What's your favorite thing about winter?
Is it the fuzzy winter clothing? The hot chocolate? Or is it your winter skincare routine?
If it's the last one, are you glad because you can finally skip wearing sunscreen? After all, the sun's UV rays aren't that harsh during the winter, right?
Well, that's not quite right. This might surprise you, but you still need to wear sunscreen even in the dead of winter. You see, UVA and UVB rays don't take a break just because the weather gets colder. And that means you have to keep yourself protected all year long with sunscreen and UPF clothing.
UPF Clothing? What's That?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. And UPF clothing means apparel that offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Like SPF (sun protection factor) for skincare products, there is a rating number you should check before buying UPF shirts, leggings, dresses, etc. That number or UPF rating ranges from 15 to 50+. Anything below 15 isn't considered UV protective.
To get the best sun protection, remember: the higher the UPF rating, the better it protects you against sun damaging UV rays .
Using the Best UPF Clothing During Winter
Now, you may be thinking, "I'm all bundled up during winter, why do I need UPF clothing?"
You already know that you should still wear products with SPF during winter because UV rays can still reach your skin even when it's cold or overcast. But these products might not be enough. Plus you have to keep reapplying them to sustain their effectivity.
With UPF base layers, there's no need for reapplication. You just put them on and you're good to go.
Think of them as your first line of defense against the sun. And with more layers of UPF clothing, the better protected you are from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Some Tips for Buying UPF Clothing
Aside from checking a garment's UPF rating, you should also examine its construction.
The denser it is, the better it reduces the amount of UV light that can pass through. You should also check how thick the fabric is. Tip: Thicker means better sun protection.
Aside from construction and thickness, look at the color and fiber type. Darker colors absorb more rays, while fiber type will indicate if it's good at disrupting UV light. Your best options are polyester and nylon, followed by wool and silk.
If you prefer cotton, rayon, flax, and hemp, you should know that they are not sun safe, unless they've been chemically treated.
Ready to Add Sun Protective Apparel to Your Winter Wardrobe?
Now that you know why you should wear UPF sun protection clothing during winter, you should start protecting yourself from UV radiation and adding some pieces to your wardrobe such as longs sleeve shirts like rash guards.
Do check out our shop for a selection of the best UPF clothing for men and women. We also have accessories for completing your winter fashion look.
For more UV facts and interesting articles, feel free to stick around and browse the rest of our blog. You may also contact us if you have any questions about our items.
