These ethical sun protective clothing brands are perfect for those who don’t like applying 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. The process goes something like this: garments go through a rigorous process that tests the durability, washability and effectiveness of the product, and at the end of this, the clothes are assigned a UPF factor.
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.
So, how do these garments do it? Well, not only are they made from a tighter fabric weave, but as you may have guessed, they are also treated with sunscreen chemicals that absorb the sun’s UV 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, and only lets in 1/50 or 2 percent of the sun’s UV rays, offers much more protection. So it might be beneficial to have some clothes that have been treated with sunscreen.
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.
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 Protective Clothing Brands To Try
1. Nicole Alex
This sustainable label creates luxe basics that work harder than the average apparel. All of Nicole Alex’s bamboo based garments are proudly designed and made in Los Angeles using ethically-sourced, eco-friendly fabric that protects your skin from the sun’s rays. They’ve partnered with a family-owned and operated manufacturing facility to ensure all workers are as fairly treated as possible.
What we love: 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. This ethical sun protective clothing brand features 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.
What we love: Every thread is infused with a dermatologist tested, 100% natural plant-based oil that’s not only sun protective, but also has antimicrobial properties.
3. 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.
What we love: Their UPF ratings range from 25 to 50. And of course, everything is super ethically made with Fair Trade principles.
Image: Lauren Kay Sims
4. Duretiony Straw Hats
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, Duretiony makes hats from a super tight weave that provides the equivalent of over an SPF of 50.
What we love: Not only are these stylish hats perfect for saving your complexion, but they also save your hair from the devastation of the sun’s rays!
5. Coolibar
Made locally in Minnesota, 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 that 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.
What we love: 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!
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!