Sun-Smart Fashion: Exploring The Rise Of UPF Clothing
UPF clothing is on the rise as a new and revolutionary way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays while celebrating your unique style.
One of life's great joys is basking in the soft, warm glow of the sun. The feeling of the sun's rays on our skin can be truly invigorating and uplifting. However, as with many pleasures in life, moderation is key. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and excessive exposure to these rays can have detrimental effects on our skin, including sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Is it different from simply wearing regular clothing? What is the difference between SPF and UPF? Does it actually have significant health benefits? Great questions, TIB investigates the world of sun-protective clothing and the importance of Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) in maintaining optimal sun safety and skin.
what is sun protection clothing?
Sun-protective clothing is a special type of apparel designed to shield your skin from the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It goes beyond regular clothing by incorporating advanced technologies and fabrics that offer enhanced sun protection. UPF clothing acts as a physical barrier, blocking out both UVA and UVB rays, thereby reducing the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
difference between spf and upf
The distinction between SPF and UPF can be confusing. Let's clear it up:
SPF (Sun Protection Factor): SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburns. It indicates the duration of protection compared to unprotected skin. However, not all SPF accounts for UVA protection. For example, you can choose a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” on the label, as this indicates the product helps protect the skin from UVA rays as well.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor): UPF, on the other hand, is specific to clothing and measures how effectively a fabric blocks both UVA and UVB rays. It represents the fraction of UV radiation that passes through the fabric. For instance, UPF 50 allows only 1/50th (or 2%) of UV radiation to penetrate the fabric, blocking 98% of UV rays.
“UPF clothing that is rated 50+ is equivalent to wearing SPF50+ sunscreen and blocks at least 98% of UV rays.” - Bamboo Body
how is it different from regular clothing?
While regular clothing provides some degree of sun protection, UPF clothing takes it to the next level.
Here's how it sets itself apart:
Fabric Selection: UPF clothing utilises specially engineered fabrics that are tightly woven to minimise the passage of UV rays. These fabrics often undergo rigorous testing to determine their UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. The Skin Cancer Foundation and dermatologists worldwide recommend a variety of specific fabrics including bamboo, elastane and polyester.
UPF Rating: UPF measures the level of UV protection provided by a fabric. Unlike SPF, which primarily applies to sunscreens, UPF refers specifically to clothing. A higher UPF rating signifies greater protection from UV radiation.
Specialised Treatment: Some UPF clothing incorporates additives or treatments during the manufacturing process to enhance its UV-blocking properties. These treatments can include dyes, pigments, or chemical agents that absorb or reflect UV rays, but there are much more natural methods you can opt for as well.
Extended Coverage: UPF clothing is designed with extended coverage in mind. You'll find options like long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and pants that provide extra protection for areas prone to sun exposure.
benefits of sun-protective clothing
Now that we've grasped the concept of UPF clothing, let's explore its remarkable benefits:
Superior Sun Protection: It provides an extra layer of defence against harmful UV radiation. It acts as a reliable barrier, minimising sunburns, skin damage, and the risk of skin cancer.
Convenience and Comfort: Wearing UPF clothing eliminates the need for frequent reapplication of sunscreen. It offers all-day protection without the hassle of greasy lotions or sprays. Additionally, many options are designed with lightweight, breathable fabrics for optimal comfort in warm weather.
Stylish Sun-Smart Fashion: TIB is all about celebrating uniqueness and personal style. With a wide range of colours, patterns, and designs, UPF clothing lets you express yourself while staying sun-safe. From chic swimsuits to trendy hats and flowy cover-ups, you can rock your style without compromising on protection.
Long-Term Savings: Investing in quality UPF clothing can save you money in the long run. As they offer durable UV protection, you can rely on them for multiple seasons, reducing the need for frequent sunscreen purchases.
sun-protective clothing brands we love
Similar to TIB, Bamboo Body have an unwavering philosophy of ‘look good, feel good, do good’ and is a brand committed to ethical fashion. Their organic bamboo fabrics offer comfort and style for all shapes and sizes and also naturally achieves a UPF 50+ certification. They also support charities like WWF and Greenpeace and are passionate about embracing conscious fashion and making a positive impact on the planet.
Solbari's mission is to inspire and empower individuals to embrace a sun smart lifestyle, as well as having beautiful ranges of sun smart leisurewear. With the work they do, Solbari pride themselves as being global leaders in skin cancer research, prevention, detection, and treatment, they collaborate with esteemed organizations like the Skin Health Institute and the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Cabana Life, founded by a skin cancer survivor, offers stylish clothing you’ll actually want to fill your beach holiday with. Not only that, but they are a platform for raising awareness, promoting safety, and empowering you to be confident and well-informed with sun safety.
From the very beginning, Bloq.UV’s mission has centred around customer education on the harmful effects of sun exposure. Every May, their retailers join them for the "Bloqit with BloqUV" campaign, raising awareness about melanoma. Their proprietary BloqTek™ fabric provides instant sun protection, blocking 98% of UV rays and remaining effective even after laundering.
With moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, their fabric is versatile for both land and water activities, and is focused more on the ‘active wear’ style of clothing. It's not just protective; it's also soft, breathable, comfortable, long-lasting, lightweight, and even cools 5 degrees when wet. Nice!
The Bottom Line
Sun-protective clothing is an exciting addition to the sun protection arsenal, offering enhanced UV protection while allowing you to express your personal style. By understanding the distinction between SPF and UPF, and the benefits of UPF clothing, you can embrace a new level of sun-smart fashion and confidently navigate your sun-kissed days ahead.
WHATS UP NEXT …
