Why should we wear sun protective clothing? Good question! Sun protective clothing is typically more expensive than everyday clothing. And, wearing a long sleeve shirt on a hot day just doesn’t seem to make sense…. or does it? Being in the sun protection business now for over 11 years I certainly have developed my opinions…. but some of my reasons may surprise you. Let’s start by defining “What is sun protective clothing?”.
Sun Protective Clothing vs. Everyday Clothing
Anything you put between you and the sun will help block the sun’s rays. The question is, “How much?”. For everyday clothing, the thicker, the darker and the tighter the weave, the more protection it will have. The fiber type is also important. Unfortunately, the fiber that most people think of to stay cool, cotton, is the least UV protective. (The average Tshirt blocks only 50% of the ultraviolet light.) The best UV blocking fibers are Lycra and polyester, with nylon somewhere in the middle.
Special sun protective garments started to gain popularity in America almost 20 year ago. One big difference between these outfits and everyday clothing is that these garments have been rated by an independent laboratory for their UV blocking ability and then given a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. As I mentioned, I have owned a sun protection business for over 11 years and I still can’t eyeball a fabric and say how well it will block UV rays.
Most UV protective clothing is tightly woven and may (or may not) have chemical UV inhibitors added to them. Nylon is the most common fabric used, however other fibers, like cotton and polyester, are becoming more popular everyday.
Also unique to sun protective clothing are specialty features such air vents, a roll-up collar for added neck protection or cuffs with retractable hand flaps. This clothing also has the advantage of providing UV protection when damp.
Sun protective clothing, and especially sun protection swim wear has a surprise benefit! By wetting your sun protection shirt, sun hat or Waterwear you can stay fresher with evaporative cooling - a big advantage on a hot day.
Sunscreen vs. Sun Protective Clothing
Sun protective fabric always blocks the UV rays better than sunscreen. Hands down! If you have the choice to protect yourself with protective fabric you will be safer, and you don’t need to remember to reapply your sun protection. Sunscreen certainly has it place in your sun safety routine, but only as a last resort or when fabric is just not practical to use, like across your face. (Please note: Sun Masks and sun hats with UV protective fabric drapes are available.)
One of the reasons sun protective fabric provides better UV protection than sunscreen is because you get a solid layer of UV protection with a known thickness that isn’t going anywhere. One of the reasons sunscreens don’t work well is that people don’t get it on thick enough. For example, you need approximately 1 teaspoon of sunscreen for the average adult face and neck. That’s a lot of goop!… and you need to make sure it stays there.
Another reason sun protective clothing outperforms sunscreen is that sunscreen is limited in the UV wavelengths it blocks. In fact, the SPF rating you see on sunscreen labels today are only an indication of the UVB radiation screened. An SPF rating is not a measurement of UVA.
Another thing that reduces the effectiveness of sunscreen is heat. If your bottle of sunscreen becomes overheated it may change the chemical composition.
So in summary, “Why wear Sun Protective Clothing?”:
1. Better UV protection than sunscreen.
2. No need to apply and reapply.
3. Missing a spot is not a worry.
4. The sun protection does not wash, rub or sweat off.
5. You don’t need to apply nasty sounding chemicals directly to the skin.
6. Sun protective clothing is safe enough for a new born baby to wear.
7. No need to “goop up”… a real bonus when it comes to kids.
8. Helps you stay cool. By getting your sun protective clothing or sun hat wet, you can stay even cooler than running around in your birthday suit.
9. Everyday clothing rarely has air vents. 10. Special designs such as roll up collars and hand flaps make it easy to block UV rays and oftentimes the sun’s heat. 11. Better odds for preventing skin cancer, premature aging, uncomfortable sunburns, and immune suppression.
In closing, let me paraphrase the colorful naturalist, John Muir, by saying, “Don’t let the sun shine on you. Let the sun shine in you”. Wishing you health and happiness in the great outdoors!
This material is provided for informational use only. It is not a substitute for your doctor or health care provider. If you have any health questions or concerns you should see your doctor or health care provider.
Marta Phillips is the owner of SunGrubbies.com a company specializing in sun protective products. Please visit her website for more helpful information on sun protection and UV protective products such as Women’s sun protective clothing
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