Summer is definitely in full swing where I live. We went from having 50-degree days last month all the way to having a 97-degree day yesterday. But with summer comes lots of sunshine and outdoor activities, which in turn calls for protection from the sun. It’s so important to protect kids (and ourselves, really) from the sun’s ultraviolet rays to prevent sunburn — and more importantly, skin cancer. And sometimes sunscreen just doesn’t cut it, especially with kids. If you're looking for UPF clothing for kids, you’re in luck, because there are quite a few.
Where sunscreen can sometimes come off really easily while kids swim, sweat, and potentially rub it off — and some folks don’t really like all the chemicals in sunscreen — it’s nice to have an alternative to protect your kids while they’re romping in the sun. UPF clothing is especially important in babies, since you really aren’t supposed to put sunscreen on them until they’re 6 months old.
So what makes clothing items officially UPF-rated? REI noted on their website that UPF ratings “gauges a fabric’s effectiveness against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light," which are the rays doing the damage to skin. The website noted you need to only look for the UPF spec on whatever clothing you’re considering, because clothing makers have already considered the construction, color, treatment, and fiber type of their product. REI listed UPF ratings with 15 to 20 being good, 20, 30, and 35 are very good, and 40, 45, 50 and 50+ are excellent. “A UPF rating of 25 indicates the fabric of a garment will allow [roughly 4 percent] of available UV radiation to pass through it. A garment rated UPF 50 permits only [roughly 2 percent] UV transmission. Any fabric that allows less than 2 percent UV transmission is labeled UPF 50+,” the website explained. Remember, for some materials, the wetness can reduce the UPF rating, as well as the wear, stretch, and the way you launder the clothing.
Sound like a dream come true for your family this summer? You may want to check out these 6 brands of clothing that have UPF protection for your family.
1UVSkinz
UVSkinz offers the 50+ rating on all of their gear, and it’s been approved by the Melanoma Foundation. The clothes can get a bit pricey, but it’s definitely a good investment to make if your family will be spending a lot of time in the sun this summer. Shop UVSkins on Amazon, Zulily, or the product’s website.
2Coolibar
Coolibar also has styles with a UPF 50 rating, which is considered the most safe and effective by the Skin Cancer Foundation. They have everything from active wear for when they’re playing outside, to swimwear for when you’re at the pool or the beach. Find Coolibar on Amazon, SwimOutlet.com, Walmart, or the product’s website.
3SwimZip
Like UVSkins and Coolibar, SwimZip has clothing for everyone in your family, and they all have a 50+ rating. They also sell hats, sunglasses, towels, and accessories. Purchase SwimZip clothing from the product’s website or Amazon.
4Vapor Apparel
Vapor Apparel offers “solar” clothing in several styles and colors, and their solar performance line is rated UPF 50+. You can find Vapor apparel at Walmart or on the product’s website.
5Shade Critters
All of Shade Critters' swimwear is UPF 50+, and they have everything from rash guards to one-pieces to tankinis. Their patterns are super cute, too. This line is in the high-end market of clothing, and can be found at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and the product's website.
6Banz
Not only does Banz offer sunglasses, sun hats and noise-cancellation headphones, but UPF gear for babies and kids. Get Banz swimwear on Amazon or the product's website.
If you're planning on having fun in the sun this summer with your kids, make sure they're properly covered and protected from the sun.
