Okay y’all, let’s talk about something super un-glam but totally essential: sun protection. I know, I know ; sunscreen gets all the hype (and trust, I’m SPF’s #1 fan), but let’s chat about its super underrated bestie: UPF clothing. Yes babe, fashion that fights UV rays while still looking bomb on your Insta feed.
If you’re like me and live for glowing skin, protecting it from sun damage is literally non-negotiable. I’m a SoCal girl through and through (hey Huntington Beach!), and I grew up always chasing that golden hour light. But now that I’m older and a makeup artist who practically worships skin, I’m way more about keeping it protected than toasting in the sun.
So let’s get into UPF clothing ; think cute AF outfits that also block the sun like a bodyguard with great taste. We’re talking style AND skincare in one. Major win.
What Even Is UPF Clothing?
Okay first: UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It’s like SPF’s fashion cousin.
Where SPF tells you how long a sunscreen protects your skin, UPF rating tells you how much UV radiation gets through the fabric to your skin.
UPF 50 blocks out 98 percent of UV rays. That means only 2 percent of the sun’s rays are getting through. Yessss queen
Most regular clothes don’t do much when it comes to UV. Sorry to that sheer beach cover-up… it’s giving cute, but not giving protection.
Why You Should Care (Like, A Lot 😬)
Here’s the deal: Exposure to UV can mess up your skin, even if you’re not prone to sunburn. I’m talking:
- Early wrinkles
- Sun spots (ugh)
- Redness and irritation
- Long term risk of skin cancer
Not to be a buzzkill, but my dermatologist once told me that 1 in 5 Americans gets skin cancer in their lifetime. That stat shook me.
And since UVA rays can get through clouds and windows, relying only on sunscreen isn’t the move. You need to cover your bases… literally. And UPF clothing helps handle that without needing to reapply every two hours like with sunscreen.
So, it’s basically the lazy girl hack to staying protected. And I’m all about it.
What Makes a Piece of Clothing UPF?
Okay so not all clothes naturally come with UPF protection. Like, your fave crop top probably doesn’t cut it (rip).
But certain fabrics and treatments make them more protective:
| Fabric Type | UV Protection Level | Cute Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Tightly woven nylon or polyester | High (especially when labeled UPF 50) | Actually 👏 so 👏 cute 👏 |
| Denim | Very High | Hot but HEAVY |
| Knitted cotton | Low | Comfy but meh |
| Specially treated fabrics | Super High | The real MVP |
So, clothes specifically labeled UPF are tested and treated to give you that high level of protection and still be wearable. Some even stay effective after like 40+ washes.
Level it UP: Go for UPF 30 or higher. UPF 30 means about 97 percent of UV rays don’t get through. UPF 50 = level boss.
Sooo… Is It Gonna Look Frumpy and Weird?
Nah sis, actually it’s giving model-off-duty energy these days. UPF clothing used to be something you’d only see your mom wear hiking, but now brands are getting smart. Cute cuts, trendy patterns, and even swimwear that slays.
Some of the pieces I’m obsessed with right now:
- Flowy UPF maxi dresses that scream, “I’m chill but glamorous.”
- UPF crop tops that look cute with wide-leg pants or over your bikini.
- Bucket hats with hidden UV protection (yes pls)
I grabbed the most iconic oversized linen shirt from Coolibar last summer with UPF 50 and wore it basically every time I went to the beach. It was breezy, neutral-toned, and gave me big influencer vibes.
You don’t have to sacrifice the drip to stay protected. Just pick smart pieces and layer them like a styling legend
How to Style UPF Clothing (So You Don’t Look Like You’re on a Hike)
Okay let’s break it down. Here’s how I style UPF clothes without looking like I’m trekking through Yosemite.
1. Start with a Fab Base
Pick a lightweight UPF long-sleeve crop top. Pair it with high rise shorts, chunky sneakers, and retro shades. Boom: street style with sun protection.
2. Layering Queen
Use UPF kimonos or open shirts over tank tops or swimsuits. Great for beach days, brunch, and pretending you’re part of a Pinterest aesthetic board.
3. Go Full Glam
A UPF wide-brim hat and big sunnies plus a printed wrap dress? YES. Add body oil on your legs for shine and no one can tell you’re doing this to avoid UV rays.
4. Active Chill Vibes
UPF bike shorts and an oversized graphic tee give skater girl glowy goddess. Ideal for walking the dog or running to Starbucks for your matcha.
5. UPF Swimwear… That’s Hot
Swimsuits with long sleeves and high necks sound modest, but they’re actually sooo chic now. Brands like Mott50 and BloqUV are making pieces that look straight off a Vogue beach shoot.
UPF swimwear = the move if your motto is “cute but cancer-free” like mine is
What About Makeup and UPF Clothes?
Let’s be real: as a makeup artist, I love a look. But when I’m spending the day outdoors, I don’t rely only on makeup with SPF. I use setting sprays with SPF, sure, but I layer on that UPF clothing like my skin depends on it (because um… it does).
UPF clothes protect the parts we forget to reapply sunscreen on. Like:
- The tops of your shoulders (especially if you’re rocking a cold-shoulder top)
- That weird section of your back you always miss
- Your chest (aka where my freckles tend to show up like uninvited guests)
- Hands (get a UPF sleeve with thumb holes if you drive a lot)
If you’ve ever gotten a sunburn on the back of your neck while wearing your hair in a slicked-back bun, you know the pain. A UPF hoodie or collared shirt is your new BFF.
Things to Look For When Shopping UPF Fashion
Not all UPF is created equal. Some things to peep:
| Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| UPF Rating (30–50+) | Higher = better protection |
| Darker or brighter colors | They absorb more UV than pale colors |
| Tightly woven fabrics | Blocks UV better than loose knits |
| Coverage | Long sleeves and high necks give more protection |
| Fit | Looser clothes help airflow and keep UV out |
| Moisture-wicking | Helps keep you chill and dry while looking cute |
Also, check if it still works when wet ; especially for swimwear. Some drops lower the UPF when soaked while others are like, “I GOT YOU GIRL.”
My Ride-or-Die Brands for UPF That Slays
Here’s what’s on heavy rotation in my wardrobe RN:
- Coolibar – Their pieces are everything. Elegant, subtle, and v wearable. The perfect sundress or beach shirt? Yep.
- Sunday Afternoons – Their sun hats are insta-worthy and protective.
- Solbari – Sleek modern fits that feel like they were made for your city-girl errands.
- Mott50 – Their swimsuits, leggings and rash guards? Chef’s kiss. It’s skincare meets sportif.
- Free Fly Apparel – Chill Cali vibe clothes with bamboo fabrics. Great for that comfy pretty messy beach energy.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
; Eleanor Roosevelt
I think that quote hits so hard because protecting your skin is how you preserve that beauty while chasing every dream ; under the sun or in the studio.
Wrapping It Up Like a Sun Burrito 🌞
Look, you don’t need to dress like a medieval cloak monster to protect your skin. UPF fashion has majorly leveled up, and it’s kinda slay how you can wear something protective AND feel like you’re serving looks.
So next time you’re out thrifting or shopping for a trip, think about grabbing a statement piece that saves your skin without sabotaging your fit. And if your crush asks why you’re in long sleeves at the beach, just wink and say, “I’m aging in reverse.”
Protect your glow, wear the cute stuff, and never let UV mess with your vibe. You’re too pretty for that. ✌💋
Let me know in the comments: have you ever tried UPF clothing? Or are you about to add it to cart after this? Tell me your fave sun-protecting pieces! Let’s shop smart and sassy 💅
