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During a press trip to Curaçao, I got a sunburn that I’ll never forget. Trust me, it was traumatizing. Since then, I’ve learned just how harsh UV rays can be (even while routinely applying sunscreen) and I’ve started to slowly integrate pieces with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF, into my rotation of outdoor-friendly pieces. Ahead is a selection of primary staples across categories to get you started, if you’re looking for style-forward options that fit the sun-protective bill.
So, you are on the market for the best UV protection clothing?
➼ FAQs
➼ Best UV-protected base layers
➼ Best UV-protected top layers
➼ Best UV-protected bottoms
➼ Best UV-protected dresses
➼ Best UV-protected swimwear
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The Best UV-Protected Base Layers
Every outdoor aficionado knows that layers are essential, regardless of the time of year. This could include everything from a T-shirt to a fitted hoodie with a higher UPF like the one, below from The North Face.
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The Best UV-Protected Top Layers
Once you have a reliable base, you can start adding more substantial pieces on top to build out your look. Whether it’s a moisture-wicking jacket or a sun scarf that covers the shoulders and arms on a hike, a top layer is an easy way to stay protected — in addition to sunscreen (SPF aside).
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The Best UV-Protected Bottoms
What you wear on the bottom half of your body is just as essential for optimal sun protection. Luckily, there are a plethora of options on the market. Pro-tip: When it comes to tight-fitting bottoms like leggings, you’ll want to find styles with a higher UPF.
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The Best UV-Protected Dresses
Having a sun-protected dress in your spring lineup will come in handy for outings that call for a more elevated look, like sailing or golfing. Leave it to brands like Lilly Pulitzer and Watskin to have options that have a distinct feminine and playful aesthetic.
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The Best UV-Protected Swimwear
You arguably don’t spend as much time in the sun as you do, sitting by the pool or hanging out by the beach, so it makes sense that your swimwear be UV-protected.
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FAQs
What’s the difference between UPF and SPF?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UPF measures how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your bare skin. “A UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun’s rays and allows 2 percent to penetrate, thus reducing your exposure risk significantly,” they reported. In order for a piece of clothing to receive the foundation’s “Seal of Recommendation,” the fabric must have a UPF of more than 30. (This differs from “Sun Protective Factor,” otherwise known as SPF, as the latter is based on the time it takes the skin to redden, while UPF measures how both UVB and UVA rays shine through clothing fabrics.)
So, what type of pieces should you be looking for?
Well, research shows that free-flowing pieces are preferable. The fibers of tight clothing have a tendency to stretch and can reduce the level of protection as they pull away from each other, though, like with anything else, there are exceptions. For example, Uniqlo’s AIRism legging and top designed by Christophe Lemaire, a Parisian designer and artistic director of minimalist brand Lemaire.
Does the color of the clothing matter?
Clothes in dark or bright colors will also keep UV rays from reaching your skin by absorbing them, rather than allowing them to penetrate through, which is why we suggest steering clear of lighter shades for better protection.
