Does Sun-Protective Clothing Really Work? A Dermatologist Weighs In
Experts recommend checking for the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation and choosing darker, tightly woven fabrics that cover more skin.
For best results, combine UPF clothing with sunscreen on exposed areas, and care for garments gently to maintain their protective power over time.As summer heats up, spending more time outdoors means increased exposure to the sun. We all know sunscreen is a go-to, but can sun-protective clothing offer even better coverage?
We asked experts to weigh in and provide their tips on how sun-protective clothing works, what to look for when shopping, and how to make sure your gear keeps doing its job.Dr. Emily Wood, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Marble Falls and Austin, Texas.Sun-protective clothing refers to garments specially designed with built-in protection to shield the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. These pieces are rated with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), which indicates how effectively the fabric blocks UV radiation. The higher the UPF rating, the greater the level of protection it provides.
Wearing a shirt with a UPF of 50+ offers a similar level of protection as SPF 50+ sunscreen but with more consistency. Unlike sunscreen, which can wear off, clothing provides steady coverage throughout the day. Many people don't apply enough sunscreen or forget to reapply it every two hours, which reduces its effectiveness and increases the risk of sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.
"Unlike sunscreen, sun-protective clothing doesn't wash off with water or sweat," explains Dr. Emily Wood, a board-certified dermatologist. "It offers superior sun protection, especially when spending extended time outdoors, and it's also a great option for keeping busy kids safe in the sun."
Styles have come a long way in recent years, and function does not have to come at the expense of fashion. From wide-brimmed hats and lightweight dresses to swimwear, shirts, and pants, there are many sun-safe choices available.
According to experts, clothing with a UPF of 50 or higher offers the best protection from the sun's rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation gives its Seal of Recommendation to fabrics that meet this standard. Shoppers can find this seal on products such as clothing, hats, and accessories made from UV-protective materials.
One of the first clothing brands to receive this seal of approval was Coolibar. The company uses specific fabric construction, color, and weight to block UV rays. Sean Kifer of Coolibar emphasizes the importance of investing in garments that can withstand repeated washing as well as exposure to sweat, chlorine, and salt.
Kifer also recommends looking for items made with darker or more vivid colors, which absorb more UV rays than light or sheer fabrics. He suggests selecting pieces with tighter weaves and thicker fabrics and opting for styles that offer more coverage, such as those with long sleeves, high necklines, or longer hems.
Wood agrees that investing in quality UPF-rated clothing is important: "Most people do not realize a regular t-shirt only offers sun protection of about SPF 5."
Experts agree that sun-protective clothing is the first line of defense, but for complete protection, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is still essential.
"I like to think of sun protection as a comprehensive routine," says Kifer. "Clothing, sunglasses, and a hat, plus sunscreen for uncovered areas, offer the best protection."
"Sunscreen is not needed under areas covered with UPF clothing," says Wood. "I always advise my patients to apply sunscreen before putting on clothing so that they do not miss the shoulders, wrists, waistline, or other areas that may become exposed when clothing shifts or gets wet."
She also notes the importance of overlap: "I always apply my sunscreen so that it overlaps with the edges of my sun-protective clothing."
Proper care is key to keeping sun-protective clothing performing at its best. Kefir recommends washing garments in cold water with a gentle detergent and avoiding fabric softeners, bleach, or other harsh detergents. Line drying or using a low-heat tumble setting is best. UPF clothing should never be dry cleaned since the chemicals can break down the protective fibers over time.
While quality UPF fabrics should last several seasons, there are signs that a garment might need to be replaced. These include thinning fabric, stretching or sagging, holes, flaying, and heavy pilling.
"As a rule of thumb, if the fabric looks visibly worn or lets light through, it may no longer provide full UPF 50+ protection," says Kifer.
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