As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, there's nothing better than spending time outdoors—whether it's a morning coffee on the patio or an afternoon stroll through the city. But as we embrace the al fresco lifestyle, it’s essential to take care of our skin while soaking up the sun. That’s where UPF clothing comes in. If you're wondering what it’s all about, let's break it down in a way that's as easy as slipping into your favorite linen shirt.
What is UPF?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It’s a rating that measures how well a fabric shields your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Think of it as SPF for your clothes—a simple way to make sure your sun protection goes beyond lotion. The higher the UPF, the better the protection.
How Does UPF Work?
Just like sunscreen, UPF clothing blocks the UV rays that can cause skin damage, aging, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. When you see a UPF rating on a piece of clothing, it tells you how much UV radiation can pass through. For example, a fabric with a UPF 50 rating lets only 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays reach your skin—offering excellent protection.
Here’s a quick guide:
- UPF 15-20: Good protection, blocking about 93-95% of UV radiation.
- UPF 25-35: Very good protection, blocking about 96-97% of UV radiation.
- UPF 40-50+: Excellent protection, blocking about 98% or more of UV radiation.
Why Choose UPF Clothing?
We’re all about effortless style and protection that doesn’t slow you down. Here’s why UPF clothing should be your go-to for sunny days:
- Constant Coverage: Unlike sunscreen, which requires reapplication, UPF clothing offers uninterrupted protection all day long.
- Simple & Convenient: For those who want to enjoy the outdoors without constantly thinking about reapplying sunscreen, UPF clothing has you covered.
- Style & Comfort: Modern UPF fabrics are designed to feel as good as they look—so you can stay protected without compromising on style.
How to Choose UPF Clothing
When it comes to choosing the right UPF clothing, a few things to keep in mind will help you feel both stylish and protected.
- Look for the Label: Always check for a UPF rating of 30 or higher. UPF 30-49 offers great protection, while UPF 50+ gives you the ultimate sun shield.
- Fabric Matters: Tightly woven fabrics, darker colors, and synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon generally provide better UV protection. For more details into the performance of different fabrics, see our Ultimate Guide to UPF Fabrics: Protection, Performance, and Durability.
- Coverage Counts: More coverage means more protection. Opt for longer sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and pants to cover more skin.
Tips for Maximizing Sun Protection
- Layer Up: Combine UPF clothing with sunscreen on exposed areas for maximum protection.
- Seek Shade: Take breaks in the shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Accessorize Wisely: Sunglasses and hats with UPF ratings can further shield your face and eyes from harmful rays.
Maximizing Sun Protection, the Smart Way
You don’t have to choose between style and sun protection. Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your outdoor days:
- Layer Up: Pair your UPF clothing with sunscreen on exposed areas to give yourself extra protection.
- Seek Shade: Take breaks in the shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Accessorize: Hats and sunglasses with UPF ratings are the perfect complement to your sun-safe look.
At Art of Leisure, we’re all about making sun protection as effortless and chic as possible. Our collection of UPF clothing lets you enjoy the best of the al fresco lifestyle—sun-kissed moments included—while keeping your skin safe and your style elevated.
Stay tuned for Art of Leisure’s upcoming soft launch of stylish, premium UPF pieces, designed for those who live life outdoors, beautifully.