When it comes to sun protection, people tend to think of sunscreen first. But have you ever thought your clothes could also be UV protection? Enter UPF 50+ clothing. A game changer for anyone who spends time outdoors. But what is UPF 50+ and how is it different from SPF? In this article, we will explain all there is to know about UPF 50+ clothing, why you need it for outdoor activities and how it is better than regular clothing. Also, we will tell you why Sun Ray’s UPF 50+ collection is the perfect addition to your next adventure. Let’s get started!
What Does UPF 50+ Mean?
The meaning of the term UPF is the Ultraviolet Protection Factor, which is a standard that describes the ability of fabric to block UV rays. A fabric with a UPF rating of 50+ allows less than 2% of the UV rays to pass through, which is quite protective. In other words, if you are wearing UPF 50+ clothing, only 1/50 of the UV rays from the sun can reach your skin. That’s 98% protection!
But What Exactly is UPF 50+?
The highest level of sun protective clothing is UPF 50+, which is great for extended outdoor use. It is particularly important for sensitive skin or those with sunburn in the past. This is because while normal clothing may have a UPF of 5-10, UPF 50+ clothing is specially made to prevent UV rays. Check out this page to get a more detailed overview of UPF clothing
How is UPF Different from SPF?
While SPF (Sun Protection Factor) tells how many minutes of UVB protection the sunscreen provides, the UPF tells how close the fabric is to both UVA and UVB rays. In other words, UPF is like sunscreen for your clothes! UV A rays are the cause of early aging while UV B rays cause sunburn. UPF 50+ clothing is both UVA and UVB protective, thus good for long-term sun safety.
Why You Need Sun Protection Clothing for Outdoor Activities
The UV rays are present even when you are hiking, swimming or just playing in the park, and they are dangerous. Too much exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. While sunscreen is good, it is not always enough. Sweating, water, or friction can reduce the efficiency of the sunscreen, leaving the skin exposed.
The Dangers of UV Rays on the Skin
UV radiation is not only the cause of sunburn but also the source of other dangers including wrinkles, spots, and even skin cancer. Normal clothes are not very efficient, especially when they are wet or stretched. For instance, a wet cotton T-shirt has a UPF of 3, which means that 33% of the UV rays can be absorbed by the skin.
The Advantages of UPF 50+ Clothing for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Here is where the UPF 50+ clothing comes in. Designed to block more than 98% of the UV rays, UPF 50+ clothing gives the user a constant protection even when the fabric is wet or stretched. It is light weight, breathable and ideal for activities like hiking, swimming or cycling. For example, UPF 50+ clothing will protect your body, and UPF 50+ hats will protect your face and neck from the sun’s rays.
UPF 50+ Clothing vs. Regular Clothing: What’s the Difference?
Not all clothes are equally protective against the sun. Most light weight or light coloured clothes are quite inadequate. For instance, a plain white cotton T-shirt has a SPF of 5, which means that it can allow 20% of the UV rays to touch your skin. And if that T-shirt gets wet, the SPF will be even lower.
How Does UPF 50+ Fabric Work?
UPF 50+ clothing is made from fabrics that are tightly woven or treated with chemicals that absorb UV rays. Such fabrics are made to keep their protective barrier even when the fabric is wet, stretched or exposed to direct sunlight. For instance, a UPF 50+ long-sleeve shirt will be a perfect companion for a day of hiking while any other shirt might lead to a sunburn.
Why You Should Never Wear Regular Clothing for Protection as Opposed to UPF 50+
Most clothes have a UPF of between 5 and 10 and the protection they afford decreases when the clothes are wet or old. On the other hand, UPF 50+ clothing is made to block UV rays and is an essential clothing option for anyone who spends time outdoors.
How to Choose the Best UPF 50+ Clothing
When purchasing UPF 50+ clothing, there are a few important factors that you should look for. First, feel the fabric. Nylon or polyester are more protective than loose knit fabrics. Second, the fit. The best UPF 50+ clothing should be comfortable and should not restrict movement, especially if you plan to wear it for physical activities.
Key Features to Look For
- Tight-knit fabric: This provides the best protection against UV rays.
- Antimicrobial treatment: Look for fabrics that prevent the growth of microbes that cause odour.
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Comfortable fit: It is important that UPF 50+ clothing is comfortable to wear for many hours.
Quick Takeaways
- UPF 50+ blocks over 98% of UV rays, offering superior protection.
- UPF measures fabric protection, while SPF measures sunscreen protection.
- Sun protection clothing is essential for outdoor activities to avoid skin damage.
- UPF 50+ clothing is more protective than regular clothing for outdoor activities (especially in Australia).
Conclusion
Clothing that has UPF 50+ is more than just a fashion trend, it is something that everyone who enjoys being outdoors needs. Whether you like hiking, swimming or just spending time in the sun, UPF 50+ clothing will help you to stay safe without compromising on comfort. Now that you are ready to level up your style, check out Sun Ray’s premium UPF 50+ collection and keep it cool and protected at the same time.