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How much sun protection do I get from my T-Shirt?


 As a dermatologist, one of the most important pieces of advice I give to my patients is to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. UV radiation is a well-known cause of skin cancer, and can also lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots on the skin. While many people turn to sunscreens to protect their skin, it's important to remember that clothing can also provide a great deal of protection from the sun. In fact, the right clothing can provide even more protection than sunscreen alone.

When it comes to sun protection, not all fabrics are created equal. Different types of fabric provide varying levels of protection against UV radiation. For example, a lightweight cotton t-shirt will provide less protection than a heavier, darker-colored shirt made of a tightly woven material like denim or polyester. In general, fabrics that are tightly woven and darker in color provide more protection against the sun.

One way to measure a fabric's level of sun protection is through its UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor. UPF is a rating system used to indicate how much UV radiation is blocked by a particular fabric. A fabric with a UPF of 50, for example, will allow only 1/50th of the sun's UV radiation to reach the skin. A UPF rating of 50 is considered to provide excellent protection, while a rating of 15 or lower is considered to provide only good protection.

Some fabrics that provide excellent sun protection include:

  1. Denim: Denim is a tightly woven, dark-colored fabric that provides excellent protection against the sun. A denim shirt or jacket can provide a UPF of 1,700 or more, making it one of the best fabrics for sun protection.

  2. Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is often used in athletic wear and swimwear because it dries quickly and provides excellent UV protection. A polyester shirt can provide a UPF of 50 or more.

  3. Nylon: Like polyester, nylon is a synthetic fabric that is often used in athletic wear and swimwear. Nylon is lightweight and breathable, and can provide a UPF of 50 or more.

  4. Bamboo: Bamboo is a natural, sustainable fabric that is becoming increasingly popular in clothing. It is naturally anti-microbial and provides excellent UV protection. A bamboo shirt can provide a UPF of 50 or more.

On the other hand, some fabrics that provide only minimal sun protection include:

  1. Cotton: Cotton is a lightweight, breathable fabric that is comfortable to wear in hot weather, but it provides only minimal protection against the sun. A white cotton t-shirt, for example, provides a UPF of only about 5.

  2. Linen: Linen is a lightweight, breathable fabric that is popular in summer clothing, but it provides only minimal sun protection. A linen shirt provides a UPF of only about 10.

  3. Rayon: Rayon is a lightweight, breathable fabric that is often used in summer clothing, but it provides only minimal sun protection. A rayon shirt provides a UPF of only about 10.

I do find clothing designed for sun protection to be superior in regards to comfort. Many have technology designed to keep you cool while you are covered up. I prefer long sleaves with a zipper in front - so it is easy to get on and off. And a hood is a bonus. Here is an example of something that would keep you safe and cool on a hot sunny day.

In addition to choosing the right fabric, there are other steps you can take to protect your skin from the sun. For example, wearing a wide-brimmed hat (Tilley is one of the best) can provide additional protection for your face and neck. And remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours if you are spending time outdoors.

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