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.
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
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
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?
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
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”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
hope you all like it!
The Paramount Hotel- http://www.nycparamount.com
BDC- Broadway Dance Center- http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com
Ellen's Stardust Diner- http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com
Capezio store- http://www.capeziodance.com
Amy's Bakery- http://www.amysbread.com
Junior's in Times Square- http://www.juniorscheesecake.com
The Ambassador Theater (Chicago)- http://www.ambassadortheater.com
Al Hirschfeld Theater- http://www.hirschfeldtheater.org
I was the same way. I had my Bat Mitzvah on top of Masadah and was complaining of the heat. I didn't truly recognize what an amazing place I was in. I was fortunate enough to return last summer and had the time of my life. I look forward to seeing your post for when you get to return. I wish you all the best!
one of my all time favorite vacations.
This was one of the best trips I have ever been on.
I am ecstatic that I was able to participate in learning my heritage, history, and my parents past.
My trip to Africa was really an extraordinary experience, and I fell in love with the country Nigeria. I am so happy that my father allowed me to see my heritage and my family.
Truly humbling
I hope you enjoy learning about my experiences in Paris, France!
Thank you so much for this information. Multi-generational travel is an area that I am interested in, but it is not easy to navigate various ages, levels of mobility and interests. These tips are super useful!
This was seriously such a life-changing trip for me. I got to see a whole other way that people live life. It really opened my eyes and made me EVEN MORE eager to learn German and to adopt a more frugal lifestyle.
My experience with traveling to a foreign nation, in the form of a blog.
Going on that trip was the best thing I have done in my life. I learned so much, and experienced many different things, such as food, culture, and people. It was a great opportunity for me, and I highly advise others to travel as well. You will not be disappointed.
I recommend this or a similar trip for any future paleontologists. I have since been to the Field Museum in Chicago and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and am pleased to have visited all the major paleontological museums in North America.
I hope you have fun on your trips, too!
This is my submission to the young travel writer scholarship
My trip to South Africa transformed my life. I grew closer to my best friend, as well as experience a culture very different from my own. As a result, my knowledge of the world has grown.
I quite enjoy I can feel the passion.
I hope you enjoy the lessons i learned over seas in Spain! I know I will take them with me as I move forward in life. Thank you for reading!
-Rebecca Krivitsky
enjoy my story, i pray it will reveal a new cultural avenue while still providing a humorous tale
This trip was truly life changing. It was the first time I realized that there is a whole other world outside the United States!
Thank you very much for your post! I love it very much! I will bring my family to Florida soon!
Thanks and support
Here is the website documenting my trip: http://madisongoestonewyork.blog.com/
My time in El Salvador changed my life. It is my dream that one day I will be able to return there. I can honestly tell you that my love for the people in El Salvador has remained with me. And I hope the best for that nation.
The summer of my sophmore year in high school I spent a week in El Salvador. This one week changed my life. As I volunteered in El Salvador I gained an amazing view of different cultures and life styles. I developed a love for El Salvador and its people. And my memories there will remain with me through out my life. It is my dream that one day I will be able to return their and give more of my time to those amazing people.
My freshman year of high school I spent a week of my summer in El Salvador. It was a remarkable week that literally changed my outlook on life. I have a huge heart for the people of El Salvador and the country itself. It is my dream that one day I will be able to go back.
My amazing trip
It was definitely a trip to remember that I'd do any day! 🙂
A trip to remember that I'd do again any day
It was a trip to remember. Every spect of it was interesting and something I would do again!
I enjoy traviling with my family and creating new memories.
I enjoy traviling and spending time with my family.
– By Ciara Bri'd Frisbie
Thank you for reading my essay.
-Nathan Shaw
Thank you for taking the time to read my essay I really appreciate it.
-Nathan Shaw.
This trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. From the Great Wall to the hospitals of Beijing, I learned so much about myself and other cultures.
I just love traveling. Disney World is my favourite destination. Above all 10 sposts are my favourite. I would love to visit all that destination.
Reading this story has been a stroll down memory lane. I stayed at the Diplomat as a little girl in the 1970's, and still remember how impressed I was with it. So glad to hear that the resort has bounced back to its original glory.
I am very glad to know that Disney Cruise Line is taking health so seriously, yet making cleanliness palatable for kids. These suggestions are also great for air travel, another germy breeding ground. Thanks for the info!
My family loves Cancun, and we have had good stays at the Oasis and the Sol Melia and the Sheraton too. Nice to see a new list of recommendations from you. Thanks
This is a really fun outing, but if you can't get out to the countryside, just visit one of those urban tree sellers. A lot of them in the northeast are staffed by college kids from Canada, who take a break, get into a rental trailer and drive it south, then re-sell trees they have bought on consignment to pay for the next semester.
I always ask (nicely) and I always get (with a smile), the extra boughs that they take off to make the trees look even all around. With some ribbon, maybe the wire from a coat hanger and lots of creativity, it's easy to get the kids helping you turn old boughts into beautiful wreaths for around the house.
Love the photos in this article!
Thanks for having this contest; my family loves Snowmass and it would be great to go back there. We took our son when he was about 7 and it was a great learning adventure for all of us. The instructors are terrific and we had fun, but it's not something we could afford to do right now.
Thanks for giving us another chance to go back!
When Jean Carlisle of Menomonie, Wisconsin heard she won a family of four Galapagos Adventure Cruise, she wrote us:
"YES YES YES!!!!!!!! THIS IS MY DREAM DREAM DREAM VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN you tell I’m excited??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"A Galapagos vacation has always been on my DREAM list!!…add it to a cruise vacation makes it even more special. I accept!!!"
Jean explained that she'd enjoyed playing along the scavenger hunt but was anxious about the random drawing for a winner.
"I didn’t sleep well last night because I was so excited!! LOL I entered the contest because I had seen many publications and shows on national geographic on the Galapagos Islands and always thought that would be a place I’d like to visit. I was first drawn to the beautiful pictures on the website and when I saw the contest, I knew that I just had to enter and would love to win!
"I’d like to thank TakingtheKids.com, TravelingMom.com and Family Travel Forum for this once in a life opportunity!! We are excited to make arrangements and show off photos when we return!"
So glad it's helpful to you with your teens, I've already given the Primland brochure to my own mom and her girlfriend who want to tour the Blue Ridge Parkway and look at the Appalachian handcrafts. This is a great base for lots of exploration. If you go, I know you'll enjoy it!
This sounds like a real find and perfect for my own family. I ma always looking for resorts that will work as destinations with lots to do for my two teens, and Primland sounds excellent. Thanks for spreading the word!
Thanks so much for sharing your dreams about the Galapagos; that's the way we all felt when we learned that the terrific Lindblad team wanted to work on this project. so excited to know that someone's dream will reallyl come true! And a 6th grader is the perfect travel companion.
Don't forget to post your a link to your comment here :
http://www.travelingmom.com/freebies/contests/3917-galapagos-giveaway-contest-entries.html
so you're sure to be recorded as an entry into the grand prize drawing. Hope to see you on Twitter too @familytravel4um @travelingmoms @takingthekids @LindbladEXP
If there are no comments on our blog, does this mean that our blog has been rejected, or that it has not been reviewed yet? thanks!
As noted, thanks to your enthusiasm, there are several thousand posts to read, so the judges will be done by mid October. Check back after that to see your status!
I tried following the steps above for finding out about the scholarship judging, but I'm still lost. Does it show up at the bottom of your blog? Or is it just off to the side when you have the option of clicking on your blog? Like, is it next to the name of your blog, the date it was published and then the word scholarship with either a yes or no? Thanks!
Crystal – you get an email