UV Protection Factor or “UPF”

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This  rating system measures the UV
protection provided by fabrics. Some clothes provide more and some provide less. It is very similar to the SPF rating
system used for sunscreens. A garment with a UPF of 50 only allows 1/50th of the UV radiation
falling on the surface of the garment to pass through it. In other
words, it blocks 49/50ths or 98% of the UV radiation.

         Sites like Mott50.com, parasolsun.com,  and Coolibar.com  are among  the sites that sell clothes that can protect your skin against the sun’s UV rays. Although they don’t carry a wide variety of clothes and accessories to choose from, their clothes block at least 98% UVA/UVB. These clothes are recommended for people with a history of skin cancer, people with sensitive skin, and those who are exposed to the sun a lot, like gardeners and construction workers. Clothes that are made with cotton fabrics are usually cooler than other fabrics. Therefore, they carry a higher UPF rating.

          As for me? I am completely fine with any fabric during the summer. I rarely get sun burned. Unless I spend a day on the beach, I don’t even need a great amount of sunscreen. But my daughter get sun burned easily because she has a history of  eczema.  You can expect to spend between $60-$200 for a dress that carries a UPF of 50+. You can pay this amount of money for a dress depending on how severe your skin condition is, or you can just wear regular clothes made with cotton or bamboo fabrics during the summer. Don’t wait until you are going to the beach to wear your sunscreen, and your summer will be just fine.