UV protective outdoor clothing protects you from the sun’s UV rays by offering UPF ratings of 40 or higher to block harmful rays from reaching your skin. In general, higher ratings provide greater UV protection.

Color, construction and other factors all impact a garment’s UPF rating; for instance, darker hues filter more ultraviolet rays overall while denser fabrics protect more effectively than thinner fabrics. Chemicals or dyes can also increase UPF.

Color

Denser fabrics with darker colors generally provide greater UV protection than lighter options, with tighter weaves blocking more of the sun’s rays from penetrating through and chemical UV absorbers or dyes adding an extra boost to protection.

Lab-tested results of UPF clothing can help you select a garment with adequate sun protection, like 30 or higher UPF rating. Keep in mind, however, that only skin coverage counts toward its protection level; other factors like fabric choice and construction could alter this rating and thus, affect its level of coverage.

Black cotton shirt provides more protection from UV radiation than light-colored, non-dyed clothing due to the benzene atoms present in its dye molecules absorbing it. Furthermore, using sustainable fabrics is also beneficial as it reduces waste from outdated clothing that’s eventually discarded – the top sustainable fabrics include cotton, flax, hemp and organic cotton.

Fabric

UPF clothing protects skin from UV rays and environmental hazards. When shopping for such clothing, look for items with an UPF rating of at least 30, as this means less than 2% of sun rays can pass through fabric into skin. Furthermore, ensure the fabric is tightly woven to provide maximum protection.

Dark fabrics typically provide greater UV ray protection than light ones due to their dark colors absorbing UV rays rather than allowing them to pass through to your skin. Furthermore, tightly woven fabrics such as those used in UV blocking clothing provide more coverage than loosely constructed cotton materials.

Sustainable materials such as organic or bamboo cotton blends make for more eco-friendly garments that hold up well over time and reduce replacement needs. Fabric production with less impactful production methods also tends to last longer between wear-and-wash cycles.

Fit

Wearing UV protective clothing allows you to safely enjoy outdoor activities without the discomfort and inconvenience of constantly applying sunscreen. From playing pickleball with friends, hiking in the mountains, or playing on the beach with kids – UV protection clothing provides peace of mind knowing you are protected against harmful UV rays.

Care should also be taken when washing tight-woven fabrics as this will protect from UV rays more effectively, with typically 50 washes lasting before losing its UPF rating.

Breathability should also be an important consideration when selecting UV-blocking clothing. Ventilation panels incorporated into designs can increase airflow and decrease overheating, helping keep you cool and comfortable in warm temperatures. Adjustable elements like elastic cuffs and drawstrings offer flexibility to tailor coverage depending on sun intensity; and reinforced stitching reinforces clothing for prolonged active use.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses can provide a convenient and effective means of protecting the eyes from UV radiation. Not all sunglasses offer equal UV protection – look out for those marked as having UVPF ratings as well as lens material and color specifications listed.

Dark colors such as black, dark green and burgundy provide additional UV ray protection than lighter hues. Densely woven fabrics such as wool cotton canvas provide optimal UV defense.

Glass, plastic and polycarbonate lenses are all materials used in sunglasses; glass offers superior optical clarity. Plastic and polycarbonate are lightweight yet durable materials; some lenses may also have tinted tinting to increase contrast or have mirror coating to reduce glare.

Some lenses boast transition or photochromic features that darken in response to sunlight and clear when indoors, though this does not fully block UV rays; therefore, other methods, such as hats and neck flags should also be employed as sun protection methods.