Sunlight can lead to sunburn, premature aging and some forms of cancer; clothing with UV protection provides a physical barrier against these risks when combined with sunscreen application. UV protective outdoor clothing offers one such defense system to combat these threats from UV radiation.

Consider factors like color, fabric and UPF rating when shopping for sun-safe clothing such as shirts or vests to protect from UV rays. Darker or brighter hued garments help block more UV rays from penetrating the skin; thick woven materials like denim and wool provide additional sun protection.

Color

Color choice plays a critical role in protecting against ultraviolet rays. Dark hues like blue and black tend to absorb more UV radiation, thus blocking it from reaching our skin. Brighter shades like red may also offer some protection.

Fabric choice when it comes to UV protection outdoor clothing can play a vital role. Some fabrics, like wool and denim, have tight woven structures which block out significant amounts of UV rays while other textiles like cotton and silk may allow UV rays through more easily and reach skin directly.

When purchasing outdoor clothing that offers UV protection, take note of its Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating to ascertain how much ultraviolet rays pass through it. Garments with higher UPF ratings offer greater protection from harmful rays while breathable fabrics may offer additional comfort in hot and humid weather conditions.

Fabric

Fabric plays an integral part in clothing’s ability to protect you from UV radiation, and darker fabrics tend to provide greater coverage than lighter ones and tighter weaves are generally better in protecting from harmful rays. Look out for garments with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings so that you know they will protect against sunburned skin.

UPF 30+ fabrics block out less than 1/30th of UV radiation that reaches your skin from passing through them and reaching you, while UPF 50 fabrics allow only 1/50th transmission, considerably lower than what might reach it through an average white cotton T-shirt.

Synthetic and semi-synthetic fibers that absorb and reflect UV rays are ideal, while you can also find garments made of organic materials and recycled fibers. Some sun protection clothing even boasts special features like sweat-activated cooling technology or moisture wicking properties to maximize comfort and performance during outdoor activities. In addition to UV blocking clothing, wear wide brimmed hats and sunglasses designed to protect your face, ears, neck and eyes from harm.

Fit

UV protection clothing is essential to anyone spending time outside. Its main function is protecting skin from harmful UV rays that could cause sunburn and even skin cancer, but its construction and fabric play an integral part as well. Densely woven materials like cotton, wool and denim provide more protection than light fabrics like rayon. Furthermore, textiles treated with colorless dyes or chemical UV absorbers help stop penetration from UV rays.

Search for clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher; fabrics rated UPF 30 will allow 1/30th or about 3 percent of UV rays through; garments rated UPF 50+ will let through only 1/50th or about 2 percent; the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests UPF 50+ garments as an extra level of protection.

UPF Rating

UPF clothing provides crucial sunburn and skin damage protection when strolling along beaches or hiking up mountains, helping prevent sunburn, cancerous lesions, premature skin ageing and severe cancer. But it’s still wise to apply sunscreen regularly on exposed skin, such as ears, face and lips despite wearing UV protective clothes.

Fabric choice also plays a vital role. Darker colors and denser fabrics offer greater sun protection compared to lighter or thinner options, and certain treatments and dyes may further boost performance by absorbing or blocking UV light.

UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) ratings represent the amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun that penetrate fabric and reach your skin. A UPF factor rating of 50+ allows less than 2% UV rays through, making this extremely effective against sunburn, skin cancer, and premature ageing.