Why Sun Protection Clothing Is So Important

We all know that too much exposure to the sun is not good for your skin. We’re told every summer to wear sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and hang out in the shade as much as possible. Wearing sun protection clothing is also a highly effective way to guard against the sun, and the threat of skin cancer.

In 2011, the US National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention recommended wearing sun protection clothing above all other forms of prevention – with the exception of avoiding the sun completely. Effects of the decision:

• Knocked wearing sunscreen off its perch.
• Confirmed just how vital specially manufactured clothing is in the fight against skin cancer.
• A breakthrough in building public awareness on sun protection.

As the original Australian brand of sun protection clothing, we at Stingray know how big a deal wearing the right clothing is, especially in Australia’s harsh weather.

The Benefits of Sun Protection Clothing

So what is the big deal? Why is wearing your normal t-shirts and shorts such a bad idea? Well, there are several reasons, and here are just a few.

1. The Unseen Threat

Traditionally, sunburn is viewed as a painful reminder to protect ourselves again the sun.

The threats are:

• Sunburn is caused by UVB rays, which is known to be carcinogenic.
• Research also showed UVA rays, which leave no obvious damage to the skin, is equally carcinogenic.
• Sunscreen does not adequately protect against UVA.

Sun protection clothing does protect against UVA. It is designed to block those rays from the skin. Since the skin area exposed to the sun is less, the threat is lessened.

2. Regular Clothing Ineffective

We remember our mothers warning us to cover up when the sun was hot. While that was not bad advice, regular clothing may offer no real protection against damaging UV rays. Sun protection clothing is specifically manufactured to do so.

Regular clothing made for hot climates – like cotton – has an open weave designed to allow heat out and keep you cool. However, open weave also allows the sun to touch the skin, thereby undermining any hope of protecting against skin cancer.

In contrast, sun protection clothing is:

• Made from special fabrics, produced in carefully chosen colours.
• Constructed with specific weaves to keep the sun off the skin.

3. Wash-In Products Unreliable

There is clothing available that claim protection against the sun and block UV rays only because certain chemicals have been washed-into or sprayed over the fabric. This is unreliable sun protection clothing. Logically, what can be washed in can be washed out. Supposedly, these chemicals cling to cloth fibres to thicken them and reduce sunlight getting through. It’s highly unlikely that these chemicals are distributed evenly.

Clothing worth the investment has these:

• Specifically made to block out UV rays.
• Carry a recognized UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) or SPF (sun protection factor).

Stingray Offers Real Protection

Stingray is synonymous with effective sun protection clothing, not just in Australia but around the world. Through our extensive range of products, the whole family can enjoy fun in the sun;

• From infants to senior citizens.
• Both ladies and men who require plus size clothing.

With 97.5% UV radiation blocked out, we provide the highest quality, fashionable clothing that protects people from health risks associated with sun exposure.

For more on the advantages of wearing sun protection clothing, we recommend you read an article published in the Skin Council Foundation Journal in 2012, titled Ready To Wear.