My sun-savvy lifestyle changes have been possible because I learned how to use clothing as the first line of defense! Then to make matters even better, I use the clothing in my closet.
I want to share the importance of using clothing as the first line of defense against the sun’s harmful rays, as well as give a few pointers.
- Clothing as Protection:
- Choosing the Right Fabrics
- Accessories for Protection, not an option, but neccessary.
- Sun-Savvy Lifestyle Changes:
- UPF Clothing: .
I am finishing my second year of staying safe in the sun by making better choices from the clothing I already have!
Hello, I’m Sami Williams, and I have been in the battle against skin cancer for over four decades. My struggles, marked by the frustrations of recurring skin issues and the challenges of less-than-desirable surgical outcomes, have fueled a passion for sun safety that extends through generations.
Clothing the First Line Of Defense
How is your sun savvy? Do you know how to win the battle with the sun by using what is already in your closet?
In the scorching battle against the sun, your closet is your secret weapon. Let’s check out the clothing you already have to help you be sun-savvy.
Are you aware of the superpower of lifestyle change when protecting your skin from those blazing sunbeams?
Understanding the Old Ways
Remember when people didn’t have fancy sunscreens or high-tech gadgets to shield themselves from the sun?
So, what did they rely on? Their clothes! Yes, you heard it right. Before UV-blocking clothing and sunscreen products to block the sun became available, our ancestors trusted good old clothing to do the job.
Clothes are like shields. Clothes protect us by standing guard between our skin and the sun’s relentless rays.
Back then, they didn’t have high-tech terms like “sun protection factor,” but they sure knew that the right clothes made a huge difference.
The sun bonnet and long sleeves are examples of what people wore in earlier generations.
Choosing the Right Armor
Now, let’s talk about fabric – the unsung hero of your sun protection wardrobe.
Not all fabrics are created equal when blocking out the sun. Some are like superheroes, while others are mere sidekicks.
Some fabrics do a great job of blocking the UV rays, others let the rays right through to your skin.
Now let’s find out how we know which one to choose for the best protection from the sun.
Fabrics That Fight The Sun
- Cotton: Imagine wearing a cloud, that’s how comfy some cotton feels. But it’s not just about comfort. Cotton is excellent at absorbing sweat and creating a barrier against the sun. It might not be as superhero-strong as other fabrics, but it’s a reliable fabric.
- Linen: Linen is like the wise old wizard of fabrics. It’s light, breathable, and magical at keeping you cool. Its loose weave allows a bit of sunlight to sneak through, but it’s still a solid choice for battling the sun.
- Polyester: If cotton is like a cloud, polyester is the high-tech spaceship. This fabric has the power to wick away moisture and block the sun’s rays.
Cotton, linen, and polyester in some form make up the majority of the fabric in my closet. Of course, there are also the blends of any of these three fibers as well.
The Weave
Now, let’s talk about the weave. This is the secret weapon in your clothing’s ability to block the sun.
Weave refers to the pattern of threads in your fabric. The weave determines how tightly they’re knit together.
The tighter the weave, the harder it is for the sun to penetrate.
- Tight Weave: Fabrics like denim and canvas have a tight weave, making them sturdy guardians against the sun. They create a formidable barrier, reducing the sun’s sneak attacks to almost zero.
- Loose Weave: On the other hand, fabrics with a looser weave, like open-knit sweaters or loosely woven cotton, allow some sunlight to filter through. They’re more like friendly neighborhood guards, not as strict but still offering some protection.
Now, Let’s Put It All Together
So, when you’re gearing up for a day under the blazing sun, think of your clothes as your first line of defense.
Choose your fabrics wisely. Cotton for comfort, polyester for strength, linen for coolness – each fiber has a unique power.
And don’t forget the weave. A tight weave for a stronger shield or a loose weave for a breezier defense.
Remember, your closet is not just a collection of fabrics and styles; it’s your protection against the sun’s dangerous UV rays.
Rit SunGuard way to help make your clothes from your closet work better at protecting your skin. A simple wash-in method to increase your older clothing’s ability to protect your skin from the sun.
If you add this product to your laundry cycle, you can improve the fabric’s ability to protect your skin from the sun.
Protect Against Sun Damage
Not all clothes are created equal.
Let’s look deeper into your closet to find champions of sun protection and add strategies to ensure maximum coverage.
Sun Hats: Let’s start from the top with a sun blocking army. A wide-brimmed hat will guard your face, neck, and ears from direct sunlight. Aim for hats with tightly woven fabric to boost their protective powers.
Sunglasses: Your eyes need protection too! Sunglasses aren’t just cool accessories; they’re your eyes’ defenders against harmful UV rays. Choose sun shades that explicitly mention UV protection on their labels to make sure they’re up for the sun-fighting challenge.
In fact, a sun hat is the #1 item on any sun blocking clothing list. Sunglasses are the #2 item. Yes, these 2 items are that important.
Protecting the Rest Of Your Body From the Sun
Let’s talk about your Shirts.
Not all shirts are cut from the same cloth in the battle against the sun. Long-sleeved shirts act as your armor, providing more coverage for your arms.
Opt for tightly woven fabrics like denim, polyester, blends of these fabrics, or special UV-protective clothing for defense.
Defensive Dresses like dresses and other garments, consider the length and weave. Maxi dresses or longer skirts offer more coverage for your legs.
Tightly woven fabrics act as your shield. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes, though comfortable, might let more sunlight in, so balance style with sun-smart choices.
Sun-Shielding Pants: Just like shirts, pants play a crucial role.
Wide-legged pants or those with a looser fit can keep your legs cool while providing ample coverage. Jeans, with their dense denim weave, are the knights in shining armor for your lower half.
Footwear: Even your feet need protection. Sandals might be breezy, but closed-toe shoes or sneakers can shield your feet from both the sun and unexpected encounters with nature.
More Suggestions to Protect Your Skin From Danger
Making the most of your garments you already have to protect your skin.
Layer Up: Layering isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a sun protection strategy. Light layers can create a shield against the sun while allowing airflow to keep you cool. A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt over a tank top or a stylish jacket can be your secret weapon.
Color Matters: The color of your clothes isn’t just about style – it affects how much sunlight your outfit absorbs.
Dark colors absorb more sunlight and offer better protection than lighter shades. So, when in doubt, go for the deeper hues.
Seek the Shade: Your clothes are powerful, but they’re even mightier when combined with the strategic use of shade.
Plan your outdoor adventures around shaded areas, like under trees or umbrellas. It’s like adding an extra layer of defense to your sun-fighting ensemble.
I also am more careful about spending too much time in the direct sun. I rethink the times to be outdoors.
Then the daily sunscreen for UVA protection. It took a while to remember it every day but now I do. What are you doing to protect yourself?
Remember The UPF Fabrics
UPF Labels Unveiled: Some clothing starts out ahead of the game. Use UPF Ultraviolet Protection clothing as it comes already rated for protection from the sun,
This label states the garment’s sun protection level. The higher the UPF, the better it shields you from UV rays.
Seek out clothes with UPF labels for an extra layer of assurance. When shopping, looking for the UPF rating lets you buy with confidence.
Sami’s Take on “My Sun-Savvy Lifestyle Changes”
Remember, your closet is a treasure trove of sun-fighting allies. Mix and match your garments strategically.
Layer up for ultimate protection, and always consider the weave and fabric when choosing your outfit.
Your clothing is not just a fashion statement. Gear up, be sun-savvy, and let your wardrobe become your fortress against those blazing rays!
Your clothing shields you from harmful UV rays and remains one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer.
Learn more:
The Skin Cancer Foundationhttps://www.skincancer.org › … › Sun Protection
Your skin will thank you!
Sami