These ethical sun protective clothing brands are perfect for those who love the outdoors – but kinda hate sunscreen!
By Katy Caric
I have to admit, the first time I heard about ethical sun protective clothing, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, what did they do? Smear sunscreen all over a T-shirt and market it is as SPF 30 or whatever? But after doing some research, I’ve become a believer.
Sun-protective clothing first emerged in Australia back in the 90s. And no surprise, since the Aussies are plagued with high skin cancer rates due to their love of the great outdoors – and loads of sunny days.
Main image and next two images below: Luminora
How Is Clothing That Protects You From The Sun Made?
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing is specifically designed to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Unlike regular clothing, which may offer minimal UV protection, UPF clothing is engineered and tested to block a significant percentage of both UVA and UVB rays. Here’s how it’s made.
1. Fabric Selection
The foundation of UPF clothing starts with the right fabric. Unfortunately for those into sustainable fashion, the truth is that synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, and rayon tend to provide better UV protection than natural ones like cotton. However, even cotton can be made UV-protective if densely woven or treated with UV-blocking agents like titanium dioxide.
2. Weave Density
Tightly woven fabrics block more UV radiation. That’s because there are fewer gaps between threads. Manufacturers use tighter weaving techniques that minimise these gaps.
3. Special Treatments
Many UPF garments are treated with UV-inhibiting ingredients during production. These chemical treatments bond with the fibres and boost the fabric’s resistance to UV light. I know it sounds toxic, but it’s not. That’s because most treatments use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These are natural minerals safe enough to be put on your skin via sunscreens.
4. Dye and Color
It’s a fact that darker and more saturated colours absorb more UV radiation than lighter shades. During the dyeing process, manufacturers often choose colours known for higher UV absorption. This contributes to the garment’s final UPF rating.
5. Testing and Certification
Before hitting the market, UPF clothing is rigorously tested under standardised conditions to determine its level of sun protection. A UPF rating of 50, for instance, means the fabric allows only 1/50th (or 2%) of UV rays to penetrate, offering excellent protection.
6. Design Considerations
Beyond fabric, the design of UPF clothing also matters. Long sleeves, high collars, and full-length pants offer more coverage, minimising sun exposure. Breathable panels and moisture-wicking features are often incorporated for comfort in hot conditions.
BTW, UPF, unlike SPF, measures protection against both UVA and UVB rays, meaning that sun protective clothing may be even more effective at preventing damage from the sun’s rays than some sunscreens, which only measure protection from UVA rays.
Why You Need Sun Protective Clothing
So what’s wrong with regular clothes? Well, it depends. While it is true that tightly woven, dark clothes can provide some protection from the sun, it is not clear how much. For example, a white T-shirt may have a UPF of only 5, which means that it lets in 1/5 (or 20 percent) of all UV radiation through to your skin.
Sun-protective clothing that has a UPF of 50, though, only lets in 1/50, or 2 percent of the sun’s UV rays. Obviously, it offers much more protection.
Sun protective clothing is great for anyone who’s out in the sun a lot or who lives in a very sunny environment; kids who hate wearing sunscreen, or those who are sensitive to the ingredients of sun creams.
In short, UPF clothing is a valuable tool in preventing sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer. Especially for those who spend extended time outdoors.
Remember, though – sun protective clothing doesn’t cover every part of your body, so to be super careful, you’ll still need to apply an organic sunscreen to your exposed bits.
5 Ethical Sun Blocking Clothes Brands To Try
1. Toad & Co.
This sustainable label creates luxe basics that work harder than the average apparel. All of Toad & Co’s garments are made with a minimum of 80% sustainable fibres and/or fabrics that have met Earth-friendly bluesign® or OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certifications. Plus, they have a pre-loved section on their website where you can get great deals on pre-loved Toad & Co outfits.
Not everything they produce is clothing that blocks out the sun’s rays. But they do have an SPF clothing line. For example, their Sunkissed maxi dress, below, carries a UPF of 50+, and is simply stunning! It comes in 7 different patterns and colour ways, too.
Ethics:
Why it’s one of the best ethical sun protective clothing brands: Their fabrics have undergone extensive testing to ensure the manufacturing process is free of harmful substances, including several known allergy-inducing and irritating chemicals.
2. Luminora
Super wearable, no matter what your size or skin tone, Luminora’s collections have something for you. Their clothing with built in SPF includes resort friendly kaftans, jumpsuits, and breezy dresses, all made for the conscious sun lover. Each piece is made using innovative Luminology Technology™ that has an all natural SPF 50+ and blocks 98% of the sun’s rays through the fabric.
Ethics: The brand’s Luminology Technology fabrics are infused with a newly patented, all-natural plant-based oil, containing forsythia. This is used in medicine as a natural antibacterial agent. Furthermore, their eco-friendly, hypoallergenic fabrics have not been treated with chemicals to achieve functionality, and are naturally UPF 50+, antimicrobial, and temperature regulating.
Why it’s one of the best ethical sun protective clothing brands: Every thread is infused with a dermatologist tested, 100% natural plant-based oil. I personally have the outfit below, and can attest that the fabric is moisture repellent, wrinkle-resistant, and silky soft. In fact, I practically wear their yoga pants daily. Whether I’m in the sun or not!
3. Solbari Clothing
You might think a hat would protect you from the sun, no matter what, right? Wrong! First of all, many believe a baseball-type cap offers some protection. It does, but only basically over your nose. And that’s it!
Even if you go for a wide-brimmed straw hat that covers your entire head, you may not be getting a strong UPF because the weave of the straw is too loose.
Luckily, Solbari makes hats from a super tight weave that provides the equivalent of over an SPF of 50.
But that’s not all! Solbari also makes other clothing with built in SPF. For example, their swimwear and outdoor wear that’s guaranteed to protect your skin.
Ethics: All of their fabrics are ethically produced in Australia, and undergo rigorous testing by ARPANSA, the Australian Government Agency responsible for radiation protection.
Why it’s one of the best ethical sun protective clothing brands: Not only are their stylish hats perfect for saving your complexion, but they also save your hair from the devastation of the sun’s rays!
4. Coolibar
Coolibar was the first ethical sun protective clothing company to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. And no wonder! Their UPF 50+ products and fabrics block 98% of UV rays. They’re also guaranteed to last a lifetime!
Coolibar uses a variety of materials, but most contain silver threads. All are lightweight, soft, and breathable.They also have good stretch, moisture-wicking abilities, and fast drying, cooling, water repellant, anti-microbial. In short, everything’s designed for movement, fitness and fun.
Ethics: Their innovative materials are ethically made in Minnesota, USA. Every dye produced is tested by dermatologists for UV transmittance and skin-friendliness. The brand also donates a percentage of profits to cancer charities.
Why it’s one of the best ethical sun protective clothing brands: The brand creates all kinds of clothing for every outdoor need. That could be anything from swimming and gardening to playing sports. Or just chilling!
5. Patagonia
The beloved sustainable outdoor clothing company makes highly practical UPF clothing. It’s the kind of stuff you can climb in, swim in, or even ski in. In fact, they’ve got something for just about anything you’d do outdoors.
Ethics: Patagonia has long stood out as one of the most ethical brands in the clothing industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of sustainability. For example, they embrace regenerative practices, and partner with grassroots organisations to restore lands, air and waters to better health.
Why it’s one of the best ethical sun protective clothing brands: Their UPF clothing is rated from 25 to 50. And of course, everything is super ethically made with Fair Trade principles.
Image: Lauren Kay Sims
Are there any ethical sun protective clothing brands we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
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Do any use recycled materials?!
I don’t think so, unfortunately?
Solumbra not mentioned. Wondered why. I would think it would be mentioned with such a high rating it has received. What are your thoughts?? Prices are off the charts though.
Thanks for the info, Darlene! Is it ethical? Sustainable? Will mention if so!