Sooo, y’all know I’m obsessed with skincare and makeup, right? Well, recently I’ve been getting into something that’s equally as important but honestly kinda underrated: SPF clothing. It’s like the ultimate skincare hack that no one (okay, well, not enough people) is talking about, and I’m here for it. In 2023, protecting your skin is way more than just grabbing a bottle of sunscreen at the beach…it’s a whole movement, from SPF lip balm to sunglasses to—yup, you guessed it—clothing!
Look, I STILL use sunscreen every day, and you should too (even if you’re just chilling inside; those windows ain’t UV-proof!). But let’s be real. Doing reapplications all day every day, especially in this Cali sun, can kinda feel like a chore—and personally, I have better things to do than reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. So, imagine my surprise when I realized there’s another, comfier option that doesn’t even need reapplying.
Y’all…SPF clothing is legit. Like, super stylish AND protective—and I’m gonna tell you why you should be adding these pieces into your closet right after your go-to jeans or that oversized hoody from your favorite K-pop merch.
Sun protection isn’t just a summer thing. It’s an E-V-E-R-Y day thing!
Let’s start with some real talk: Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.? I know, not my usual peppy vibe, but it’s the truth. We gotta protect our skin always. And sometimes sunscreen just isn’t enough—especially if you’re super active, swimming, or going for those loooong outdoor hangs.
What Exactly is SPF Clothing Though?
Alright, so here’s how this all works. We know SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor—duh, right? We see it on sunscreen bottles all the time. But there’s also this super cool thing called UPF which stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and that’s the star of SPF clothing. Basically, UPF is for clothes what SPF is for sunscreens.
So, how does it work? It’s all about the fabric and how it’s woven together. The higher the UPF number, the harder it is for those pesky UVA and UVB rays to get through and mess up your awesome skin. A UPF rating of like 50 blocks out 98 percent of UV radiation (yas!), which to me is a huge heck yes!
Why Should You Care About SPF Clothing?
Here’s the tea, friends: this isn’t your grandma’s flowy sunhat (though I do stan a good sunhat—big brim, extra rich vibes, you feel me?). Modern SPF clothing is cute, trendy, and—get this—it actively saves you from sun damage without any of that greasy, re-apply, smells-like-my-lotion vibes. Plus, you’re basically doubling up your protection: sunscreen on your face AND SPF-rated stuff on your body.
You don’t need reapplications when you’re covered in stylish SPF clothing!
Imagine you’re at the beach, river, or even brunching outdoor at your fave spot…and a super bright sun is beaming down on you. Everyone’s out here scrambling to get some more sunscreen out of their bags, or worse—forgetting completely because they’re having too much fun. If you’re rocking your SPF hoodie or those fancy SPF leggings…you’re already covered. Less hassle. More fun. More selfies. 😉
Breaking it Down: SPF in Your Closet
Okay, let me dish on some of the cutest ways to wear SPF clothing—you know, so you can stay protected without looking like you’re in a science lab (lol).
1. Breezy Tops with Built-In Protection
Oh-em-gee, nothing says I’m-chill-but-I’m-also-a-sun-goddess quite like a breezy SPF top. I’m talking about those lightweight shirts that also have UPF 50 protection. Major brands and even smaller sustainable companies are producing super cute shirts and blouses that offer that protective punch. They’re breathable, stylish, and come in so many colors, so you def don’t need to sacrifice your style.
2. SPF Swimwear To the Rescue
You know what’s 100 percent NOT stylish? Sunburned skin in a bikini. (Y’all KNOW those tan lines are a nightmare.) Water-resistant sunscreen can only do so much, especially with how much time you can spend in the water. That’s why I’m living for SPF swimwear and rash guards. You got cute lil’ onesies and sleek full-sleeved swim shirts that’ll keep you looking ‘grammable, and your skin won’t be peeling like a lizard the next week. Saltwater and UV rays are no match when you’ve got chic UV-blocking swimwear on lock.
3. SPF Hoodies Anyone?
YES, we are out here repping SPF hoodies in 2023. It’s like the perfect street-chic-meets-skin-protection vibe. You can throw one of these babies over your ‘fit, and boom—you’re not just protecting yourself from a sunburn, but also lookin’ seriously stylish and cozy. If you’re a Festival babe like moi, SPF hoodies are the best—throw one on when it’s too hot for a jacket but too sunny for bare arms.
4. Maxi Dresses… but make it SPF
Do you live for the casual cute summer dress? Same. So imagine my joy when I found out that they’re now venturing into SPF maxi dresses. It’s like wearing a sun shield with major flowy-goddess vibes. Wear one of these stunners, pair with sandals and a floppy hat, and you’re winning at both the style game and the sun safety game.
Is It Just A Gimmick? Nope, It’s Legit
Some people might be thinking: “Okay, isn’t SPF clothing just regular clothes but marketed with a sunblock angle?” Absolutely not, my loves. There’s actual science behind it (but don’t worry, I won’t nerd out too hard on you). The short version is: when clothes are specifically designed with UPF, they either use fancy technical fabrics or tightly woven textiles that cut down on UV penetration. And here’s the kicker: they don’t wash away like sunscreen does in water or sweat.
Plus, a plain white tee barely gives you any protection on its own (sorry to burst your bubble), but an actual SPF-rated one? BOOM. It’ll help big time. There are even studies that show how effective these fabrics are, so the receipts are there.
Even a white cotton t-shirt only gives you UPF about 5-7. SPF clothing? UPF 50 all day, baby!
Sustainability Goals? Check.
Alright queens, let’s pause and talk about something super important: being good to the Earth while being good to our skin. Something that’s been making a lot of waves in the fashion and beauty world (think your TikTok FYP) is sustainability—aka, not trashing the planet while we live our best lives. And some of these brands creating SPF clothing are working to make sure their clothing is eco-friendly.
Brands like Patagonia, to name one, are producing UPF-rated clothing that’s made from recycled materials. Isn’t it cool when looking fabulous ALSO makes you an earth warrior? Trust me, if you can give Mother Earth some love while protecting your own body, that’s a double win.
How Does SPF Clothing Fit with Your Makeup & Skincare Routine?
I know what you’re thinking right now: if we’ve got SPF clothing on, do I even need to bother slathering on sunscreen? The answer is a big fat YASSS. Protecting your face, neck, and hands with GOOD sunscreen (look for SPF 30 or up, babes) is still critical, because clothes can’t cover it all. But guess what? Ain’t nobody said you can’t have the best of both worlds—SPF clothing and good ol’ sunscreen work together like you and your bestie lip gloss.
You can go for lightweight but full coverage makeup + sunscreen combo for your face. I’m drooling over so many SPF-infused cosmetics right now, and with SPF clothing, you can seriously achieve 360-degree sun protection on your OFF days (when you’re rocking that no-makeup makeup look) and on your FULL GLAM, “I’M THE MAIN CHARACTER” days.
To sum it all up, SPF clothing is more than a trend, it’s a whole movement toward being cute AND responsible. So if your skincare routine is about staying glowy and youthful (ain’t that the goal?), then this is the wardrobe upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Where function meets flare? Yup, right here.
So get out there, slay your outfit, avoid the peel, and stay fabulously sun-protected!full coverage makeup + sunscreen combo for
