Sun protection is cool

Sun Protective Clothing Get’s Cool

(Here I am in the Grand Canyon a couple of summers ago sporting my fancy UPF shirt from REI.)

Hopefully, everyone has heard SPF, but we are probably not as familiar with UPF.  UPF is the ultraviolet protective factor rating system to measure the UV protection of fabric.  Clothes can protect your skin from harmful UV exposure, but not all fabrics are the same.  For instance, a piece of clothing with UPF 50 only allows 1/50th of UV radiation pass through it.  For more information, visit the Skin Cancer Foundation Website, http://www.skincancer.org/sun-protective-clothing.html

Luckily, many clothing companies are getting on the band wagon and are developing a great selection of good lucking UPF clothing.  After searching through the Internet, I have collected a few of my favorites!

For women, my favorite for the pool, beach, or lake would be a cute coverup and a great, wide brimmed hat!  Both of these options are UPF 50+

Check out this light cover up: http://www.coolibar.com/01296.html

And pair it with a hat: http://www.coolibar.com/02251.html

For men, one of my favorite options has always been the older fishing shirts.  They are light, keep you cool and these options offer UPF 50.

http://www.columbia.com/Men%E2%80%99s-Silver-Ridge%E2%84%A2-Long-Sleeve-Shirt/AM7941,default,pd.html#

Need some good trunks to go with it?

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/10007,2823D_White-Sierra-Hilo-Swim-Shorts-UPF-30-For-Men.html

And what about the little ones in your life?  This is the most important time to protect them.

http://www.alexandme.com/SnapperRock_Baby_Girl_UV_UPF_SPF_Sun_Suit_p/swi-bg-sr.htm

Just remember, we do not expect you to stay inside during these fun summer months, but be smart about sun protection.  Especially now since major labels have starting making more fashionable UPF clothing, keeping covered can be a lot more fun!  Happy Summer Readers!