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Fashion-Forward Sun Protection: Must-Have SPF Clothing for Women
Discover UPF or SPF clothing for women. This type of clothing shields your skin from UV rays, allowing you to go on all kinds of sunshine-filled adventures. Whether that’s playing golf, hiking, or simply hitting the town with the girls, you’re covered一literally!
Learn More About UPF Clothing
Some days, you just want to go outside, enjoy the weather, and soak up the sun. However, all that sunshine comes with a serious risk: skin damage due to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This can cause sunburns, sun spots, and aging, and even raise your risk of skin cancer. The good news is that apart from sunscreen, there are clothes designed to let you safely spend time under the sun.
Let’s take a closer look at what UPF or SPF clothing is, how it works, and what to look for when shopping for sun-protective apparel. Plus, we’ll round up a few of our top picks of women’s sun protection clothing so you can stay sun-safe the stylish way.
What is UPF clothing?
The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) measures the amount of UV—both UVA and UVB—that a fabric can block out before it penetrates the wearer’s skin. While all clothing is somewhat sun-protective, most fabrics have loose weaves that allow light to pass through. UPF clothing for women can block the sun’s rays more effectively, owing to their fabric’s tighter construction.
To give you an idea, a regular cotton t-shirt offers UPF 5, meaning it allows 20% (1/5) of UV to penetrate the skin. On the other hand, a top with a UPF rating of 30 will allow only 3% (1/30) of UV light to pass through its material. This significantly reduces your risk of sun-induced skin damage.
How does UPF differ from SPF?
While SPF and UPF protect your skin from the sun, they are two very distinct concepts. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to the amount of time it takes for the sun to burn unprotected skin. It is a skincare-specific term that describes how well a sunscreen can block the sun’s rays. On the other hand, UPF is a rating specifically for fabrics.
When it comes to sun-protective clothing, the correct term is actually “UPF clothing for women” — not “SPF clothing for women”. However, some brands still use “SPF” to describe clothes that protect you from the sun, so if you find clothes being marketed as “SPF clothing”, they probably meant to say “UPF clothing”.
This isn’t to say you should throw away your sunscreen and wear only UPF clothing for women! Sun-protective clothing may be long-sleeved by default, giving you great coverage, but keep in mind that other parts of your body will still be exposed to the sun, such as your face and neck. You’ll want to wear both sunscreen and sun-protective clothing to get the most sun protection possible.
What should you look for in UPF or SPF clothing for women?
For serious sun protection, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests wearing clothes with at leastUPF 30, which can block about 97% of UV rays. In addition to the UPF rating, here are other factors you should consider when choosing women’s sun protection clothing:
- Full coverage.Consider how much skin your UPF clothing for women can cover. Opt for tops with upturned/mock collars to fully cover the neck.
- Loose fit. Avoid women’s clothing made from overly stretchy materials—over time, they will get worn out and become less effective at blocking UV light. Some stretch is fine, but too much stretch can be a problem.
- Fast-drying. When UPF clothing gets wet, it can’t provide as much protection as it would when it’s dry. To maintain its full UPF rating, make sure it’s made of moisture-wicking fabric.
Our top picks for UPF or SPF clothing for women
Combining UPF clothing for women with other sun protection strategies (e.g. wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunblock, etc.) will go a long way in preventing sun-induced skin damage. Check out our top picks for UPF or SPF clothing that’s not only sun-safe but also super stylish!
On warm days when the sun is beating down on you, this mesh top is the way to go. Whether you’re playing a round of golf or out in the town, it’s the go-to SPF clothing for hot weather!
With UPF 30+ and sleeves that extend to your wrists, this UPF or SPF clothing for women offers extra UV protection, while its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric sits loosely on the body to make sure you’re cool and comfy. Delicate mesh detailing adds visual interest and the classic scoop neckline looks beautiful on every body type.
But that’s not all—this top comes in timeless colors that allow for easy styling, perfect for on- and off-course wear. Pair it with the Work From Home Skort or the Black/White Checkered Stretch Ankle Pant to create a sleek look that will make people do a double-take!
Looking for UPF clothing for women that don’t feel too athletic? The Long Sleeve Ruffle Polo is the perfect go-anywhere top, with a universally flattering v-neck that draws the eye to your face, ruffles that add a feminine flair, and a princess seam that smooths you out. UPF 30+ keeps UV at bay, while the breathable fabric allows for maximum comfort. Top off your outfit with a golf sun protection hat such as our Reversible Bucket Hat, which has UPF 50+ woven into its fabric.
Protect your skin the stylish way
Sun protection is something that should be taken seriously, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your fashion choices! That’s why we’ve designed a wide range of UPF or SPF clothing for women that will not only protect your skin from powerful UV rays but also make you look absolutely chic.
Get your sun protection game to the next level. Check out our full collection of UV-protective clothing for women today—the simplest (and most stylish!) way to stay safe from the sun.