Fashionable Sun Protection Clothing - My Family Travels

Protect yourself and your kids with sun protection clothes, hats, sunglasses, and other products that are effectively UV resistant and stylish. Increased awareness of the power of ultra violet rays to damage skin, cause skin cancers and enhance aging make self protection a growing concern.

Mother and son at water's edge in Capetown, wearing sun protection clothes and hats.
The ozone layer is badly damaged in Capetown, South Africa and other Southern Hemisphere countries so sun protection is essential every day. Photo by pixstar for Piaxabay.

Sun protection items are big money-earners. Consider the more than US$2.15 billion in annual sales of sunblock and sunscreens according to a 2025 Statista report. Today, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher is widely available. Families are delighted to find it dispensed free at many resort pools and healthclubs.

Four Sun Protection Tips from the Experts

A graphical chart of sun protection tips from the American Academy of Dermatology Association. c. Spotskincancer.org
Use this chart of sun protection tips from the American Academy of Dermatology Association as a guide. c. Spotskincancer.org

Sun care products were big business before climate change became a household term and now they’re sky-high, so to speak. 

We’re not only talking about sunblock, though it’s critical. Experts say you must take these four extra precautions per the American Academy of Dermatology Association:

  • Cover up skin with lightweight clothing
  • Wear sunglasses with UV protection
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat
  • Use sunblock if shoes don’t fully cover feet

Sun Protection Beyond Sun Block: Eyewear for all Ages

Beach towel with SPF 15 sunblock tube and sunglasses surrounded by sand.
Use at least SPF 15 sunblock and sunglasses when you go for a winter walk along the beach. Photo by kaboompix for pixabay.

The sun protection market has grown to comprise expensive anti-sun socks, solar-weave parasols, chlorine-proof onesies and four-way flap hats for infants. The U.S. is the world’s largest market for eyewear protection. Did you know that more than US$5 billion was spent last year for sunglasses alone?

One of the most innovative fields in sun protection is eyewear designed for all ages. A company like Goodr specialises in sun protective lenses for athletes. With lightweight and non-shatterproof silicon lenses, these sunglasses are stylish and inexpensive. Plus, they’re comfortable for anyone to wear.

Sunproof Cover-Up Clothing for all Ages

FTF member J. W. of Kansas City, Missouri wrote us about a great discovery. “We just recently moved from Asia, where we used Australian SPF swimsuits,” he said. “Here in the states, I found a great thing called a “SunShirt” that is certified UPF 50+, but is lightweight and comfortable for children. They’re sold at REI.”

In addition, REI and other companies offer consumers an extensive collection of Icebreaker and Mountain Hardware brand sunproof performance gear. New fabrics used for hiking, biking, golf, tennis, climbing and other recreational clothes make them moisture-wicking and quick-drying too, perfect for travel.

Shop for hats, hoodies, button up shirts, T-shirts and base layers. Even fussy teens find fashionable sun dresses and dress shirts sized for adults and children.

Is Sunproof or UV Blocking Clothing Necessary?

Boy wearing a surfer's rasher to guard against the sun at the beach.
You’re never too young for rashers to guard against the sun. Photo c. JatoCreate for pixabay.

Is this type of clothing really necessary? A University of Arizona professor who helped set voluntary standards for the sun-protection clothing industry says “No.” He claims that any heavy cotton garment that’s been washed to tighten the weave is as effective at blocking the sun’s rays as chemicals or synthetic fibers. Plus, dark colored clothing repels more harmful sun rays than light colors. Long sleeve shirts are better protection, of course, than no sleeves.

Specialty gear is unnecessary.

Try telling that to surfers, who invented rashers. They wear half-sleeve, half-leg colorful polyester suits so they can avoid skin rashes and sunburn. Check out how many sunbathers and their fashion un-conscious little kids wear them at the shore today. Young surfers started an industry that keeps growing.

New fabrics, less scratchy and sweaty, and new colors influence shoppers. The depleting ozone layer and rising incidence of skin cancer Impact everyone who loves outdoors recreation.

More Sources for SPF and UV Blocking Clothing

Two lifeguards at the beach in red hoodies and sunglasses are protected from the sun.
Even lifeguards stay covered up from the sun. Photo c. Jade2606 for pixabay.

Sun protection should become a lifelong habit. Purchase the highest-rated sun protective gear you find among the SPF 50+ fashions widely avaiable through L.L.Bean and other outdoors clothing shops. Brands like Patagonia, Columbia, and North Face sell their own SPF and UPF products.

Search for infant and children’s UV resistant bathing suits, outer clothes, cute eyeglasses and hats. Pediatricians agree that any item that increases awareness of the sun’s damaging effects is well worth the investment.

Shop online if you don’t have any outdoors stores near you. The company Sun Precautions was one of the first with its pioneering Solumbra clothing lines. Originally for adults only, they now make outerwear, swimwear and sun protection hats (up to UPF100) for all ages. Those with special sensitivity should buy gloves, face masks and even stylish parasols online.

Specialty companies like Coolibar have been innovating active UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) fabrics for sun-protective clothing and accessories for the past 20 years. They provide a wide range of stylish garments, hats, outerwear and more in different colors and sizes.

Fnd performance gear for everyone in the family, so you can recreate safely, fashionably and comfortably.

This blog post about sun protection clothing and gear has been written by the family travel experts at Family Travel Forum and sponsored by Goodr.com.

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

5 Replies to “Fashionable Sun Protection Clothing”

  • Anonymous

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  • Anonymous

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  • Anonymous

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  • Anonymous

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  • Anonymous

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  • Anonymous

    What should the letter of consent say if I, a single parent, am taking my daughter to Germany, but then crossing other borders into bordering countries on our vacation? I may not know specifically what other countries we will be visiting until we get into Europe (we are staying with friends in Germany and they will be taking us around Europe for a bit).

    • admin

      It's best to be as specific as possible, because these letters include the dates and destinations for your trip.  We would suggest that you note the full date range (from… to ….. and make it a bit longer just in case), then you put down as many countries as you think are possible. List Germany and all the contiguous countries and add a few more, better more than not mentioning one you will visit.

      Also, you should carry 2 notarized copies of the Permission to Travel Letter (put one with your passport to show at Immigration and flight check-in; keep the 2nd one in the child's luggage in case you lose one or an Immigration official wants to keep it).  Enjoy your trip!

    • Anonymous

      Great travel guide and form description for new travelers.. helps a ton..

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    I just turned 16 and am a make-a-wish kid. I am SO excited!!! I have dealt with a primary immune deficiancy my whole life, been a "lab rat", been on Death's doorstep so many times that I know he hates it when you ring the doorbell and run, and (because of missing so much school when I was young) have a harder time getting along with kids my own age than those younger/older than me. I get to leave on August 3rd, and will be staying at GKTW in FL whilst going to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Seaworld. It feels like a dream, and if it is, DO NOT WAKE ME UP!!!!! I am thanking God daily for all the blessings he has given me; my new sister and her continued health, my fudge-like family (awesome, sweet, and full of nuts, and so much more. B>)

    Thanks for posting this Info on GKTW. I haven't found anything like this anywhere else! laugh

  • Anonymous

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  • Anonymous

    Turkey is a land of myth, a cradle of civilizations, a canvas of nature's most aesthetic bounties & a confluence of varied streams of culture. Owing to its favourable position, Turkey is the bridging nation between the East & West (Europe & Asia) & therefore boasts a spicy blend of oriental & modern, splendor & sleekness, which makes diversity its other name. In Turkey every visitor can find something for themselves. The world class cuisine, vibrant cities, warm hospitality, recreational facilities, historical attractions, cultural heritage, over 8000 km's coastline & an unparallel natural beauty make Turkey an irresistible holiday destination for independent or group travelers…

     

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    San Miguel de Allende is a truly magnificent location, and is becoming a locale of choice for American and Canadian expats. There is a highly developed infrastructure that supports a very large and sophisticated English speaking community here. Culture abounds, and there is extremely active social calendar. There are easily forty or more art galleries in town. The climate is among the best, with warm, dry temperatures year round. Real estate here is among the most beautiful in the world, and your dollar can buy you so much more house than in North America. I lead exciting home buyer trips to San Miguel. Join me on one of these exciting tours to view and buy real estate in San Miguel.

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    I think eating more vegetables will be better for health !!!

  • Anonymous

    The road trips are always a good experince. In road trips we not only enjoy holiday destinations but the     journey is also an amazing experince. I think the roadtrip with kids teach them various things around them.

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  • Anonymous

    I know this is an older post, but I just saw it. My kids are 6, 7 and 15 and old pros at road trips. I LOVE road trips and have been known to take "road trip" vacations in which no video games/dvds/electronics are allowed and we pack the tent (to save money on hotels) and just drive to random spots and camp out along the way. If you pack a cooler it can be an affordable vacation if you only pay for gas, food from the supermarket and a few odds and ends. Historic landmarks, national parks, or places like Washington D.C. are full of fun cheap spots to bring the kids! My kids love this and handle being in a car forever very well, we play games, sing, talk, etc. Plus we aren't afraid to take deters and go see things like the worlds biggest chair! It's a bunch of fun! 

    • todobigo

      Sounds like you know how to have fun, and like your kids really get along well.  that's the biggest challenge we find in a long trip with a crowded backseat. When everyone starts to 'express' themselves it can get hairy!I love the idea of picking random spots to camp out in. You must be really resourceful!

      I love the idea of picking random spots to camp out in. You must be really resourceful!
      thanks for sharing your experiences very inspiring!

  • Anonymous

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  • Anonymous

    Taking children with you when you travel all over the word can be a hassle. I have had to do it myself on occasion. When my family and I were looking into moving (http://www.angieslist.com/moving/) over seas for work, it became even more difficult getting the documentation together. Though once you have al of the paperwork squared away you can save it again for another time.

  • Anonymous

    Did you know that in a new survey released that Denmark had emerged as the world’s happiest country. you might include this in your itinerary for visiting other countries 

  • solange

    I hope that the judges that will be reading this essay will really reconsider to travel to Egypt sometimes in their life.

     

  • Anonymous

    There are lots of great information.There are so many destinations I’d love to visit.My dream vacation would be to New York.Perhaps the world's top shopping spot, the Big Apple hardly needs an introduction. Fifth Avenue. Madison Avenue. Soho. Times Square. The list of stellar shopping destinations and famous names is almost endless, so pack light and stock up on everything from electronics to vintage clothes while you're there.

    The town of Pigeon Forge is great for evening entertainment as it boasts comedy, music, and magic shows, as well as shops and restaurants.

    While deciding a family -friendly vacation destination,one has to take in a account each member's preferences and concerns.Do not get confused we will aid your the right way.

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  • Anonymous

    My childrens mother gave my 8 and 9 year old daughters to me to raise 2 years ago.  She hasn't seen them in 2 years.  She wants a 2 week visit with them in another state.  I need a form to have her sign to make sure she returns the children to me by a certain date. 

    • Anonymous

      if I were you…I would be making the "Mom" come to her children for a visit NOT the other way around. The kids should not be put out by her especially if they havent seen her in 2yrs.

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  • Anonymous

    I stayed at http://www.premierinnhotels.co.uk/County-Hall-London-premier-inn-hotels.php — County Hall Premier inn — on my visit to London last month. It was in a great location. Was nothing fancy but I only needed it to sleep and store my things! Thanks for the other reviews, might book at a nice Hotel for one night on my return in September 2011.

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    The octopool in the pink shell beach resort and spa is really interesting.It would be really nice experince to visit the resort.

  • Anonymous

    Always bring a small container of new little toys and a little treat for each child to have in the car or on the plane.

    We do this with our sons…we purposely get some new toys and treats that fit into a small container so it is easy for them to carry it on their own. The novelty of new little things keeps it fab fresh and fun for them, which keeps it peaceful and happy for my hubby and me. A little bag of crackers or cookies, a small bottle of water, and a few little toys to play with keeps them happy. If we fly, we even try to find some gum that they may not have had before, as it keeps it interesting for them to try something new.

     

    Love reading all of the great tips!

    Colleen

    @F5th on Twitter and Sunrise Learning Lab is my blog:)

     

  • Anonymous

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  • Anonymous

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    Family travel is a great fun.

  • Anonymous

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