Everything You Need to Know About UPF Clothing

upf-clothing

 

UPF Clothing Brands

 

ADVERTISEMENT

 

 

Sun Protective Clothing

Have you heard of UPF clothes?

They’re sun protective clothes when the fabric has built in ultraviolet protection. The specific amount of rays that the clothing blocks, is the UP factor.

If you’re cautious about sun exposure, hoping to protect your skin, or simply want an anti-aging product that’s way more effective than beauty treatments… grab yourself some UPF clothing!

Plus, unlike sunscreen you don’t need to reapply! 

Pop on a sun protective piece of clothing and you’re covered all day long. 

 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

What UPF Factor Should You Look For

In the US, The Skin Cancer Foundation has a ‘seal of recommendation’ for UPF clothing. In order to qualify, a garment needs to have at least a UPF of 30. 

A UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ rates as excellent.

 

What UPF Ratings Mean

UPF is the rating system for apparel.

For example:

  • a UPF rating of 30 indicates the fabric allows about 1/30th (~3%) of UV radiation to pass through it. 
  • a UPF rating of 50 allows about 1/50th (~2%) of UV transmission.
  • any fabric that allows less than 2% UV transmission is labeled UPF 50+

As a general rule, the higher the rating, the more sun protection

 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

UPF Ratings

UPF Rating Protection Category Effective UV Transmissions
15 Minimum 6.7%
30 Good 3.3%
50+ Excellent 2%

 

UPF Clothing vs. Regular Clothing

Wearing something is better than nothing. I usually find that my shoulder tan (or burns) super easily, with visible strips from a tank top where the regular non-UPF fabric covered my skin.

So, you might be wondering how regular clothes compare to specially treated UPF clothes.

A basic cotton t-shirt offers a UPF rating of 5, so about 1/5th (or 20%) of UV radiation will pass through it. Anything below UPF 15 isn’t considered UV protective.

But if you want to be really careful, wear UPF 50+ swimsuits (I like these long sleeve options) or at least a UPF 50+ rashguard!

 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

UPF vs. SPF: What’s the Difference?

They’re very similar, with some slight differences.

UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate fabric and reach your skin. It measures effectiveness at  both ultraviolet A (“UVA”) and ultraviolet B (“UVB”) rays. 

SPF, meanwhile, measures the time it takes for your skin to redden from just UVB rays. In the United States, sunscreen isn’t regulated as seriously as in Europe or Asia and UVB rays are considered ‘more’ harmful. 

I’m not sure why they don’t update the SPF metric to factor UVA exposure, because they should!

But some sunscreen labels do consider UVA exposure, with the words ‘broad spectrum’. It’s still not great though! I typically prefer to buy Asian or European sunscreen brands… or to wear UPF clothing!

 

Keep reading, or pin this article to save it for later ⇟ 

 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

Best UPF Clothing (2021)

 

Best UPF Rash Guards: Helen Jon

helen-jon-rash-guards

Helen Jon makes super fun summer clothing that’s also UPF friendly!

Their sun shirts are loose and comfy to wear, either as a top or over a bikini as a coverup. They also come in a variety of colors and prints so you’ll be sure to stand out on the boardwalk!

Helen Jon UPF Clothes

Sold on Zappos

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

Most Colorful UPF Clothes: Lilly Pulitzer

upf-clothing-brands-lilly-pulitzer

Looking for cute, colorful everyday summer clothes that also offer sun protection?

Then check out Lilly Pulitzer.

The designer makes her signature Lilly looks with a unique ChillyLilly fabric. Not only does it wick moisture away from the skin to quick dry on the fabric surface for a nice cooling effect… it’s also UPF 50+!

Lilly Pulitzer UPF Clothing

Sold on Zappos

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

Best UPF Hiking Pants: The North Face

upf-casual-pants-the-north-face

The North Face makes these stylish cargo pants.

They have a comfy elastic waist and tons of pockets – plus they’re even water resistant!

If you’re looking for a light pant for the summer or fall, these are both casual and highly comfortable. Plus they’re simple enough to wear to run errands, go for a hike or even to dinner!

The North Face UPF Clothing

Sold on Zappos

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

Best Casual UPF Pants: Prana

upf-hiking-pants-prana

Looking for an outdoor adventure pant?

Grab these prAna UPF pants. They’re highly durable, comfortable to wear thanks to some stretch and even wrinkle resistant. The pants are also UPF 50+ so they offer great sun protection for your entire lower half.

Prana Straight Leg UPF Pants

Sold on Zappos

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

Best UPF Shorts: Royal Robbins

royal-robbins-upf-shorts

For sun protective shorts, check out these Royal Robbins.

They feature a modern cut that’s flattering on the body and they’re made from a laundered fabric that’s super soft and comfortable to wear. The fabric has UPF 50+ protection too!

Wear these shorts to garden or hike!

Royal Robbins UPF Clothing

Sold on Zappos

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

Best UPF Maxi Dress: Columbia

upf-50-dress-columbia

I love how simple and comfortable this maxi is – and it gets bonus points for being UPF protective!

It’s made from a smoothing fabric that hides lumps and bumps and is so flattering. The dress doesn’t wrinkle and even has moisture wicking properties

Meanwhile the empire waist gives it some shape and the full length keeps it versatile – wear this casually with flip flops or dress it up with a jacket and some jewelry!

Columbia UPF Clothing

Sold on Zappos

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

Shop UPF Clothes


 

ADVERTISEMENT


 

 

 Read More:  in our summer style series:

 

Summer Essentials

Everything You Need for a Classic Summer Wardrobe

The Best White T Shirts in Every Style

The Best Classic White Button Down Shirts

 

Summer Dresses

7 Easy, Comfortable T Shirt Dresses for Summer

The Most Chic Slip Dresses to Dress Up or Down

The Best Fit and Flare Dresses

The Best White Dresses on Amazon

25 Cute & Affordable Amazon Dresses

 

Summer Shoes

The Most Comfortable Summer Sandals

The Best Minimalist Strappy Sandals

The Best Classic White Sneakers

Review: Olukai Sandals

Review: Everlane Flats

The Best Chanel Espadrille Lookalikes

 

Summer Accessories

The Best Sun Hats that Offer Full Sun Protection

7 of the Cutest Straw Basket Bags

 

Summer Linen

The Cutest Linen Dresses for Hot Summer Nights

The Best Men's Linen Pants - Summer Casual

The Best Women's Linen Pants for Coastal Chic Style

The Best Women's White Linen Pants - Simple, Clean & Breathable!

 

Summer Swim

The Best Online Sites to Shop for Swimwear

The Best Swimwear Brands at Every Price Point

The Best Swimsuits for Small Busts

Amazon Fashion Finds: Modest Swimsuits

The Best High Waisted Bikini Bottoms to Keep Everything Tucked In

 

Follow me @Sher She Goes on

Youtube | Tiktok | Instagram

Share:

Leave a Reply