a week of summer essentials. UPF clothing.

summer is all about being outdoors, doing what you love, and soaking up the sunshine. but at some point, you have to cover up and protect yourself from the rays. just as sunscreens have an SPF (sun protection factor) rating, clothing has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating. they have to have a rating of at least 15 in order to be labelled as sun-protective and a minimum rating of 30 in order to have the skin cancer foundation's seal of approval. UPF 30-49 is considered good protection, 50+ is excellent.

look for this seal.

your typical white tee has an average UPF of 7. once it gets wet, it drops to 3. fabric that is stretched out also loses its protection as light can seep through, so make sure to replace them as they wear out.

whatever your passion, there is something cute made just for it. here are some options for keeping you protected while still looking stylish.

swimming / surfing / paddling

j.crew geometric tiki rashguard, UPF 50

j.crew geometric tiki hipster

seea sand dollar support top, UPF 30

seea jalama bikini bottom

surfing / volleyball

billabong skinny sea legs, neoprene

athleta roca chica scallop bikini, UPF 50

athleta roca chica scallop swim shorts, UPF 50

poolside / running

tory burch tomino surf shirt & swim skirt, SPF 50

athleta sunnyside seamless rashguard tee, UPF 50+

athleta kamala petal shorts, UPF 50+

hiking / farmer's market

patagonia long-sleeved overcast shirt, UPF 30

spfaddict groovy times shirt, UPF 50+

walking / water park

athleta pacifica UPF shirt, UPF 50+

land's end aqua terra hibiscus zip-front rash guard, UPF 50

lunch or coffee with friends

mott 50 hvar boatneck dress, UPF 50

spfaddict perfect dress, UPF 50+

there's also a laundry additive, Sun Guard, that washes UPF 30 sun protection right into your every day clothing!

it's good for 20 washes.

how far do you go for sun protection?
do you wear UPF clothing?

in case you missed it:

a week of summer essentials . sunscreen