In honor of National Safe Sun Week and Sunscreen Day, we are going to be diving into all things sun safety in this blog. Soaking up the sun feels good, but too much exposure can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and even increase your risk of skin cancer. The good news is there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors safely. This post will cover your sun safety arsenal, from UV Protective clothing to hats and visors, to sunglasses and even SPF-savvy sunscreen.
Sun Safety: UV Protective Clothing
Let's dive into sun-protective clothing, also known as UPF clothing or UV protective clothing. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, which works similarly to SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for sunscreen. Both indicate how effectively something blocks UV rays. A UPF rating of 50+ means the fabric blocks over 98% of the sun's harmful rays.
Here at Inphorm the majority of our products are made using UPF fabrics that range from a UPF rating of 30-50+. Since we know our clients like to be active outdoors, this is an important factor in our design process. To be sure you choose the best products for the highest level of sun safety, here are some tips;
- Look for the UPF rating.The higher the UPF, the greater the protection. Opt for UPF 50+ whenever possible.
- Consider tightly woven fabrics. Densely woven materials like linen or canvas offer better protection than loosely woven fabrics.
- Stay away from chemical treatments. Here at Inphorm we don’t want to use harsh chemicals to add that UPF protection rather we opt for heavier-weight fabrics and/or polyester or nylon fibers when possible as these fiber types naturally do an excellent job at disrupting UV light.
- Don't forget dark colors. Darker fabrics tend to absorb UV rays more effectively than lighter colors so choose dark shades like our Navy Ink, Green Ivy, or Black colors.
Here are some of our favorite Inphorm styles that offer UPF 50+ fabrics;
Sun Safety: Hats, Visors, etc
Sun hats are another key component of sun safety. A wide-brimmed hat offers protection for your face, ears, and neck so the wider the brim, the more sun protection you’ll get.
Sun Safe Headwear Brands we like:
Hats
Titleist: A brand specifically focused on golf, Titleist offers hats designed with golfers in mind. Their hats often have a slightly wider brim to provide extra sun safety for the neck and ears. The Titleist Performance Trucker hat is a popular choice, featuring a lightweight design and moisture-wicking fabric.
Blank Rope Hats: These unisex hats have a vintage vibe and work great for any type of sport. Plus the back is made of mesh which helps to let a lot of air through and keep you cool but still protected from the sun!
APD: Not a sporty brand but these baseball hats are just so cute who can resist?! Wear them to play golf, pickleball, tennis or for your everyday gym workout!
Visors + Headbands
LuluLemon: While not exclusively a hat company, Lululemon offers a variety of visors made from their signature sweat-wicking Luxtreme fabric. They are designed for a comfortable fit and come in a range of colors. The LuluLemon ‘Chase the Sun’ Visor is a popular choice.
Halo Headband: This brand offers a unique visor with a built-in sweatband designed to keep sweat out of your eyes and glasses. The Halo Sport Visor is made from a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric and comes in a variety of colors.
Remember, the best hat or visor for you will depend on your personal preferences and sun safety needs. Consider factors like fit, style, sun protection, and moisture-wicking capabilities when making your choice.
Sun Safety: Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement, they play a vital role in protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. Just like sunscreen shields your skin, sunglasses shield your eyes from UVA and UVB rays that can damage the cornea, lens, and other delicate parts of the eye. Overexposure to UV rays can increase your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and even growths in the eye.
Choosing the right sunglasses goes beyond just a cool look. Look for sunglasses that block 99% or more of UVA and UVB rays. A sticker indicating they meet the UV protection standard of ANSI Z80.3 is a good sign. Wraparound styles offer extra protection by blocking UV rays that sneak in from the sides. Consider polarized lenses to cut glare, which can be especially helpful during activities like driving or spending time on the water. While darker lenses may seem more protective, the level of UV protection comes from the lens material, not the color. So don't be afraid to pick a fun and funky pair as long as they offer adequate UV protection!
Sunglass Brands we like if you like to play sports like tennis and golf:
Oakley: A popular choice for athletes, Oakley sunglasses are known for their durability, performance, and a wide variety of styles. Their lenses are typically impact-resistant and offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. A popular choice for both tennis and golf is the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL with Prizm Lens Technology . These sunglasses provide a wide range of coverage and their Prizm lenses enhance color and contrast, making it easier to see the ball on the court or course.
Rudy Project: An Italian brand known for their high-quality sports sunglasses, Rudy Project offers a variety of options specifically designed for tennis and golf. Their lenses are often interchangeable, so you can choose the perfect lens tint for the conditions. Their bestseller, the Rudy Project Propulse, is popular with golfers for its wide field of view and comfortable fit.
Tifosi: A more affordable option, Tifosi sunglasses are a great choice for athletes who are looking for good value for money. Their sunglasses are still well-made and offer good protection from the sun. The Tifosi Swank is a popular choice for tennis players, while the Tifosi Davos is a good option for golfers.
When choosing sunglasses for sports, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Fit: The sunglasses should fit snugly on your face and not slip or bounce around when you move.
- Coverage: The sunglasses should provide good coverage for your eyes, including the sides.
- Lens tint: The lens tint should be appropriate for the activity. For example, a lighter tint may be better for cloudy days, while a darker tint may be better for bright sunny days.
- Durability: The sunglasses should be durable enough to withstand the rigors of sports.
Sun Safety: Sunscreen
Now onto sunscreen, a crucial defense against UV rays. Here are some essential sunscreen tips:
- Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum protection shields you from both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98%.
- Apply sunscreen generously and evenly to all exposed skin. Don't forget your ears, lips, neck, tops of your feet, and the backs of your hands.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming. Towel drying can remove sunscreen, so be sure to reapply after swimming or toweling off.
Sun safety doesn't stop there. Here are some additional ways to shield yourself from the sun:
- Seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Hydrate! Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin cool and healthy.
By incorporating these sun safety measures into your routine, you can enjoy the outdoors safely and minimize your risk of sun damage. Remember, sun protection is essential for everyone, regardless of age or skin tone. So, suit up in our sun-protective clothing, grab a hat and some shades, and don't forget the sunscreen! With a little preparation, you can have a fun and sun-safe time outdoors.
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