Gone are the days when sun-protective clothing was dowdy and expensive. Now fashionable choices abound in shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses that look great and keep your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
“Manufacturers of sun-protective garments strive to combine comfort, style and protection, covering as much skin as possible while still remaining cool and breezy,” notes Dr. Miriam Hanson, board certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology. New styles use vibrant colors and patterns in outfits to wear in any season. And the clothing works for so many activities, from hiking, mountain biking and running to beach-combing and playing in the park.
When looking at sun-protective clothes, consider the fabric’s Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). Fabrics with a UPF rating of 50+ allow through only 1/50th of UV radiation, blocking 49/50ths or 98% of UV rays. Also think about the amount of coverage each piece provides – does the sleeve cover the whole arm, does the hat shade the ears? “Combine pieces for even more protection, wearing a striped sun-protective bandana over a long-sleeved tee to screen the body and neck, or use a wide-brimmed hat or a sun visor with sunglasses,” suggests Dr. Hanson. Whether you like casual, classic or sporty, there’s sun-protective clothing that you’ll love to wear. Three companies that specialize in sun-protective clothing are Sun Precautions, Coolibar, and UV Skinz.
- Sun Precautions, Inc., was founded 15 years ago by Shaun Hughes, after he successfully fought a malignant melanoma at age 26. His clothing line uses Solumbra, a light and silky fabric that wicks moisture and perspiration, is easy-care and blocks 98% of both UVA and UVB rays. The Solumbra fabric, recommended by many dermatologists, faces extensive laboratory UV testing and maintains its integrity even after 500 wash cycles. Sun Precautions offers a full line of clothing for men, women, unisex and children, searchable by clothing type or by activity. Products include dresses, shirts, pants, beach clothing, and hats.
- Coolibar also tests its SunTect fabrics for UV blockage and durability. Its fabrics vary in weight, wicking and drape, but all provide moisture management, stand up to repeated washings and keep out 98% of UV radiation. Coolibar has clothing for men, women, girls, boys and babies, including swimwear, and sells many kinds of hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Items marked with the Coolibar Shield cover 90% of a person’s skin, whether in a full-coverage shirt or a wide-brimmed hat.
- UV Skinz was started by Rhonda Sparks after she lost her husband to melanoma at age 32. UVSkinz offers clothing for men, women, children and babies and has a wide selection of swimwear and sports clothing. Their fabrics fend off 98% of UVA and UVB rays and are certified by The Melanoma International Foundation.
Protecting the skin is more important than ever and now it’s fun and fashionable too.
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To learn more about keeping yourself and your family safe in the sun, please contact Sanova Dermatology today.