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While you’re traveling, it’s a good bet that you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Whether hiking through nature, exploring Greek ruins, or climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the sun’s rays are ever-present. Even being in the car on a road trip provides hours of sun exposure for your skin.
One way to help protect your skin from the sun is to wear sun protective clothing and accessories, and I’m going to let you know about the best sun protection clothing for women!
NOTE: These are also the clothes I wear when I’m not traveling! They’re perfect for year-round sun protection!
Coolibar provided me with a variety of clothing items and accessories to assist with sun protection, whether in our backyard or on our road trip to Whidbey Island. All opinions are my own.
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- What is sun protective clothing?
- What is the best sun protective clothing brand for women?
- Check out this unboxing video of sun protection clothing for women!
- What is UPF, and why does it matter? How does UPF differ from SPF?
- What makes clothing sun safe? Don’t all fabrics provide sun protection?
- Does UPF wash out of clothing?
- Benefits of Wearing Sun Protective Clothing
- Does sun protective clothing really work?
- What is the best sun protection clothing for women?
- Best Travel Sun Shirt: Coolibar Mylitta Travel Shirt
- Best Travel Sun Pants: Coolibar Pellaro Travel Pants
- Best Matching Sun Shirts: Coolibar Aricia Sun Shirt
- Best Sun Shirt with Built-In Microfiber Glasses Cleaner: Coolibar Hepburn Shirt UPF 50+
- Best Lightweight Women's Travel Jacket: Coolibar LumaLeo Zip-Up Hoodie UPF 50+
- Best Sun Hat: Coolibar Leo Shapeable Wide Brim Hat
- Best Sun Gloves: Coolibar UV Gloves UPF 50+
- Best Sun Skirt for Cooler Weather: Coolibar Fabyan Maxi Skirt UPF 50+
- Best Sun Skirt for Warmer Weather: Coolibar Monte Carlo Maxi Skirt UPF 50+
- Best Tapered Sun Pants: Coolibar Navona City Pants UPF 50+
- Best Tunic-Length Sun Shirt: Coolibar Santorini Tunic Shirt UPF 50+
- Sun Protection Beyond UPF Clothing
- What about sun protection clothing for my family?
What is sun protective clothing?
Sun protective clothing is clothing (and accessories) that have special features to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
Basic, right?
But, read on to find out what features are most important, as well as how to find and choose the best sun protection clothing.
What is the best sun protective clothing brand for women?
Since 2009, I’ve been wearing Coolibar swimwear, clothing, and accessories. Besides having the styles, colors, sizes, and selection that I need…
Check out this unboxing video of sun protection clothing for women!
What is UPF, and why does it matter? How does UPF differ from SPF?
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun’s rays and allows two percent (1/50th) to penetrate, thus reducing your exposure risk significantly.”
SPF (Sun Protection Factor), according to the FDA, “is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (i.e., in the presence of sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin.”
UPF is used when talking about sun protection clothing, and SPF is used when talking about sunscreen. Click To TweetWhat makes clothing sun safe? Don’t all fabrics provide sun protection?
Cooibar (and the Skin Cancer Foundation) knows that not all clothing with sun protection provides the same level of protection. So serious is Coolibar in creating fantastic “Sun Protection You Wear” that they go so far as to create their own fabrics.
In developing their proprietary UPF 50+ fabrics, they consider: weave, stretch, wetness, weight, finish, and color, among other things.
Does UPF wash out of clothing?
The sun protection of Coolibar products never washes out! They guarantee it, for the life of your Coolibar item. That’s a serious guarantee!
Benefits of Wearing Sun Protective Clothing
- Extra sun protection
- Covers exposed skin
- Solution for fair skin (hey, that’s me!)
- Solution for sun allergy (like I have!)
Does sun protective clothing really work?
For me, absolutely, it works! When I cover my skin with well-made sun protection clothes, my awful sun allergy stays away. Side benefit: no sunburn!
With proper use of protective clothing for sun exposure, it can be an effective UV protectant for covered areas. Make sure to do your research and that you’re wearing clothing and accessories that are approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation, such as Coolibar.
What is the best sun protection clothing for women?
If you haven’t heard already, Coolibar products are far and away the best when it comes to UPF 50+ sun protection clothing.
Besides the UPF 50+ properties, Coolibar items have some value-added features as well:
- Extended coverage for hands with thumbholes
- Extended coverage for neck with sun flap under collar
- Strategic venting in shirts and hats
- Quick-drying proprietary fabrics that are all washable
In terms of which items to choose, it depends on your needs. Here are some of the items of sun protective clothing for women that I wear outdoors, in the car, and indoors, too!:
Best Travel Sun Shirt: Coolibar Mylitta Travel Shirt
FEATURES:
- Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
- Fabric ventilation panels under arms & along sides
Best Travel Sun Pants: Coolibar Pellaro Travel Pants
FEATURES:
- Straight leg
- Hidden RFID-blocking pocket
- Elastic waistband for easy-on, easy-off comfort
Best Matching Sun Shirts: Coolibar Aricia Sun Shirt
FEATURES:
- Available in both women’s & men’s sizes
- Hidden sun flap under collar for added neck protection
When I had the chance to get a shirt to match my husband’s, I went for it. Navy gingham for the win! Besides being matchies, these shirts have extra neck protection built right in!
So, whether you’re looking for women’s shirts with sun protection or men’s shirts with sun protection, Coolibar’s Aricia sun shirt has you covered (literally and figuratively!).
Best Sun Shirt with Built-In Microfiber Glasses Cleaner: Coolibar Hepburn Shirt UPF 50+
FEATURES:
- Relaxed fit with curved hemline
- Hidden microfiber glasses cleaner
You know how great it feels when you find exactly what you’re looking for? Well, this zip-up hoodie is where it’s at for best lightweight travel jacket for women.
It’s got the hood, zippered pockets, thumbholes for extra hand protection from the sun, and a flattering cut. And, it’s super comfty!
Best Lightweight Women’s Travel Jacket: Coolibar LumaLeo Zip-Up Hoodie UPF 50+
FEATURES:
- Thumbholes!
- Slight high-low with curved hem
- Side zipper pockets
I’ve tried hat after hat after hat. None have ever had all the features I need. What are all the features, you ask? Just two: great sun protection, and room for the curls. I have finally found the. winning. hat.
Best Sun Hat: Coolibar Leo Shapeable Wide Brim Hat
FEATURES:
- Size XXL available for saving the curls!
- Adjustable chin cord for windy days
- Wide brim, but packable and washable
Best Sun Gloves: Coolibar UV Gloves UPF 50+
FEATURES:
- Touchscreen compatibility
- Breathable micro mesh fabric
- Silicone grippers on palm & fingers
Best Sun Skirt for Cooler Weather: Coolibar Fabyan Maxi Skirt UPF 50+
FEATURES:
- Wide elastic waistband
- Slit on right side seam
Best Sun Skirt for Warmer Weather: Coolibar Monte Carlo Maxi Skirt UPF 50+
FEATURES:
- Side seam pockets!
- Elastic waistband
- Side vents at skirt hem
Best Tapered Sun Pants: Coolibar Navona City Pants UPF 50+
FEATURES:
- Relaxed fit through hip and thigh with tapered leg
- Front pockets
- Elastic waistband
- Side slits at bottom hem
Best Tunic-Length Sun Shirt: Coolibar Santorini Tunic Shirt UPF 50+
FEATURES:
- Relaxed fit
- Tunic-length
- Pairs perfectly with Navona City Pants
These pieces have literally been my wardrobe for most of a year, and they will continue to serve me well for years to come.
Sun Protection Beyond UPF Clothing
While Coolibar clothing and accessories can pretty well cover every inch of skin on your body (check out their Ultimate Coverage items), there are times when you might want or need some additional options for fun in the sun.
- Sunscreen on exposed areas of skin
- Sunglasses
- Shade
- Limiting sun exposure, even on cloudy days
What about sun protection clothing for my family?
I’m glad you asked! Ladies, Coolibar has sun protection clothing, accessories, and swimwear for everyone in your family!
Coolibar: Sun Protection You Wear!
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