Sun protective clothing are garments that are designed specifically to greatly reduce ultra-violet radiation or exposure to sunlight.
By reducing exposure to sunlight you materially reduce the risk of sun burn, skin ageing and skin cancers including melanomas which are the most deadly form of skin cancer. Sun protective clothing is also helpful for individuals with photosensitivity, lupus and other skin conditions including eczema.
Due to the hot, sunny climate and the very high incidence rates of skin cancer and melanoma sun protective clothing was first formally tested and rated in Australia in the 1990s. Australia continues to be the global leader in sun protective clothing, public awareness of sun protection and skin cancer prevention diagnosis and treatment.
To be effective sun protective clothing there are two major elements:
First, the fabrics used are materials that are independently certified as having an Australian UPF50+ excellent rating. UPF stands for ultra-violet protection factor. UPF50+ is the maximum UPF rating achievable in Australia. If a garment is purported to have a UPF rating in excess of 50, it is not an Australian UPF rating.
The important thing to note here is that not all fabrics protect the same from the sun. A regular t-shirt may only have a very low UPF rating which may make it possible for a person with a type 1 skin type to get sunburn through their shirt in high UV conditions. Whereas a garment which uses a fabric which has been certified Australian UPF50+ is deemed to have an excellent rating and reduces ultra-violet radiation by 98%.
Second, having the Australian UPF50+ rating is important, but the garment has to be wearable in hot, sunny conditions. The key here is for the garment to be lightweight, breathable and comfortable to wear whilst also achieving the Australian UPF50+ excellent rating.
Garments which are able to cleverly combine the maximum Australian UPF50+ rating and are comfortable to wear in the hot, sunny conditions are the most attractive proposition.
Dermatologists recommend sun protective clothing as the most effective way to prevent sun burn, premature skin ageing and skin cancers.
Solbari is the leading Australian sun protective clothing brand with customers in over 60 countries. All Solbari products are independently tested and rated UPF50+ by the Australian Government.
You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF50+ sun protective range by clicking the blue links below:
Women UPF 50+
Men UPF 50+
Sun Hats UPF 50+
Accessories UPF 50+
