Why do I need UPF 50+ sun protective clothing?

4 min read
Why do I need UPF 50+ sun protective clothing?
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Why do I need UPF 50+ sun protective clothing 

There has been much debate about the use of sunscreen of late, particularly in Australia due to increasing temperatures. Health experts are urging the public to wear sunscreen on a daily basis and incorporate it into the daily routine like brushing their teeth. We are encouraged by this messaging, as skin cancer is caused by the cumulative impact of UV exposure. Every day counts in terms of sun protection.

Wearing UPF 50+ sun protective clothing and a broad brim sun hat is the best way to prevent skin cancer. 

Sunscreen gets the headlines, but dermatologists agree that not exposing the skin to direct sunlight in the first place is the answer to preventing skin cancer. To that end, they are on record as saying that wearing sun protective clothing and a broad-brim sun hat is the best solution.

You might think that covering up with clothing generally is better than exposing yourself to the sun. This is correct, but it’s worth noting that not all clothing the protects the same. It is possible to get sun burn through clothing. We were shocked when we discovered that regular clothing may only have a UPF rating as high as 5, which means that 20% of harmful UV rays are able to reach the skin.

To be classified as sun protective clothing the garment needs to incorporate a fabric which offers at least a UPF of 30, which is the minimum UPF rating level deemed to offer very good sun protection. Sun protective clothing also utilises function design and fabric types which are lightweight, moisture wicking and breathable. UPF 50+ is the highest achievable UPF sun protective rating and means that only 2% or 1/50 of UV rays are able to penetrate the fabric. A UPF in excess of 40 is deemed to offer excellent sun protection.

Solbari is the leading sun protective clothing brand in Australia with customers in over 70 countries. Solbari offers a range of UPF 50+ sun protective clothing, broad brim sun hats, UV50+ arm sleeves and sun blocking umbrellas.

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+ 

Content Disclaimer: This website pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion about med­i­cine, health and related sub­jects. All content and media on the Solbari website is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should seek professional advice.

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