Did you know that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the United States? According to a report from the Office of the Surgeon General, more than five million people receive treatment for this condition annually.
While the effects of skin cancer can be devastating, most forms of the disease are preventable. In the same report, researchers explained that one in three Americans becomes sunburned each year.
While sunscreen is a great protective resource, it isn’t your only option. Today, you can find clothes with sun protection that can effectively block or absorb dangerous UV radiation.
Today, we’re sharing a few of the top benefits that these clothing articles can provide, and explaining why they’re a smart investment for any sun-serious family.
- Reduce Your Sun Exposure Risk
Of course, the most obvious benefit of sun protection clothes is that they can greatly reduce your risk of sun exposure! On each article of clothing, you should find its designated Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF.
This number indicates how much UV radiation the item will allow to reach your skin. It factors in both UVB and UVA rays. When browsing clothing with sun protection, it’s helpful to know what this number means.
For example, if you see a sun shirt that offers UPF 50 protection, this doesn’t mean that 50% of the sun’s rays will impact your skin. Instead, it means that the shirt will block 98% of those rays, and only 2% (or 1/50th) will penetrate through the clothing. When you understand this calculation, you can see that UPF 50 offers excellent protection.
While you can find sun-protective clothes with lower UPF ratings, we don’t advise going much lower than UPF 50. The Skin Cancer Foundation agrees, and will only give its coveted Seal of Recommendation to articles with UPF 30 or above.
If the item has a UPF rating of 30 to 49, then the Foundation rates its protection as Very Good. Any article with a UPF of 50 or above receives an Excellent rating. To learn more about how to choose the best pieces, check out this anti-aging sun protection guide.
- Enjoy All-Day Protection
Most brands of sunscreen are only designed to last a few hours. You’ll need to remember to re-apply when you’re out in the sun and do so at more frequent intervals if you’re swimming in the water.
With sun protection clothing, you never have to set a reminder on your phone. You can enjoy protection all day, as long as you’re wearing the gear. This means you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment without stressing about how long it’s been since your last application.
- Stay Cool
When it’s sweltering outside, no one wants to sweat in a heavy cotton tee. This is where clothes with sun protection really shine. Most items are made from lightweight, sweat-wicking material that keeps you cool and comfortable all day long.
From shirts to shorts, you can find articles that are breathable and moisture-resistant. This allows you to play and swim all day without getting too warm.
- Achieve Extra Coverage for Your Skin
Sun protective clothing is designed a little differently than standard clothing. These pieces usually include extra coverage to keep as much of your body covered as possible.
For instance, sun shirts usually include high collars and long sleeves, so less of your bare skin is directly exposed. You can even find ones with thumbholes built into the sleeves, so the backs of your hands are also covered. The skin here is thinner and more vulnerable to sun exposure, which can cause age spots to develop as you get older.
In addition, you can also find hats that include special sun-protective qualities! These will typically feature wider brims than a standard hat, as well as flaps to cover your ears, and chin straps to keep them in place.
- Enjoy a Range of Styles
In years past, sun clothes looked like sun clothes. You could easily spot someone who chose to dress in this garb, and the choices were limited at best.
However, that’s no longer the case today. Modern sun clothes are cool, stylish, and fashion-forward. In fact, most of them look like regular clothing and blend right in at the beach or pool.
This means you don’t have to worry about sticking out or drawing too much attention to your outfit. You’ll look smart and chic, and ready for a safe day in the sun!
- Save Money in the Long Run
Yes, a premium-quality sun shirt might cost a little more than the T-shirt you’d find at your local big-box store. However, there are advantages to paying the price.
For one, these articles of clothing are usually sturdier and better crafted than their non-protective counterparts. They include details such as reinforced stitching and are made from heavy-duty fabric that can withstand years of wear. This means you’ll replace yours less frequently, and can enjoy it for longer.
Plus, when considered against the cost of melanoma treatment, this clothing is incredibly economical. It’s a worthy investment for you and your whole family.
- Switch Between Activities
Want to go from the sand to the water, and then out on the boat? What about from the backyard to the splash pad? Instead of packing a few different outfits to accommodate each activity, just dress everyone in sun clothes and head out!
These items dry quickly and allow you to pack more lightly. They’re designed for recreational use and can get wet without compromising their quality or effectiveness. This saves you time, money, and stress all season long.
Find the Best Clothes With Sun Protection
Now that you know a few of the benefits they deliver, are you ready to buy clothes with sun protection? As you dive into the shopping realm, look for pieces that offer at least UPF 30, prioritizing those with UPF 50 and above.
Then, choose styles that will complement everyone in your family. Before long, you’ll be running, splashing, and playing with ease, confident that your clothes are working overtime to keep you safe.
Looking for more tips to help you look and feel your best? Check out our Health guides for expert advice!
