25 Best UPF Clothing Pieces That Offer Stylish Sun Protection

glamour.com:

and , you might still be missing a step in your sun-protection routine: UPF clothing, which especially in the depths of summer, when they rays are at their peak, is an easy way to double down on your efforts.“UPF is an acronym that stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, a measure of how much UVA and UVB radiation reaches your skin through a fabric,” says , a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in NYC. “Fabrics that are thick and tightly woven will have higher UPF ratings than looser, thinner materials,” she says. “UPF clothing can also rely on a finish of a chemical additives for sun protection.”You don’t have to stock your entire closet with UPF clothing, but it’s a great idea to snag at least a few pieces. “It has been found that UPF clothing provides more effective UV protection than sunscreen,” says Green. “Investing in UPF clothing is an effective way to help protect your skin against the development of skin cancer and sun damage.” But there’s another big advantage to UPF clothing—you can go on autopilot.

That is, it isn’t necessary to remember to reapply sunscreen to the covered areas every two hours, says Green. “Many individuals that sustain sun damage, including age spots and wrinkles, forget to reapply their sunscreen.”The range of UPF ratings is between 15 and 50+, says Green, who explains that at the highest level, just 2 percent of UV radiation can penetrate the fabric. “Fabrics with a UPF rating below 15 are not considered UPF clothing.”Like all other clothing, UPF clothing experiences wear and tear over time—but there’s not necessarily a set time frame in which you should confidently toss your duds.