Sun Protective Clothing

Ida Fanelli
Feb 9, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jun 29

People with sun-sensitive disorders, such as eczema, Psoriasis, Vitiligo, and Lupus erythematosus, must be more cautious about sun exposure.

UV radiation also plays a significant role in photoaging, causing wrinkling, dryness, telangiectasia, sagging, and pigmentation. Chronic UV exposure and the development of actinic keratosis, squamous, and basal cell cancer are linked. Life-threatening melanoma requires intermittent and intense UV exposure.

Sun-protective clothing, also known as UV or UPF Protection clothing, which absorbs or blocks harmful UV radiation, helps protect against sun damage and skin cancer.

UPF clothing typically lasts 30 to 40 washes, and with regular use, the clothing should last approximately one year.

Solbari UPF 50+ clothing offers science-backed protection, innovative design, and comfort, making it one of the best choices for sun-sensitive individuals and eco-conscious outdoor lovers. It pairs beautifully with reef-safe sunscreens for total sun protection that's kind to skin and the sea.

Brands like Coolibar UPF 50+ (from Australia) incorporate zinc oxide and titanium dioxide directly into the fabric, providing effective UVA and UVB protection without the need for topical sunscreen. These fabrics are also lightweight and breathable, perfect for hot climates. They have a rigorously tested, high-quality seal guaranteed for life. They were the first to earn the Skin Cancer Foundation seal.

Willit is affordable Polyester UPF 50+ fabrics

Nozone UPF 50+ 66% bamboo-rayon, 28% cotton, 6% spandex

Naviskin budget-friendly, quick, dr,y polyester UPF 50+

Baleaf UPF 50+ moisture-wicking polyester

Tacvasen UPF 50+, some claim UPF 80, Polyester

What is the best option for you

Choose Solbari or Coolibar for UPF 50+ reliability, comfort, and style for premium, science-backed sun protection.

For eco-conscious, natural fabric lovers: Nozone offers adequate UPF protection in bamboo/cotton blends that appeal to those wanting gentle, skin-friendly options.

For outdoorsy, budget-friendly options, Willit, Naviskin, Baleaf, and Tacvasen provide performance-oriented protection without breaking the bank.

Tinosorb FD, the trade name for a family of UV-absorbing chemicals, is used by other manufacturers. It is the active ingredient in Nakoma Products Sun Guard Laundry Treatment and Rit Sun Guard Laundry Treatment detergents. The packaging is quite similar; there may be a connection here. Consumers can use these to increase the SPF of cotton clothing at home. Since the longevity of the UPF factor is similar to clothes you wash yourself. It would be more economical to do so. Unbleached cotton absorbs UV rays, whereas polyester and silk, with their high sheen, reflect UV radiation. Don’t use the laundry treatments on polyester or acrylic. Polyester has light-absorbing benzene rings within the polymer. It blocks more UV radiation than natural fibres such as cotton.

Denim jeans can have a UPF value of 1700.

The reason is that tighter weaves, dark or bright colours and thicker fabrics block more UV rays. If the material is wet, stretched out or too dense, it will block fewer UV rays.

For maximum protection, wear tightly woven, dark-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats.

Tinosorb M and Tinosorb S:

They are both in sunscreens and protect against both UVA and UVB. They are not absorbed into the body, are hormone-disruptive, do not form free radicals, and possess anti-inflammatory properties.

We can only assume that Tinosorb FD performs the same function after being washed onto the clothes. It binds to the fibres very well. Wear gloves when mixing with water. Don’t let the powder touch the skin before mixing it with the water.

UPF is a different rating system for clothing, from UPF 5 to UPF 30.

UPF measures blockage of both UVA and UVB rays, whereas the sun-protection factor (SPF) in sunscreens only measures the filtering of UVB rays.

UVB is the kind that causes sunburn and skin cancer, but UVA penetrates deeper into the skin, causing skin cancer as well as premature aging.

Nakoma Products Sunguard Sun Protection Clothing Wash UPF 30 Wash in

Laundry Additive set of 3 Lasts 20 washes

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