Sun protection is key for protecting yourself from UV rays that can cause skin cancer and other issues. Sun shirts, hats and rash vests can all provide needed shielding from UV radiation’s destructive rays.

Clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or greater is designed to protect against UV rays that reach your skin through tightly woven fabrics and dyes, and can block them out completely.

Color

UPF clothing has seen tremendous popularity over the past decade. This type of garment claims to block UVR exposure by employing tightly woven fabrics, dyes and textile techniques; some garments may even be treated chemically with special additives like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide; however these have yet to be proven safe, particularly for children and elderly individuals (Grifoni 2009).

Color and weave of fabric help determine its UPF rating; for instance, a UPF 15 shirt allows 7 percent of UVR through, while one with UPF 50 allows only 2 percent through.

Thick fabrics with darker colors provide greater sun protection than thin or see-through materials, and tighter weave fabrics reduce UV penetration more than looser ones. Clothing rated UPF 30 or above should also be worn along with sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to maximize its effect.

Fabric

UPF clothing provides another layer of defense from UV radiation, helping reduce risks related to burns, skin aging and cancer caused by UV rays in areas that aren’t covered by sunscreen alone. UPF clothing also helps decrease burn risks by limiting how much ultraviolet radiation reaches skin – this type of garment helps ensure even those areas with no sun protection receive adequate coverage with sunscreen!

Different fabric materials vary in their ability to reduce UVR transmittance, with tightly woven synthetic fabrics (like those found in UPF shirts) showing superior results. Research indicates that dark-dyed clothing offers better UV protection than light colored apparel.

UPF ratings are laboratory measurements of how much UVR passes through fabric to reach skin. A garment rated 30 UPF allows 7 percent of sunburn-causing UVB rays through, while 50+ allows less than 2 percent. In order to earn this label, fabrics must undergo independent testing.

Fit

As you shop for sun protection clothing, the UPF rating should be one of your first considerations. These numbers range from zero to 50 and represent how much of UV rays can pass through fabric; clothing with a UPF 30 rating allows only 1/30th of these UV rays through, providing adequate sun protection.

Fabric composition also plays a part. Natural fabrics like unbleached cotton contain natural UV absorbers called lignins; synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon may offer some protection. Denim and flannel offer more UVR blocking than looser weave fabrics such as linen.

Be mindful that no sunscreen offers 100% protection from UV rays; accordingly, make sure you apply a generous layer of SPF before heading outdoors. A hat and sunglasses may offer extra defense, as can clothing made of long fibers covering arms.

Sunglasses

UV radiation that damages skin can also inflict long-term harm to eyes, including cornea and retina damage. Wearing sunglasses that offer optimal UVB and UVA ray protection is one way to guard against this damage, however.

UV protection of sunglasses depends heavily on their frame shape and fabric material. For instance, wraparound frames provide more comprehensive UV protection from sunlight coming in from all directions; making them an excellent choice for activities outdoors.

Polarized lenses are another fantastic choice, helping reduce glare from reflective surfaces that may otherwise strain your eyes. You’ll find these sunglasses in various frame shapes so you can find one that perfectly reflects your personal and fashion sense.