We love the outdoors, especially when the sun is shining and we’re with friends and family. But in all that beauty, we’ve learned there’s a hidden risk: ultraviolet (UV) rays. Overexposure to UV can easily damage our skin and, in serious cases, lead to uncomfortable and even life-threatening diseases.
One of the best ways to keep the fun going and protect your skin is by using clothing to block UV rays. That’s why we created VVC’s UPF 50+ clothing. A UPF 50+ rating is the gold standard for blocking UV rays and a key indicator of a garment that offers effective sun protection.
Beyond UPF: How Your Regular Clothes Protect You
But does this mean you can only wear UPF clothing? Not at all. You can use these three tips to determine if your everyday clothes offer some level of sun protection:
- Darker colors generally offer better UV protection than lighter colors.
- Tightly woven fabrics provide more effective sun protection than loosely woven or sheer fabrics.
- Synthetic materials like polyester or nylon typically offer better UV protection than natural fibers like cotton.
Keep Your Protection Strong: Factors That Reduce a Garment's Effectiveness
VVC also reminds you that the following can reduce a garment's sun protection effectiveness:
- Wetness: Damp clothing provides less sun protection. Keeping your garments dry is the best way to maintain their effectiveness.
- Wear and Tear: Worn-out or damaged fabric can change the density of the fibers, which directly impacts its sun protection.
- Stretching: When fabric is stretched, its density changes, which can reduce its ability to block UV rays.
Ultimately, sun protection is a choice we make to keep our outdoor passions alive and healthy. If you’re looking for a simple option, you can also use sun care products to get the protection you need.
Here’s to a wonderful 2025 filled with incredible outdoor adventures!