SPF clothing

The option for taking sun care above and beyond sunscreens or sun blocks is provided by SPF clothing with enhanced UV protective qualities. Any clothing will provide for some protection from the sun. An ordinary T-shirt will provide about the equivalent of a Sun Protection factor (SPF) 25 and most clothes will not exceed SPF 30.

The following reasons typically drive people to seek extra protection from the sun's UV rays:

• Being an active outdoor person spending long hours in the sun
• Having a sensitive or sun allergic skin
• Wanting to protect the delicate skin of your babies, toddlers or young children

SPF clothing is more commonly certified with an Ultraviolet Protection factor (UPF). The reason it is given a different name is the fact that although very similar in concept to the SPF rating for sunscreen, there are 2 key differences:

• UPF rates the protection provided from both UVA and UVB rays, whereas the SPF number on sunscreen only rates the protection factor against UVB
• Once the material has been certified as UPF 30 or UPF 50+, it will remain UPF 30 or UPF 50+ for as long as you wear the garment. Sunscreens require reapplication as well as sufficient application. People tend to forget to reapply when out for a long time in the sun and all too often do not apply enough, or evenly, or even forget some parts of the body

Is sunscreen necessary then?

Sunscreen is always a great recommendation for areas of your body that may still be exposed to the sun's UV rays. Your face may require extra protection even though wearing a hat, as the sun's rays are easily deflected or reflected off different surfaces such as water, snow, glass, or even the earth below our feet! Areas often forgotten or needing extra cover are your nose, chin, neck, feet and hands.

There are many official organizations that endorse SPF clothing. Some of these include:

• The Skin Cancer Foundation
• The Melanoma International Association
• The American Cancer Society
• The American Academy of Dermatology
• The Skin Cancer Foundation of Australia

What to look for?

Make sure your sun protective SPF clothing is:

• tested officially for SPF/UPF and not made of inferior material
• chlorine resistant or salt water resistant if required for swimming
• protecting you from over 97.5% of both the UVA and UVB rays

How hot is it likely to be?

Although covering a lot of your body, the material is made of a tightly-woven, lightweight and cool material that reflects heat and helps to keep you feeling cool. The origins come from a need in desert wear, long-distance horse, camel or bike riding as well as extreme athletes. Nowadays it is engineered to withstand the abuse of sport and outdoor activities, enabling your body to move freely and stay cool, even in peak summer heat.

Many SPF clothing products include mesh panels and openings to allow cool air to enter and warm air to exit. Taking care of the fabric is essential for long wearing but instructions are usually quite explicit and easy. Mostly they can be washed in cool water with mild detergent, rinsed, line dried and ready to wear in the morning. Sometimes they require hand washing.

The sun protective swimwear is especially prepared for wearing in the water in order to protect the material from salt water and chlorinated water. Some hats are chlorine and salt water resistant as well, so they can be worn in the water.

Variety of SPF Clothing Available:

Shirts:

Ventilated shirts include designs with concealed side ventilation inlets, front and back vents, extra-wide underarm mesh panels, hidden mesh panels above the chest pockets to circulate air around your body and flow out through the back side vents and a ventilated back yoke. Loose sleeve cuffs keep you cooler by allowing air to enter. Long sleeved T-Shirts have features like underarm ventilating mesh inserts.

Jackets:

Some can be quite sophisticated so can be worn at the sailing club, on the boat, at the poolside, or outdoors anywhere! Usually have soft, elastic cuffs with underarm mesh.

Pants/trousers:

Designed for extreme athletes, or everyday functional outdoor activities, in unisex or feminine style, or three quarter cargo style pants, or leggings, with a range of colors that coordinate with shirts and jackets. Some even have air panels at the calves and lower thighs for ventilation.

Water wear:

Swim shirts are usually zip fronted and long sleeved, with some even female figure flattering. Trousers or leggings are close fitting. All water wear is made from lightweight, stretch fabric that allows you to move freely as well as dry quickly. It is advised always to rinse garments in fresh water as soon as possible after use to enable the longest wear.