UV protective outdoor clothing is designed to absorb or block UV rays that cause skin burns, wrinkles, cataracts and cancerous lesions from UV exposure. Thin translucent fabrics may not provide adequate UV protection compared to thickly woven materials with special chemicals added for added efficacy.

A UPF 50+ shirt provides optimal UV protection during long day trips in sunny locations.

Color

Fabric dyes used to absorb UV radiation help block it from reaching our skin. Darker hues like black, dark blue and deep red provide greater protection than their lighter or pale counterparts; additionally, thicker fabrics with tighter weaves block more UV radiation than thinner or looser materials.

Unbleached cotton and jute fabrics naturally provide UV absorbers. Other protective fabrics include satiny silks and high-tech synthetics treated with chemical UV absorbers.

Clothing marked UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) offers greater UV protection than regular clothing; however, this protection decreases over time when wet or stretched. For maximum UV protection from clothing choose long-sleeved shirts and pants in dark or vibrant colors made from tight weave fabrics; cover as much skin area with your shirt as possible while wearing a hat to shield the ears, face, and back of neck from direct sun rays.

Fabric

Fabric selection for UV protective apparel is of primary importance when it comes to providing sun protection. While no fabric can completely block all UV rays for an indefinite period of time, choosing UV-resistant material will significantly lessen fading and damage over time.

To provide adequate UV protection, fabric should be tightly woven so as to minimize gaps between fibres that allow UV radiation through. Loose or open weave fabrics offer no UV protection whatsoever and often stretch and leave holes that allow UV rays access to your skin.

Dark or brightly dyed fabrics often provide better UV ray absorption than lighter colored clothing, since their fibers absorb rather than reflect most UV rays. Many UV-protective fabrics also incorporate chemical UV absorbers or reflectors during dyeing processes, fiber manufacturing or final fabric finishes in order to meet high UPF ratings.

Shape

UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) measures how much UV radiation can pass through fabric. When selecting UV protective clothing, many factors must also be taken into account, including color, construction and coverage considerations – for instance long sleeves and high necklines can help shield neck and ears from direct sun.

Tight, densely woven fabrics with few spaces between fibers tend to block more UV radiation than looser weaves, while thicker fabrics like wool, denim and canvas offer greater UV protection than lightweight synthetics. Chemical UV absorbers and reflectors may be added for extra defense against the sun’s radiation.

Keep in mind that UV-protective fabrics become less effective over time, so it’s wise to regularly wash them with mild detergents and cold water for best results. Direct sunlight accelerates fading and weakening fibers so air drying outdoor clothes is recommended for maximum longevity. Breathable garment bags may help provide additional UV protection when storing clothing – avoid plastic bins which trap heat and can hasten degradation of fabric!

Sunglasses

Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation that can harm your skin. Although Earth’s ozone layer helps filter out some of these UV rays, it is still important to wear clothing that has been lab-tested to measure its UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). A higher UPF rating means more UV radiation from entering.

Look for sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays that cause premature eye aging, wrinkles, and can even contribute to certain forms of eye cancer. UV-absorbing shades should be worn whenever spending time near water or snow as much of the sun’s damaging rays can reflect off these surfaces and be harmful.

Lens tint and darkness do not directly correlate to UV protection. Instead, look for sunglasses with UV-blocking coatings which can be applied to any lens color. Furthermore, lightweight and durable frames with scratch-resistant lenses are an important asset when exposed to heat for repeated use and exposure.