Now that we know the negative impact UV rays can have on our skin, we’ve swapped tanning oils for sunscreen, and are taking it one step further with protective sun apparel. But does sun apparel actually work? And with so many summer activities out there, how do you decide the best way to dress for the sun? Read on to find out what types of apparel and accessories are best on sunny days and with which activities they might jive best.
Sun Hoodies
While basic cotton tees only offer a UPF of five (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), sun hoodies and shirts are designed to provide a lot more in the way of protection from harmful UV rays. A sun hoodie is a lightweight, full-coverage top made with high UPF, typically in a stretchy polyester blend. In our case, our super lightweight Sombra Sun Hoodie offers UPF 50+ protection and is made from 100% recycled fabric.
Best for: Fishing, boating, backpacking, hiking, golfing, and climbing.
Performance Tees
If you need a next-to-skin performance piece, t-shirts are the way to go. While they typically offer less protection than a sun hoodie, they’re also lightweight by nature and when paired with sunscreen, they’ll be your BFF on super hot active days. Our Fino Tech Tee (available in short and long sleeves) is made from lightweight, 100% recycled polyester.
Best for: Hiking, running, and biking on road or trail.
Don’t Forget About Shorts
When suiting up for busy summer days, you want a short that can do it all–and that’s the classic river short. They’re stretchy yet durable, lightweight, and quick-dry. For a retro-inspired pair, check out our Brinco Shorts, made from a quick-dry, recycled nylon-spandex blend and great for all things summer—just make sure to throw some sunscreen on your legs!
Best for: Hiking, camping, and water sports.
Top it All Off: Sun Hats
Whether it’s for keeping the sun out of your eyes or offering your face a little extra coverage, a hat is always an excellent idea. Our Tech Bucket Hat is made from 100% recycled nylon in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, and it’s a great accessory for keeping you safe in the sun.
Best for: Literally any activity—you can’t go wrong with a hat (unless you need to swap your hat for a helmet!).
Regardless of how you decide to dress for days in the sun, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have sunscreen on hand–dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30 with regular reapplication. If the goal is to keep adventuring for as long as possible, you’ve got to stay healthy, and one of the best ways to do that is to be prepared for days spent under intense UV rays.
Need a spot to store your sunscreen and other summer essentials? Check out our collection of sustainably minded hip packs.
