Construction: Densely woven cloth, like denim, canvas, wool or synthetic fibers, are more protective than sheer, thin or loosely woven cloth. Check a fabric's sun safety by holding it up to the light. If you can see through, UV radiation can easily penetrate the fabric and reach your skin.
Lightweight and long-sleeved shirts and pants.
It's important to cover up as much of your skin as possible when spending time outdoors. When selecting clothing, avoid fabrics with a loose or open weave, such as lace. In addition, dark colors offer more protection than light colors.
Heavier fabrics with a tighter weave such as polyester, rayon, and other synthetic material also block out more rays as compared to lighter fabrics such as cotton, silk, or chiffon. Wearing looser clothing instead of skin-tight, stretched fabrics also offer more protection because the fibers aren't stretched.
Densely woven materials like canvas and denim are good examples, ensuring protection because they block the sun's rays completely.
When it comes to UV protection, polyester generally outperforms cotton. Its inherent fiber properties, higher UPF ratings, and durability make it a superior choice for sun protection. However, deciding between cotton and polyester depends on the wearer's needs and preferences.
Shiny polyesters and even lightweight satiny silks can be highly protective because they reflect radiation. High-tech fabrics treated with chemical UV absorbers or dyes prevent some penetration from UV rays. Fit: Loose-fitting apparel is preferable.
Linen. Linen is a top choice for cool fabrics to wear in hot weather conditions. It is made from flax fibers and is naturally antibacterial and stain-repellent. Garments made of linen will get clean even when you wash them at low temperatures.
Wear sunglasses that block UV rays
Before you buy, check the label to make sure they do. If there is no label, don't assume the sunglasses provide any UV protection. Labels that say “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” mean the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays.
Fiber type: Polyester does an excellent job at disrupting UV light, as does nylon. Wool and silk are moderately effective. Cotton, rayon, flax and hemp fabrics often score low without added treatments.
Synthetic and semisynthetic fibers like polyester or rayon are the best choices for sun protection, as are dense, heavy, tightly woven fabrics like wool, denim or corduroy.
To protect against sunburn, you should apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ or more. If you or your child are prone to sunburn, use a higher SPF. You should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen meaning it will protect you against different forms of UV rays. Make sure the sunscreen is water-resistant.
This is especially true in the scorching summer months, but black really is the best colour to wear in the sun if you want to protect your skin. It's an easy sacrifice to make for your skin's health. Just as important as ensuring we cover up when we spend time exposed to UV Rays is the colours with which we cover up.
Synthetic material
Polyester and nylon are more protective than bleached cotton or rayon.
Choose dark and intense colors for sun protection
A study conducted in Spain found that fabrics with darker or more intense colors tended to have better UV radiation protection than lighter colors. Of all colors tested, dark blue offered the best levels of UV protection, making it the best color to wear in the sun.
Dark-colored awnings, such as deep blues, forest greens and rich browns, are generally more resistant to fading. This is because they absorb more sunlight, minimizing the impact of UV rays. As a result, dark-colored awnings tend to maintain their vibrancy for longer.
Choose UV sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays for maximum eye protection from the sun. Look for sunglasses labeled UV400, which provide nearly full protection against UV rays. These lenses block light wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, including UVA and UVB rays.
It's possible for UV rays to pass through clothing and reach the skin. In fact, a regular white cotton t-shirt may only provide a UPF rating of 5 – that means roughly 20% of UV radiation passes through the fabric and penetrates your skin.
This lead us to conclude that for optimal vitamin D synthesis at minimal risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), the best time for sun exposure is between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thus, the common health recommendation (that sun exposure should be avoided between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and postponed to the ...
Lightweight cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking synthetics are great choices for keeping cool in hot weather.
Solution-dyed polyester is especially great for outdoor use - it has exceptional UV/sun resistance and wear properties. Not to mention, solution-dyed fabrics are much better for the environment (less water waste is used during production).