Mesh Fabric: Stylish and Breathable, But Not for Sun Protection

Spending time outdoors and soaking up the sun can feel great. Whether you're enjoying a day at the beach or simply relaxing in the yard, the sun has a way of boosting your mood. But while sunlight brings benefits, it's important to take the right sun safety measures to properly enjoy it.

The American Cancer Association reports that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the U.S. with around 5.4 million cases each year. Having the right sun protection is essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. 

Protective clothing for the sun like mesh may seem like a good idea, but not all fabrics are created equal. Discover the key benefits of UV protection clothing below.

Not All Mesh is Sun-Safe

Not all mesh fabrics provide sun protection. Mesh is a breathable and comfortable material but its open weave lets UV rays pass through easily. This means that mesh won't provide UV protection for your skin.

If you're wearing mesh, it's crucial to combine it with other sun safety measures, like sunscreen or UV-blocking accessories. Doing so will help to reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Opt for tightly woven fabrics for better UV protection, or layer mesh over sun-safe clothing. Remember, staying fashionable outdoors doesn't have to come at the cost of protecting your skin.

Mesh Has Limited Insulation

Mesh fabrics are designed for breathability, but they also have limited insulation. The open weave allows air to flow through, which is great for ventilation but not ideal for retaining warmth.

While it can be good for hot, sunny temps, mesh doesn't offer much protection from the wind or temperature drops. On cooler days or during chilly evenings, mesh clothing might leave you feeling exposed to the cold.

The lack of insulation makes mesh less versatile for unpredictable weather conditions and might not be ideal for all outdoor activities. To stay warm in mesh, you'll need to layer it with insulated garments. 

Mesh May Not Provide Adequate Support

Due to its lightweight and breathable nature, mesh often lacks the structural support of more solid materials. This can be a drawback for activities that require more stability in your clothing.

Mesh may also not offer the durability needed for extended wear. For example, when engaging in high-intensity sports or outdoor tasks, mesh doesn't provide the firmness needed for comfort and performance. It can stretch or lose shape easily, leading to discomfort or chafing.

In such cases, pairing mesh with other materials or opting for sturdier clothing is advisable for added support during physical exertion.

Mesh Offers Less Privacy

The open weave of mesh fabrics offers less privacy than most solid materials. Wearing mesh might leave certain areas of the body exposed so it's less ideal for settings where privacy is a concern. 

Gaps in the fabric can become more noticeable in sunlight and make the clothing appear more transparent. This transparency can be uncomfortable for those who prefer more coverage, like young children and the elderly, especially when the mesh becomes wet or stretched.

For a more modest look, consider layering mesh over other clothing or choosing options with denser weaves. It's important to balance comfort and coverage based on your personal preferences.

Choose Breathable and Protective Fabrics

Unlike standard mesh materials, breathable and protective fabrics are the perfect combination for staying sun-safe. The fabric weave allows air to circulate to keep you cool and comfortable while also shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.

Materials like tightly woven cotton, polyester blends, and UV-rated fabrics are designed to block UV radiation while allowing sweat to evaporate. This combination helps you stay dry without compromising on sun protection.

Breathable, sun-safe fabrics let you move freely without worrying about sunburn and are ideal for outdoor activities. Whether you're hiking, running errands, or lounging, choosing the right fabric is an easy and effective way to enjoy the sun safely.

Lightweight Sun Protection

Lightweight sun protection makes it easy to stay protected while on the go. These fabrics are compact and easy to pack and offer a convenient solution for spontaneous outdoor adventures or travel.

They're designed to take up minimal space, so you can prevent sunburn without worrying about bulk. Perfect for active lifestyles, this lightweight protection ensures you're always prepared for outdoor exposure.

With the right clothing, you can enjoy the outdoors without compromising on protection or comfort. Lightweight fabrics also provide a high level of flexibility, allowing you to move freely.

Utilizing UV protection clothing gives you the confidence to embrace any activity while staying safe from UV rays.

Quick Drying Sun-Safe Fabrics

Quick-drying sun-safe fabrics are perfect for staying comfortable during outdoor activities. These materials wick moisture from the skin to ensure you stay dry even during intense physical exertion. As you sweat or get wet, they dry quickly to keep you feeling cool and fresh.

Such fabrics offer a combination of sun protection and moisture control, so you can focus on your activities. Moisture-wicking protective clothing for the sun is ideal for activities like:

• Hiking
• Sports
• Beach days
• Running
• Camping
• Water recreation

Wearing quick-drying fabrics helps regulate body temperature and prevent discomfort, even in hot conditions. They also reduce chafing. With this type of clothing, you stay protected from UV rays and remain comfortable all day long.

Stylish Yet Safe

Sun safety doesn't have to be boring or compromise sun protection. You can have both. Stylish sun-safe clothing allows you to protect your skin while showcasing your personal style.

Modern UV protection clothing offers a wide variety of trendy designs, colors, and fits. Options like women's dresses, sleek athletic wear, and tailored shirts blend effortlessly with any wardrobe, even in the heat. Accessories like wide-brim hats and UV-blocking sunglasses add extra protection without sacrificing fashion.

UV protection clothing and accessories options prove that staying safe in the sun doesn't mean giving up looking your best. No matter if you're strolling through the city or enjoying a hike, you can protect your skin without compromising your look.

Combine with Best Sunscreen Practices

According to the CDC, the sun's UV rays are strongest between 9 am to 3 pm standard time in the continental U.S. They can also reach you on cloudy and overcast days and reflect off of surfaces like water, sand, snow, and cement. 

Pairing protective clothing with the best sunscreen practices ensures comprehensive sun protection. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed areas of skin. Don't forget commonly missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.

Experts at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health disclosed that SPF 30 gives you around 97% protection with higher SPFs not providing much more benefit beyond that. They also recommend reapplying sunscreen every 90 minutes, especially after swimming or sweating.

Combine sun-safe fabrics with sunscreen for areas clothing doesn't cover. This dual approach helps prevent sunburn and minimizes the risk of long-term skin damage. It enables you to stay protected while still fully enjoying the outdoors.

Follow Additional Sun Safety Measures

Sun safety extends to daily habits and smart preparation beyond protective clothing for the sun and sunscreen use. Plan outdoor activities earlier or later in the day to avoid peak UV exposure.

You should also carry a portable shade, such as a lightweight umbrella or sun canopy, for extended outdoor stays. Regularly monitor your skin for unusual changes, including new moles or discolorations. Stay aware of reflective surfaces like water, sand, and snow that can intensify UV exposure.

It's a good idea to hydrate regularly, as maintaining proper hydration helps your skin stay healthy under the sun and prevents the debilitating side effects of sunstroke. Use UV-protective window films at home or in your car for added protection.

Educate children about sun safety early to develop lifelong habits. Keeping a sun protection kit on hand ensures you're always ready to protect your skin. Following these steps adds extra layers of defense to sun safety measures.

You Need BloqUV Protective Clothing for the Sun

BloqUV offers a reliable solution for those who spend extended time outdoors. Our protective clothing is made from the innovative BloqTek™ tested UPF 50+ fabric, which blocks up to 98% of harmful UVA/UVB rays.

The sun protection is built into the fabric, so it doesn't wear off after washing. BloqUV clothing is designed to be lightweight, soft, and breathable to ensure comfort throughout the day.

With moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities, it's perfect for both land and water activities. When you get wet, the fabric cools by up to 5 degrees to provide additional comfort in hot conditions while keeping you safe from sun exposure.

Discover Stylish and Effective UV Protection Clothing at BloqUV Today

Your skin is your body's first line of defense against the elements. So while you're enjoying the sunshine, it's vital to use the proper sun protection to keep it healthy and protected. With the right UV protection clothing, you can prevent sunburn and the devastating consequences of skin cancer. 

BloqUV was developed in 2009 as a way to combat damaging sun exposure. For over 15 years, our BlokTeq fabric has been a leader in creating protective clothing for the sun blocking 98% of UVA and UVB rays. It's skin protection that looks good and feels good.

Shop all of our new arrivals on our website today.