The ozone layer isn’t providing as much protection from the UV rays as it used to. Click on to learn more about sun protection clothing.
Enjoying the sunshine outside can help boost your mood and lower your stress, but as the saying goes, it is possible to have too much of a good thing.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes skin cancer and other harmful health effects. When you spend time outside, you must protect your skin to prevent these health problems.
One way to do this is by wearing sun protection clothing. Our helpful guide covers everything you need to know about this beneficial type of clothing to keep you and your family safe.
Why Sunlight Can Be Harmful
The sun gives off ultraviolet rays that, when not filtered, can harm the eyes, skin, and immune system.
The ozone layer is a layer of the atmosphere that protects people from the sun. It filters out most harmful ultraviolet rays before reaching the earth.
This protection, however, changed once people introduced pollution into the atmosphere. The pollution started to cause the ozone layer to break down.
Today, the ozone layer is not as effective at keeping people safe from the sun. People need more defense from the sun than just sunscreen. One way to add more protection is by the clothing that you wear.
What Is UPF Clothing?
Clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) will help limit your UV exposure. The UPF rating that your clothing gets depends on how many UV rays the clothing blocks. For example, if your clothing has a UPF rating of fifty, it will keep 98% of UV rays from passing through the fabric.
When buying UPF clothing, you want to look for a UPF rating of 50 and above. Ratings of thirty and forty indicate very good UV protection.
UPF ratings of fifty or above are in the excellent range. All BloqUV clothing has a UPF rating of 50+.
Sun Safe Clothing Features
Almost all clothing provides at least some protection from the sun, but the amount varies. If you want the best sun protection, keep the following in mind.
UPF Rating
Buying clothing with a high UPF rating will give you the best sun protection. These garments have been tested to ensure that they can keep you safe from the sun's harmful rays. Check the tag so you know how many of the sun's rays will still find their way to your skin.
Color
Light colors don't protect as well from UV rays as dark and bright colors do. The dark colors absorb some UV rays instead of sending them all to your skin.
Fabric Content
A fabric with a dense weave will keep UV rays away from you more than a thin fabric. Denim, canvas, synthetic materials, and wool are all good at keeping the sun off your skin.
The sun can reach the skin beneath if you can see through your fabric. You can perform this test by holding your clothing up to the sun to see if you can see through it.
Coverage
You'll get more UV protection from a longer-sleeved shirt than from a tank top. The more skin you keep covered up, the less chance it will get burned.
Who Benefits From Clothes With UV Protection
Anyone who spends time outside can benefit from UPF clothing! Some people are more at risk and should consider keeping UPF clothing as part of their everyday wardrobe.
Sun Sensitive People
If you feel like you get a burn no matter how short time you are outside, UPF clothing is for you. Many people with many freckles are also prone to more UV rays exposure. Other people who may be sun sensitive are people with lighter skin pigment or have many moles.
Kids
Children have skin that is thin and usually sensitive. Damage early on can increase the likelihood of problems as they get older. Keep your kiddo protected by putting UPF clothing on them when they go outside to play.
People Living in High Elevations
You are more prone to UV damage if you live at a high elevation. That's because the air farther up is thinner, and the sun is closer to you. It is especially important to wear UPF clothing if you live near a body of water.
Medication
If you take medication, make sure to pay extra close attention to your skin protection. Many medications cause an increase in skin sensitivity.
Features of UPF Clothing
UPF clothing comes in countless modern styles you'll love to wear. Many UPF clothes are long-sleeved or offer added coverage. The name of the game is keeping the sun off as much of your body as possible.
UPF clothing is made from tightly woven fabric. If the fabric has mesh its not sun protective.
Many UPF clothing articles will dry fast to maintain the UPF rating. They are also usually cut a little looser to keep you comfortable.
Bonus Sun Tips
If you are planning a day in the sun, you can help increase your sun protection by covering up with UPF clothing. The more skin that you cover, the more protected you'll be.
Wear your sunscreen daily and reapply if you are outside for a long time. Aim for an SPF of 30 or higher.
Make sure to find shade if it gets too hot. If you've been outside for a long time, try to take a break indoors to cool off.
Have Fun in the Sun With Sun Protection Clothing
Keeping yourself safe from the sun is essential to your health and wellbeing. Too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, and aging. Sun protection clothing keeps you safe while letting you enjoy the great outdoors.
If you plan to be out in the sun, you'll love the stylish instant sun protection BloqUV gives. Check out our selection today to find a garment you'll love!
