I have a skin condition called DSAP (disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis) which is exacerbated by the sun.  Sadly, there is no cure for this skin condition and the only advice from dermatologists is to stay out of the sun. But, who wants to sit indoors? Not me! So every summer I blatantly ignore the advice of my dermatologist and  spend too much time in the sun. We live by the beach and have a 3-year-old, so sitting in the house just isn’t gonna fly!

I rationalize my excessive sun exposure by telling myself that it’ll be ok, i’ll slater on some SPF 85 and i’ll be good to go. And that’s sort of true up until the point that I forget to put it on, or to re-apply, or I miss a spot. Then I get too much color, my DSAP spots turn bright red so it looks like I have the measles. And then they start to itch.

But never fear, after over 20 years with DSAP, I think I’ve finally cracked the code… or at least found a work-around, or a loop hole if you will,  on how I can prevent my inevitable sunburn. Drum Roll please: Wear sun-proof clothing that has been tested for Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). I went to Hawaii last month and instead of worrying about my skin, I threw on a super cute rash guard and surf leggings, and was able to partake in all of the outdoor activities while looking reasonably stylish!

Luckily more designers are coming out with stylish sun protective clothing each year, correlating with our increased awareness on how damaging the sun can be to the skin (not just those with DSAP, but any body with skin!).

I have looked high and low to bring you the most comprehensive listing of stylish and fashionable sun-proof clothing for everyday use as well as running/exercise wear and sun/leisure. No matter what season you’re reading this in, you can get some value– if it’s spring/summer right now you’d better be stocking up but even if it’s winter time, now is the time to buy since so many of these items go on sale after summer. But before we get to the big list here are the basics on what it means exactly for clothes to have a an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF).

How is sun protective clothing different than any other clothing?

• All fabrics block UV radiation to some degree. But some clothing also has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating from 15 (good) to 50+ (excellent).
• UPF is to clothes what SPF is to lotion
• UPF is a guide on how effectively fabrics block skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The higher the UPF number, the greater degree of UV protection.

Clothing manufacturers adopted this system: a UPF rating of 50 indicates the fabric of a garment will allow only 1/50th (roughly 2%) of available UV radiation to pass through it. A garment rated UPF 25 permits roughly 4% (1/25th) UV transmission. To put it in perspective, normal t-shirts are about a UPV 5.

Read more about UPF on the SkinCancer.org website

Here’s my complete list of Sun Protective Clothing

1. COOLIBAR  One of the more established brands in UPF clothing, Coolibar’s frocks are all UPF 50. Their range features casual wear, fitness, bathing suits, hats and petite, plus sizes. They have a great assortment of really cute rashguards, but their surf leggings (long swim pants) are not so cute. (See my article about Surf Leggings for better options) They also have lots of casual wear. Prices range from about $50-$90.

My favorite item is their wrap, it’s so versatile, this wrap could also be used as a bathing suit cover up.  Here are some more of my faves.

2. Solumbra/Sun Precautions– Created by  Melanoma skin cancer survivor, Solumbra boasts clothes with the highest protection level.  Really nice bathing suit cover ups, light weight tops and pants and an awesome selection of hats. Not too much exercise wear. Their surf leggings (swim pants) also have a skirt, so if you’re trying to hide your tummy, this is a great option (see photo below). Prices range from about $65-$100 per item

3. Mott50 – Launched in 2011, Mott 50 partners with the Melanoma Research Alliance, donating a portion of proceeds to aid in the fight against skin cancer and to find a cure for melanoma. Each garment is certified as 50 UPF. Clothes for men, women and children include casual tops, sweatpants, rashguards, coverups and dressees. My favorite item was the wrap, that looks equally as cute with pants and a tshirt as it does with a bathing suit.

4. Parasol  This line calls itself ‘UPF50 Resortwear’ and they believe in:aging gracefully, avoiding the big “c” and and wearing sun protection that looks and feels good. Styles available for women, girls and boys.

WOW, Parasol has some really cute dresses, and bathing suits, and their entire range  is made of breathable, super lightweight material which is free of chemical coatings. Prices start at about $100. 

5. Cover – According to their website: “The cover collection includes chic, innovative pieces that provide physical sun protection in the most flattering silhouettes.”  The clothing is all UPF 50 and they design and manufacture in the United States.  There were some very nice pieces, but for me, they were too focused on being chic and less focused on creating sun protective stylish fashion. It was a bit too much of a ‘skinny girl on the catwalk’ vibe. That being said, I did like this dress and the pink rash guard (if you have the abs to wear this short style)

6. Summer Skin —Sun Protection Meets Style! Cancer survitor Summer Kramer started Summer Skin in 2007. I love this line. It’s UPF 50, affordable and has some really wearable pieces. Women’s styles only, sorry guys. My favorites are these pants. Aren’t they cute? You could equally wear them to the beach as you could to dinner on a warm evening.  The other piece I adore is the Endless Summer Scarf ($49). It can be worn as an infinity scarf, shoulder wrap, instant hood and skirt.  It’s small and light enough to throw in your bag or purse and you’re set for the day.

7. SPF ADDICT– Their fabrics are developed with a cutting edge technology, utilizing organic “green” fibers that carry a UPF 50 rating. People with sensitive skin will appreciate the comfort and softness of this technology. Clothing is available for both men and women. While there isn’t any exercise clothes or bathing suits, this line has some really practical and stylish pieces I dig. My favorites include this simple white long sleeve top. It’s super light weight and the sleeves are long, with a thumb hole to cover up the.hands. The poncho is also really versatile and could be worn in a million different ways.

8. CABANA LIFE  combines fashion with function by offering stylish clothing with 50+ UV protection through patented SkinSafe™ Technology. The collection offers a variety of beach-essentials including bathing suits, hats, cover-ups, tunics, shirts, and pants for boys, girls, and women.  Cabana Lifestyle feautures REALLY cute bathing suits and swimwear ‘accoutrement’ like matching rashguards, swim skirts, and hats. The BEST thing about this line is the price. It’s really affordable. (I like it so much i’m writing and  shopping at the same time!)

9. SanSoleil  which means ‘without sun’ in French is a sun protection clothing line featuring moisture wicking, quick dry and athletic stretch nylon inserts for cooling ventilation and, most importantly, UPF 50 Protection. These garments are great for sports that require fabrics that move and are lightweight for exertion in the sun’s heat.These clothes are designed with tennis players and golfers in mind. If you buy a few of SanSoleil’s pieces you’ll be ready for that Palm Springs Golf Club! SanSoleil has clothes for both women and men (although the men’s selection is a lot smaller). Prices start at about $90 for a long sleeve top.

10. Sun Grubbies – Their tagline is ‘Superior UPF Apparel for Outdoor Living’ and features clothes for men, women, kids and babies.  including sun hats and other accessories. While not quite as fashion forward as some of the other lines, they do have the best prices of any line I’ve reviewed AND they have a pretty good assortment of plus sizes.

11. Triple J Sun Protection – A nice assortment of apparel and swimwear for men, women and children, all UPF 50. The real problem with this company, and I hate to even write this, but their website is so bad that navigating through it is painful. The company has been around since 1997 and I think their website is that old too!  However, they did have a large assortment. My favorite was this dress.

12. Hydrochic – A full line of sun protective activewear for swim and sport. The best thing about this line is that there are lots of plus-size options & maternity sizes too.

13. REI has a MASSIVE line of UPF sun protection clothing, from workout clothes, to cargo pants, shirts, bathing suits, button down shirts and everything in between, I use this brand for my running clothes. It takes some time to get used to running in long sleeves but will definitely save your skin!

14. Columbia has a technology called  Omni-Shade which blocks UVA/UVB ray, although they aren’t specific on where it falls on the UPF chart. If you’re looking for outdoor gear or exercize clothes, Columbia is a great place to start.

15. Patagonia also features UPF clothing for both men and women, although I wouldn’t call them fashionable! For this type of clothing REI has a better selection.

16. Wallaroo Hat Company: UPF 50+ fashion hats for men, women and children. If you can’t find a hat you like at Wallaroo it just might not exist!

17. Sol Cool off – beat the heat in ExOfficio®’s Sol Cool collection, rated UPF 50+.. Active wear for men and women, this line is limited to workout/active wear, if that’s what you’re looking for, this is a good-looking line!.

18. Tuga Sun Wear has a great assortment of rashguards and bathing suits for kids. I’ll be definitely ordering for my 3 year old girl especially since she has a 50% chance of inheriting DSAP from me.

18. Surf Leggings from Roxy, O’Neil & other surf brands- I may have mentioned this a few times, but my favorite sun protective clothing item is the surf legging, which is basically a long-pant swim bottom. It may sound frumpy, but these days the styles and colors are beachy and fun. Brands like Roxy and O’neil have them. I wrote about sun leggings a couple of weeks ago, check out article here

What is your Favorite Sun Protective Clothing Line?

So whether you  have DSAP, or one of the many other skin conditions that require protection from the sun like Solar urticaria, Psoriasis, Darier’s disease, Chronic actinic dermatitis and Actinic folliculitis, you can benefit from sun protective clothing.

 I hope I got most, if not all of the sun protective clothing lines. Did I miss any? In the comments area below please let us know what your favorite brand or item is of sun protective clothing.  What has worked and what hasn’t… don’t be shy! 

Cheers!