Locations:
Search IconSearch

Does Sun-Protective Clothing Actually Work?

Apparel provides an easier and larger barrier against UV rays

Woman and children wearing UV protective clothes at the beach.

If you’re an active beachgoer, surfer or water baby, chances are, you’ve complained about having to lather on the sunscreen every other time you turn around.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

After all, it’s recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours or so ― especially if you’re toweling off, swimming or sweating frequently.

And although this won’t solve all of your problems ― because it’s recommended to be used in coordination with sunscreen ― may we introduce to you sun-protective clothing?

Huh? How is it different from just regular old clothes, you ask?

Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, explains how UPF clothing works and what other factors to consider when getting dressed for optimal protection.

What is UPF clothing?

Well for starters, Dr. Vij says that when talking about fabrics use the term “UPF,” which stands for ultraviolet protection factor. And with sunscreen, use the term “SPF,” or the more familiar sun protection factor.

“Most cotton shirts give you an equivalent of about a UPF of 5 when you’re wearing it,” Dr. Vij explains. “Most fabrics that we wear are a loose weave that lets visible light peek through and get to our skin. With UPF clothing, the weave is different and often is made from a special fabric to help form a barrier against the sun’s rays.”

UV light can penetrate through the micro holes in the weaves of regular clothes or can even travel directly through a light-colored shirt. With UPF clothing, the block is much greater, giving you more protection from the sun.

Advertisement

Most sun-protective clothing looks and feels like activewear or athleisure and comes in a variety of shirts, leggings and hats. And because of the higher thread count, it often feels a little more luxurious vs. your standard t-shirt.

What UPF rating should you look for in sun-protective clothing?

Look for a higher UPF rating number when purchasing UPF clothing. For example, 30 UPF means that the item will allow 1/30th or 3.33% of UV rays to pass through.

Any garment that allows less than 2% of UV rays will be labeled UPF 50+, the highest rating. 15 UPF is the lowest rating.

An item needs to have 30 UPF or higher to obtain the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of recommendation.

How long does UV protective clothing last?

What about the life cycle of sun-protective clothing?

Dr. Vij says like any other fabric, it will eventually break down with frequent use, but it’s reasonable to expect the apparel to last two or three years.

If an item uses a finish to get its UPF rating, make sure you check the label. The finish can start to diminish after each wash, so typically, the label will list how many washes the UPF rating is good for.

Besides UPF, what else you should consider?

Beyond making sure your clothing has UPF, here are a few other factors to consider.

Wear dark colors

If you’re headed outside, try dressing in dark-colored clothes. Those dark colors — black, brown, navy, dark green, burgundy — will prevent more UV rays from touching your skin.

Look for tightly woven fabrics

Items made with tightly woven fabric allow less UV light to pass through them. Items made of wool, denim and canvas are densely woven and can offer protection from the sun.

So, reach for thicker fabrics instead of thinner ones. A good rule of thumb? If you can see through the fabric, it’s not going to offer much protection from UV rays.

Opt for synthetic fibers

Don’t reach for that cotton T-shirt. Natural fabrics like cotton and hemp don’t do a good job of protecting you from UV rays.

Instead, wear clothes made with polyester and nylon.

Do you still need to wear sunscreen with sun-protective clothing?

For most people, it’s easier to toss on clothing rather than lather up with sunscreen every couple of hours.

A shirt, pants and hat can give you great sun protection coverage, but there are still areas exposed to UV rays, like your hands, neck and face.

This is where sunscreen still comes into play and can help prevent sunburn and skin cancer.

“Most sun-protected fabrics are UPF 50 or higher ― so better than your typical SPF sunscreen,” says Dr. Vij. “But it’s recommended for people to choose a mixture of both sunscreen and clothing to get the best possible protection.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person on the beach in the sun, sun burnt
May 22, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Are Sunburns and Sun Poisoning the Same?

A sunburn will leave you itchy and red, while sun poisoning can feel like an allergic reaction

Person with a bad sunburn on parts of their body while at the beach
May 21, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
8 Hot Tips for Sunburn Relief

A cool shower, aloe vera gel, anti-itch treatments and cool compresses can provide fast sunburn relief

Beach chair on sunny beach, with umbrella and bottles of SPF
May 20, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
What the SPF in Your Sunscreen Means

SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’ — it’s a measure of how much protection you’re getting before a sunburn is possible

Person with sunburn, sweating, with dizzy stars around head
April 30, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
What Is Sun Poisoning?

This ‘poisoning’ is actually a severe sunburn that seems similar to an allergic reaction

Person on track holding bottle of sunscreen, reapplying it
March 25, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen?

When outside, protect your skin from damaging UV rays with a fresh layer of sunscreen at least once every two hours

Hand squeezing sunscreen from a tube into other hand
March 24, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Can Sunscreen Cause an Allergic Reaction?

Chemicals, fragrances and other ingredients in sunscreen can cause allergic reactions or irritate your skin

Tube of sunblock and tube of sunscreen in the sand on a beach
March 21, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Sunblock vs. Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?

Both can protect you from the sun’s rays, but they do it in different ways

A person at the beach with sunburnt shoulders and pale lines where the bathing suit straps were
March 14, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
A Sunburn May Turn Into a Tan — but Both Are Damaging

Your skin tone determines if a sunburn becomes a suntan

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad