Benefits of UPF Clothing

It’s summer and time to get back outside and enjoy the sunshine. As you get outside more it is important to take care of your skin. One easy way to do this is to wear UPF clothing when outside. So if you’re outside gardening, cutting the grass, or just drinking a beer on the deck, the clothing you chose to wear can protect you from skin cancers and sunburns.

What is UPF clothing?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is used to rate apparel. You can think of it in the same terms as SPF in sunscreen. The higher the number the more blockage of harmful UV rays. While wearing sunscreen is a great defense against the sun, it is not your only option, In fact, wearing sun-blocking clothing has several advantages over sunscreen. Unlike many sunscreens, UPF shirts will block both UVA and UVB rays.  You do not need to worry about wearing off overtime or having to reapply it.

UVA – Are more penetrating in the body and are damaging to cells deeper in the skin. UVA is not absorbed by the ozone layer and about 95% of UV UVA. UVA can penetrate windows and clouds.

UVB – UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and are more damaging to the outermost layer of skin. About 5% of UV that reaches the earth is UVB rays. They do not penetrate windows and clouds

What does the factor mean?

UPF is the number of rays allowed to pass through the fabric. 50 is the highest blocking factor. This means it blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful rays. It allows 1/50th of rays to penetrate. Thus, reducing exposure significantly. A UPF of 30 would allow 1/30^th of the rays to penetrate.

Our Selection

Protect yourself this summer and stay cool and comfortable. All Salty Vibes performance wear is UPF 50.  These shirts are loose-fitting and comfortable They can be worn while swimming and are fast drying.