Covering Up: Clothing to Avoid Sunburn While Enjoying the Outdoors

Using Clothing Strategically for Sun Protection

Rather than lathering up with sunscreen, simply covering up skin can provide a barrier between your body and the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. The right clothing choices allow you to still be comfortable and fashionable while safeguarding sensitive areas like your shoulders, back, and chest from sun damage.

Covering Up with Lightweight Fabrics

Loose, lightweight fabrics make ideal protective coverings for hot sunny weather. Materials like linen, cotton blends, and breathable performance synthetics provide cooling airflow next to skin. Opt for lightweight long sleeves and pants in these fabrics when spending all day outdoors.

Seeking Shade with Wide Brimmed Hats

A wide brimmed hat shades not only your face, but also your ears, neck, and shoulders. For women, opt for a floppy straw sun hat. Baseball caps work for men and offer some protection, but don't shade the ears and neck. For better coverage, try a bucket hat with a 4 inch brim.

Blocking Rays with UV Protective Clothing

Specialized sun protective clothing has built-in UV blocking properties. These items are rated on their level of sun protection factor (UPF). A UPF 50 fabric, for example, allows 1/50th of the sun's UV radiation to reach the skin. Popular sun protective garments include lightweight hoodies, long sleeve rash guards, and swim shirts.

Using Accessories for Extra Protection

Small accessories like sunglasses and scarves boost protection from the sun's rays. They defend vulnerable spots like your eyes, cheeks, ears, and neck.

Shielding Eyes with UV Blocking Sunglasses

Sunglasses filter out 99-100% of UV rays. Broad framed, wraparound styles provide the most coverage. Polarized lenses reduce glare for activities like fishing, boating, and driving. Look for sunglasses labeled as 100% UV protection when buying a pair.

Adding Light Scarves and Bandanas

A light scarf or bandana adds protection for cheeks, ears, and neck areas prone to burning. Cotton, rayon, linen and other breathable fabrics work well. Drape scarves around hats for extra coverage. Tie bandanas around necks to shield delicate skin.

Preventing Sunburn with Proper Clothing

Using the right types of clothing is an effective way to prevent painful sunburns without having to constantly reapply sunscreen. Follow these clothing tips when heading outdoors:

• Cover up skin with lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton blends.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats to shade ears, neck, face and shoulders.
• Use UPF rated sun protective hoodies, rash guards, etc. if spending all day in intense sun.
• Shield eyes with 100% UV blocking sunglasses.
• Drape light scarves around neck and shoulders when direct sun exposure is unavoidable.

Other Precautions for Safe Sun Exposure

Proper sun-protective clothing reduces your risk of burns, but additional precautions should still be taken in intense sunlight:

• Limit direct sun exposure during peak hours between 10am and 4pm.
• Take breaks from the sun by staying under shade structures or trees.
• Use water resistant natural sunscreens on exposed skin.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Watch for signs of skin reddening and move into the shade.

Using good sun safety practices allows you to enjoy your time outdoors without unpleasant sunburns. Protecting as much skin as possible with clothing and accessories gives you extra peace of mind.

FAQs

What type of hat best shades the face, ears and neck?

A wide brimmed hat with at least a 4-inch brim all around is best for shading vulnerable facial areas prone to burning. Opt for wide brimmed styles like a floppy straw sun hat for women or bucket hat for men.

Do regular t-shirts provide sun protection?

Regular t-shirts do not provide sufficient UV protection, especially when wet. Choose lightweight shirts made of densely woven fabric specifically designed to block UV rays.

What UPF rating is best for sun protective clothing?

A UPF rating above 50 is highly effective at blocking both UVA and UVB rays. UPF 50 allows just 1/50th of UV radiation to contact your skin. UPF ratings typically range from 15 to 50+.

Should scarves used for sun protection be made of special fabrics?

Lightweight cotton, rayon, or linen scarves work well to shield sensitive neck areas. Tightly woven fabrics provide better protection. Focus more on coverage area than special UV blocking properties.