UPF Apparel: The Beginner's Guide

"Suns out, buns out covered!"

Before you go out and bask in the sun's warm embrace, there's one crucial thing to consider: sun protection. And no, we're not just talking about slathering on SPF 30 sunscreen (although that's important too). We're talking about UPF apparel - the ultimate shield against harmful UV rays.

What the heck is UPF?

UPF stands for "Ultraviolet Protection Factor." It's a rating system that measures how well a fabric blocks UV radiation. And if you're wondering what UV radiation is, it's the type of radiation that comes from the sun and can cause all sorts of skin problems, like sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. There are two main types of UV radiation: UVA, and UVB. UPF ratings measure how well a fabric blocks that radiation.

Why is UPF apparel so darn important?

UVB radiation is the main culprit behind sunburn and is also a significant contributor to skin cancer. On the other hand, UVA radiation causes premature aging and can also contribute to skin cancer. Both types of radiation can harm the skin, and we must protect ourselves from both. UPF apparel, even a t-shirt, is a super effective way to do this, especially for people outdoors for extended periods or at a higher risk for skin cancer due to factors such as fair skin or a family history of skin cancer. That's why we designed apparel that doesn't look like it's only designed to block the sun and you can wear it everywhere. 

How to choose the best UPF apparel

When shopping for UPF apparel, it's essential to look for items with a UPF rating of at least 30. This means that the fabric blocks at least 97% of UV radiation. If apparel is labeled as "UPF 50+," this indicates that the fabric blocks at least 99% of UV radiation.

In addition to the UPF rating, it's important to consider the fit and style of the clothing. Loose-fitting clothing is generally more effective at blocking UV radiation than tight-fitting clothing. Darker colors and dense fabrics also provide better protection than lighter colors and thin materials.

Tips for rocking UPF apparel like a pro

• Wear UPF clothing whenever you're outside, especially during peak UV hours (between 10 AM and 4 PM).
• Cover as much skin as possible with UPF clothing. We suggest a bamboo UPF hoodie for men and a bamboo hoodie for women to achieve max coverage.  
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on exposed skin.
• Wear a UPF hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
• Avoid using UV tanning beds.

UPF apparel is an essential for any sun protection arsenal. By wearing clothing with a high UPF rating, you can help reduce your risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging. Remember to look for clothing with a UPF rating of at least 30, cover as much skin as possible, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen for added protection. Now go out and soak up those rays (safely)!