to be reapplied every few hours. Secondly, it provides full coverage, including areas that are often missed with sunscreen such as the back of your neck and your ears. Finally, it's a great option for those with sensitive skin or allergies to sunscreen.

What to look for when choosing UPF clothing.

When choosing UPF clothing, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, look for a garment with a UPF rating of at least 20. This will block out around 97% of UV radiation. Secondly, consider the style and design of the garment. A sun hoodie, for example, is a great option as it provides full coverage and has a built-in hood for extra protection. Finally, choose a fabric that is lightweight and breathable, so you can stay cool and comfortable even in the heat. High UPF rated fabric blocks more of the sun’s rays, but tends to be less breathable because they have a tigher weave.

If there is no UPF rating on the garment, the way to find good sun protection is to look for garments with darker colors, tighter weaves, or polyester/nylon fibers as opposed to natural fibers. Additionally you want garments that cover as much skin as possible, like those with long sleeves or collars that flip up, to protect from the sun. While dark colors, tightly woven fabrics and extended coverage garments do well to protect against the sun, it is also important to make sure that the fabric is breathable and has venting options to let out the excess heat. It is also important to understand the situations in which a garments UPF rating can be reduced. When a garment gets wet, worn out, or stretched its UPF rating is diminished. Knowing all of this information about your garment will help you buy the right gear for any adventure you are embarking on.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sun protection layer of clothing is an important step in protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. By choosing UPF clothing with a high UPF rating, full coverage, and lightweight, breathable fabric, you can enjoy the sun while keeping your skin safe and healthy.