Sun-Protective Clothing

OUTDOORS · GLOBAL

Sun-Protective Clothing

What UPF means, fabric and fit, where clothing beats sunscreen, and care

Clothing is the most reliable sun protection available, because it does not wear off, does not need reapplying and does not depend on applying enough.

UPF explained

Ultraviolet protection factor measures how much ultraviolet a fabric blocks. UPF 50 blocks around 98 percent, and 50\+ is the top rating in most standards.

An ordinary white cotton t-shirt is roughly UPF 5 to 7, and considerably less when wet. That gap is why rated clothing exists.

What determines protection

Weave density first — hold fabric up to a light and if you can see through it, so can ultraviolet. Then colour, since darker and more saturated fabrics absorb more, and then fibre and any treatment applied.

Stretch reduces protection, so a garment worn tight over skin protects less than the same fabric worn loose.

Coverage beats rating

A long-sleeved UPF 30 shirt covering the arms protects far more skin than a UPF 50 vest. Collars, long sleeves and a brimmed hat cover the areas people most often miss.

Where it matters most

On water and snow, which reflect substantially, at altitude, in the tropics, and for children, whose skin is more vulnerable and whose exposure is cumulative.

It also suits anyone on photosensitising medication or with a light-sensitive condition.

Sunscreen still applies

On the face, neck, ears, hands and anywhere clothing does not cover. Most people apply far less than the amount used in testing, which reduces the protection achieved.

Swimwear and water

Rash vests and swim leggings protect the back and shoulders, which burn first and are hardest to reach with sunscreen. Water reflects ultraviolet and being wet reduces the protection of ordinary fabric.

Rinse chlorine and salt out promptly, since both degrade elastane quickly.

Checking your skin

Look over your skin every few months and see a doctor about any mole that changes in size, shape or colour, itches or bleeds. Early treatment matters enormously.

Layering for outdoor activity

A base layer that moves moisture, something insulating over it and a wind or rain shell. Cotton holds moisture and stops insulating once damp, which is why it has no place in any of them.

Remove a layer before you get warm rather than after, since trapped sweat is what makes you cold when you stop.

Fit

Work from the garment measurements rather than the size letter, since sportswear sizing varies enormously between brands and markets.

Care

Treated fabrics lose protection as the finish washes out, so check whether the rating is inherent in the weave or applied. Wash gently and replace anything stretched or worn thin.

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