UV Clothing: An Easy Layer to Add to Your Summer Routine

How UPF Clothing Actually Works

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it measures how much UV radiation a fabric blocks before it reaches the skin. A UPF 50+ rating means the fabric blocks about 98% of UVA and UVB rays. This level of protection does not wear off with sweat, does not wash out over time when the fabric is cared for correctly, and does not depend on remembering to reapply anything.

That is the main advantage over sunscreen: coverage that is simply there all day without upkeep. It is especially useful for:

• Arms and shoulders, which are easy to under-apply sunscreen on and easy to miss when reapplying
• Long days outdoors when reapplying sunscreen every two hours is not realistic
• Anyone with sun-sensitive skin, a history of skin cancer, or a condition that makes sunscreen alone feel insufficient

The tradeoff is that UPF clothing only protects the areas it covers, so it works best as a layer alongside sunscreen on exposed skin, not as a replacement for it.

What UPF Level Actually Means

• UPF 15 to 24: Good protection that blocks roughly 93% to 95% of UV rays
• UPF 25 to 39: Very good protection that blocks roughly 96% to 97% of UV rays
• UPF 40 to 50+: Excellent protection that blocks up to 98% of UV rays

For context, a plain white cotton T-shirt is usually only around UPF 5 to 8, especially when wet. That is not enough to rely on for meaningful sun protection.

Two Easy Layers to Add

A lightweight, breathable UPF piece is often the easiest way to build this protection into an existing routine. It can be worn over a swimsuit, tank top, or regular clothing without much extra thought.

• Long-sleeve sun wraps, such as Coolibar’s Sun Wrap, are a simple option to keep on hand for whenever the sun becomes more intense than expected. Throw one on over a swimsuit at the pool or over a sundress later in the day.
• UPF zip-up hoodies offer more coverage in one piece. An attached hood can provide additional protection for the scalp and neck, making this a solid choice for a full day outdoors, whether you are taking a boat trip, going on a hike, or simply running errands in the sun.

When This Layer Matters Most

• Boating, fishing, or paddling, when sun exposure is constant and reapplying sunscreen may be impractical
• Long outdoor events, including festivals, sporting events, and beach days, when coverage needs to last for hours
• Anyone managing a history of skin cancer, melasma, or another condition where minimizing UV exposure matters beyond the basics

UPF clothing is not a required part of every routine, but in the situations above, it can provide a lower-effort and more reliable layer than trying to remember to reapply sunscreen on a strict schedule.

Updated July 2026

Dr. Jane Yoo Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon

Jane Yoo, MD, MPP, is a Korean American board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon based in Midtown Manhattan. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the founder of Jane Yoo MD, PLLC and the Clinical Research Center of New York. Dr. Yoo holds an undergraduate degree from MIT and a Masters of Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. She completed her Mohs micrographic surgery fellowship at Yale. Her clinical and research focus spans aesthetic clinical trials including injectables and laser technology, skincare formulation and sunscreen science, K-Beauty and skin of color, ultrasound guided filler dissolution, artificial intelligence and beauty tech. Dr. Yoo's research is indexed under ORCID 0000-0002-7112-8963.

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