Do UPF shirts keep you cool? It is important that you choose the right shirt for help with keeping you cool. Some UPF shirts have little to cool you with as the material will absorb the sun. While keeping the sun off your skin, some shirts will make you warmer.
However, some are made to wick moisture from your skin, allowing you to be naturally cooled, or as cool as one can be in hot humid summertime months.
It is sweat that you need to drain the heat from your body. You want it to evaporate. When the air flows over your skin it will help dry the sweat that has can accumulate on your body, you will feel cooler.
Having a looser fitting shirt will allow more airflow to the surface of your skin. The airflow drying your sweat is a combination that works to cool your skin.
How can a shirt blow air across you body? Well not a breeze maybe but the wicking action of some shirts can create sort of current feel and the way the moisture is taken off the surface of the skin will make you fee dryer and more comfortable.
Yes, wearing no clothing when you are working out is cooler, however, when the sun is shining, you need clothing to protect your skin. If you are active outside, clothing usually makes you feel more comfortable, mentally. However, when considering heat loss and body cooling through evaporation, a naked person in a better position to loose hear.
The next best thing to being naked is wearing clothes that allow your body to cool itself by evaporation. Finding that balance in clothing that protects you from the sun, but doesn’t get in the way of your body’s natural cooling system is the goal.
Wicking Shirts Are Cooler To Wear
Do UPF shirts keep you cool? It is important that you choose the shirt for keeping you cool. Some UPF shirts have little to cool you with as the material will absorb the sun. While keeping the sun off your skin, some shirts will get warmer.
However, some are made to wick moisture from your skin, allowing you to be naturally cooled.
The best shirt materials for hot weather are those that are lightweight and breathable such as polyester, rayon, or bamboo.
Cotton is generally heavier and not as good at wicking moisture; however, it’s the softest of these options, so it can be nice to have as part of a fabric blend.
It is sweat that you need to drain the heat from your body. You want it to evaporate. When the air flows over your skin drying the sweat that has cooled your body, you will feel cooler.
Having a looser fitting shirt will allow more airflow to the surface of your skin. The airflow drying your sweat is a combination that works to cool your skin.
Yes, wearing no clothing when you are working out is cooler, however, when the sun is shining, you need clothing to protect your skin. However, when considering heat loss and body cooling through evaporation, a naked person in a better position to lose heat.
The next best thing to being naked is wearing clothes that allow your body to cool itself by evaporation. Finding that balance in clothing that protects you from the sun, but doesn’t get in the way of your body’s natural cooling system is the goal.
Wicking Shirts For UPF
When sitting out on bleachers at the ballpark in the summertime in our everyday world, it’s hot. Our bodies sweat as a natural cooling mechanism.
Let’s face it, that sweat sitting on your skin feels sticky and damp. This is when we have the temptation is to “release” heat by removing clothes or wearing short sleeves. That usually will be a step leading you to damaging sunburn.
Comfortable loose fitting UPF 50+ long sleeves in a wicking fabric that can transfer sweat away from your skin. This will allow your skin to dry and creates a small airflow between your skin and the fabric. This will help you to feel cool while protecting against sunburn and UV damage.
Wicking shirts with long sleeves can actually help keep skin dry and cool when it’s exceedingly hot. Remember that your long sleeves are not a replacement for drinking liquids.
Medical professionals will always recommend wearing a wide brimmed hat, as well as UPF clothing. They also suggest taking frequent shade breaks, using a UPF umbrella for portable shade. You are also urged to drink plenty of hydrating fluids.
Recommendations are for sleeves that are loose enough for some airflow. The remaining part of the shirt should also allow some airflow. With today’s close to the body styles, this is harder to find on the regular markets.
Another Word About Long Sleeves?
Long sleeves are seldom what comes to mind when thinking about protecting your skin from the sun. Being in the sun is usually associated with heat we tend to think about no sleeves or short sleeves. Never long sleeves.
However when the fabric a wicking fabric, and soft and easy to wear with a loose fit, it will not only protect your skin from the sun but also help your body stay cool.
Dermatologists have long recommended long sleeves to protect your arms from sunburn. Science has helped in developing fabrics that do not only protect your arms but help with cooling as well.
Sunscreen Use
Using sunscreen is an important part of keeping skin protected from the sun. We all know how hot sunscreen can be in hot weather. Shirts that are UPF rater will give you good protection without sunscreen.
If you have a short sleeve or sleeveless shirt, remember to apply sunscreen often to the parts of the body (arm) not protected with your shirt. This fact alone makes wearing a long sleeve shirt a better idea.
Making wise fabric choices, reading labels and correctly laundering your shirt should keep your protection level high through the hot time of the year.
Remember that using a multi layer approach to sun protection is important, and allows more comfort for your skin protection plan.
A wide brim hat, sunglasses, UPF clothing, sunscreen and shade. Just because you are protected, don’t overlook a break in the shade. Your body will thank you.
Remembering To Drink Fluids
Keeping your fluid intake up is an often forgotten tool for your sun protection toolbox. Your body can continue protecting itself better when it has enough water to allow you to sweat. Hydration should be an important part of your fun in the sun plan.
Sunburn is a dangerous medical condition. You will need to up your fluids when you see any part of you turn red. There is an injured area on your body if it is red. Cooling down your whole body, getting out of the sun and fluids are the first treatment step.
Pay attention to your family members. They need your help protecting themselves. Remember to pack the cooler with water to help your body stay healthy.