Last Updated on June 26, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
When we think about keeping our skin safe from those pesky UV rays, sunscreen is usually the very first thing that pops into our minds.
But sun protection clothing is just as effective in the battle against sun damage, and it's starting to earn recognition as a key component of any sun-smart regimen.
Applying sunscreen creams or gels on your body while soaking up the sun is so outdated.
What if there's a simpler method to do it without having to reapply the sunscreen repeatedly?
A sun protection performance shirt is the way to go. These tees are specially designed to provide your skin with lasting protection, so you won't have to keep reapplying anything.
Besides keeping you safe from sunburn, they offer some other perks as well.
But what contributes to the effectiveness of sun protection clothing?
In this article, we'll explore the science behind it and understand why UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing is a revolutionary choice for your skin in the long run.
Soaking up the sun might be the perfect way to achieve that desirable tan. Nonetheless, they can pose significant risks to your skin.
Remaining in the sun without any protective clothing or creams allows the rays to penetrate your skin. The effects of rays may vary based on the degree of their intensity.
For example, UVA radiation can contribute to visible signs of aging on the skin, including wrinkles and spots, whereas UVB rays heighten the risk of developing skin cancer.
This is why safeguarding the skin with sunscreen products is essential. Opting for sun-protective clothing is a wise decision, as these garments are crafted from fabrics that block harmful UV rays.
Moreover, this method stands out as one of the simplest and most effective options available.
The sun, often associated with happiness and outdoor escapades, also presents an unseen challenge in the form of its intense ultraviolet (UV) rays.
This is a pressing issue that requires focus, and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing serves as our answer to that challenge.
UPF represents more than a term; it embodies a dedication to your health and wellness. Consider it the fabric equivalent of sunscreen's SPF – a greater UPF rating signifies improved defense against damaging UV rays.
Sun protection performance shirts transcend mere fabric; they serve as a carefully designed shield that significantly reduces the UV rays that come into contact with your skin, making your outdoor adventures both secure and enjoyable.
UPF refers to ultraviolet protection factors. This refers to the measurement of how effectively the fabric shields the skin from UV exposure.
UPF 50 indicates that the fabric allows just one-fifth of UV rays to penetrate. Such fabric effectively blocks around 98% of rays.
Garments featuring high UPF ratings are tightly woven and may also be treated with specific chemicals.
In contrast to sunscreen, UPF clothing provides reliable defense against both UVA and UVB rays. Polyester and nylon effectively block UV light, whereas wool and silk give a degree of protection.
Fabrics such as cotton, flax, rayon, and hemp offer limited protection unless they undergo specialized fabric treatments.
In addition to offering sun protection with a UPF rating of 50+, this fabric also provides:
Both UPF and SPF serve as measures for the level of protection against UV rays. While both share similarities in their application, they are utilized in distinct contexts.
UPF refers to clothing and indicates the extent to which the fabric can shield against sunlight rays. On the other hand, SPF is utilized in skincare products and cosmetics.
Its emphasis is on the duration of safeguarding against UV rays while exposed to sunlight. Having a gel or cream with SPF 30 indicates that you can remain in the sun 30 times longer without protection.
Both offer protection from harmful rays, but UPF delivers consistent coverage without the need for reapplication, whereas SPF requires regular touch-ups, particularly after swimming or sweating.
Sun protection performance shirts are typically made up of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester. This occurs due to the presence of tiny gaps between the threads of these fabrics.
The tiny pores play a crucial role in shielding against UV rays. Some of these sun protection performance shirts incorporate a breathability feature that facilitates the evaporation of sweat.
This ultimately helps minimize overheating and ensures you stay comfortable on warm days.
Newer shirts come equipped with chemical treatments that provide protection against the sun's rays and maintain their effectiveness even after multiple washes.
Here are a few elements that influence the UV protection offered by clothing:
Investing in a sun protection performance shirt offers numerous benefits that extend beyond just shielding you from the sun:
Check out these simple care tips for your sun protection performance shirts:
At StixNStones, we prioritize sun protection with utmost seriousness.
Every product we offer comes with a 50+ UPF / 95% UV sun protection rating and 100% moisture-wicking performance, guaranteeing top-notch UV protection.
Our unique fabric is designed to be lightweight and breathable, ensuring maximum comfort. It's ideal for gardening, outdoor activities, sports, or just soaking up the sun.
Whether you're hitting the trails, biking through the park, teeing off on the green, or soaking up the sun by the shore, our sun protection performance shirts are designed to cater to your needs.
The premium quality fabric provides exceptional comfort throughout the day, making it ideal for even those with sensitive skin.
Sun protection performance shirts are more than just a fad. They are an effective method to ensure your skin remains safe and healthy.
When you pair UPF clothing with sunscreen, you establish a robust barrier against UV rays, lowering your chances of sunburn, skin cancer, and early signs of aging.
At StixNStones, we are committed to ensuring that being sun-smart is both comfortable and stylish.
Discover our collection of UPF50+ sun protection performance shirts today and feel the difference for yourself.
