Is your UV protective clothing even working? Check out this article to see how you can tell if your clothes are protecting you as they should.
Heading out to enjoy the sun outside a few hours? You might want to think about it again. That broad spectrum sunscreen you are packing won't be enough to guard you against the deadly rays.
We're talking more than a sunburn. Extended hours in the sun increase the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and DNA damage to your cells.
While being active and spending time outside is recommended, you need an added barrier like UV protective clothing to save your skin. How can you tell if they're working? Keep reading to find out.
The Efficacy of UV Clothing
While wearing regular clothing does help provide protection from the sun, it's not enough. More so if you plan on being outside for several hours.
Standard clothes are made from loose material that is not made to block the sun. It's true that wearing darker clothes is better at safeguarding you from the sun, but it's nowhere near the level of protection you can get wearing sun protective clothing.
Standard clothes are made from materials, like cotton. Although the material may be comfortable, sturdy, or soft, it doesn't do much for you in the sun.
If anything, these materials leave you vulnerable to the sun. In fact, the loose weaving design on clothes invites UV rays to enter without much defense.
UV clothes, on the other hand, are able to help protect you from the sun. This is because UV clothes remove "gaps" that would've allowed UV rays to enter. UV clothes are highly resistant to the sun and are made from durable materials such as spandex, polyester, polypropylene, nylon and canvas. Getting UV protective clothing is well worth the investment in cost.
How Can I Tell if My UPF Clothes "Work"?
If you want to learn just how wonderful UV protective clothing is, you're going to need to learn the importance of the ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF. As with sunscreen that provides hours of protection from the sun depending on SPF, UV protective clothes guard you against the sun depending on the UPF.
The higher the UPF rating you have with clothing, the more protection you will have against the sun. For example, the average piece of clothing has an SPF factor of 5. If you understand how SPF factors work, you know that this number is not all that effective against the sun and its harmful UV light.
UV clothing has an SPF level of 40-50 or higher. Wearing it reduces your risk of developing a sunburn or skin cancer.
UV protective clothing is similar to activewear in regards to feel and look. You can purchase sun-protective long sleeve tops, bottoms, or hats. For most people, wearing UV clothes outside is easier to remember than re-applying sunscreen every couple of hours.
UV clothing works once you wear them, and it will continue to work. However, you may want to consider buying another piece if you notice the fabric is starting to wear down.
This is a major sign that your UV clothes will not protect you as well as they should. You should also get new UV clothes every 2-3 years to ensure you are getting the max level of protection. Your best chance at total sun protection will be to use both UV clothes and sunscreen.
Occasions When You Need UPF Protection
If you love staying outdoors, you will want UV protective clothing. Those who enjoy walking, running, climbing, or hiking can continue to enjoy their activity as they exercise. UV clothes will keep the skin healthy and prevent you from dealing with short- and long-term complications from the sun.
Maybe you're outside because you're a fan of gardening. You will likely spend hours under the hot sun and will need UV protective clothing to rescue. Sun-protective hats will be an ideal choice.
You may be someone who loves watersports and hangs out at the pool or beach often. This is where you will really notice the benefits of UV clothes. Swimmers often stay outside for hours and fail to remember applying their sunscreen after the first time.
The sunscreen you apply will lose its effect within an hour or two of extreme sun exposure. While you should still apply sunscreen, you will guard yourself better by getting UV clothes. It's great for those who love to surf or paddleboard too.
Sports lovers can enjoy being out for hours on end too. You can participate in golf, tennis, football, baseball, or other activities without having to deal with the beating rays. UV clothes come in designs sports players can appreciate as well.
UV protective clothing is for everyone, not just for those who engage in exercise outside. Those who are looking to protect their skin, have fair or sensitive skin that burns easily can make great use of UV clothes.
The same goes for young kids and older adults. These age groups have skin that is thinner which can increase the risk of sun damage.
If you are taking certain medications, you may also need to avoid the sun. This applies to those taking certain acne or skin care treatments, antibiotics, antihistamines, or anti-inflammatories.
Purchase Quality UV Protection Clothing
Most people think wearing sunscreen to exposed areas of the skin is enough. However, the clothes you wear don't protect you as much as you think they do. Rays can still reach your skin through material.
This is why purchasing UV protective clothing is ideal for people who want to protect their skin from the sun and plan to stay out for long periods of time. You can enjoy your run outside or sports games without worry with UV clothes.
You can find the best UV protection clothing by shopping with BloqUV. We have women's UV protection clothing and men's UV protection clothing, as well as options for kids.
