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”

  • silvana.albarello

    A destiny I will never forget. 

  • 13CRoen

    This was by far, the best vacation I have ever been on. I hope be awarded the scholarship so that I can go on to college, graduate with honors, and get a great job so that one day I can show my family what a great place Yellowstone National Park is. Thank you for considering my application!

  • crishernandez4

    I hope you enjoy my essay. Thank you for your time.

  • crishernandez4

    My favorite city so far!

  • CarpeDiem8216

    It's such a beautiful place!

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    my trip.

  • Zoe.Paige.1212

    Hey Everyone,

           Thanks for checking out my blog. πŸ™‚ I hope you enjoy.

                                                       With Much Appreciation,

                                                                  – Zoe McDowell

     

  • srgaiden

    I have run short on space, yet I managed to squeeze in about 3/4ths of my trip. 

     

    Lordsburg and Demming are in New Mexico (I guess I should have edited that), and there are numerous other details I would have liked to have included…. 

  • cedar.weyker

    If you're interested in traveling in my footsteps, I highly recommend the Togwotee Lodge and Resort, which is where we stayed during our trip. 

  • ocurly.9

    While visiting Paris the summer I was fourteen, I was captivated my by its beauty. The city's rich culture, diverse people, and turbulent history fascinated me and captured my imagination. It was there that I discovered the wonder of adventure, and my never-ending love of Paris. 

  • albalderrama

    this is my actual scholarship submission. PLEASE DO NOT JUDGE THE PREVIOUS ENTRY. THIS IS MY SUBMISSION. THANK YOU. 

  • ruby34

    This was the most incredible vacation ever! All my classmates who attended agreed and have remembered every memory from Washington D.C. Thank you School Tours of America and my special sponsors Mrs. Nobel and Mr. Fitch.

  • msbrown96

    My trip to new york was wonderful. I even c reated a website to prove it. 

    http://nothinglikenewyork.shutterfly.com/

  • SarahChambers

    I almost did not go on this trip, worrying about what could go wrong, that summer would nearly be over when I returned, and how much it cost. But, I decided to take this trip to see a few of my German friends and their families, not knowing when, otherwise, I would see them again if I didn't take this opportunity. Now that I have returned home, I am very happy to have taken this trip.

  • effine0095

    My name is Inemesit Effiong.I am an avid reader and an ardent Colin Firth fan. I love outdoor activities, writing poetry, and volunteering. I have had the privilege of volunteering with several clubs like National Honor Society, Rotary Club, Interact Volunteer Club, and The Bridge Run. I enjoy watching Jeopardy with my father (mostly because of Alex Trebek) and I hope to pursue Nursing as a major. I entered this contest because I love exploring and I fell that my experience is very relatable, especially to teenagers my age, who would like to travel abroad, but lack the means or opportunity to do so. 

  • ciarrapeck23

    This is a blog about my trip with my mother to New York City

  • CarolynLaux

    I encourage you, go on a mission trip! You will never regret it. If anything it can help you to figure out your place in this world. 

  • Austin Joseph

    I raised money for this trip during the course of my Freshman year, first by a Bake Sale, which raised over $700, then by giving out poetry that I had written in exchange for donations. They expereince broadened me as a leader and created lasting friendships with other cultures.

  • sfspins

    This was my Italian experience. It was extremely fun and I can’t wait for the time when I get the chance to return.

  • LeaCordova

    Hope you enjoyed my essay! Just wanted to share my beliefs and personal experience. πŸ™‚

  • LeaCordova

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  • kelseyr234

    My scholarship entry!

  • cheer2soccer

    Im glad to share my families trip with you. I hope this inspires you to go on a trip with your family to Hawaii.

  • rntgr1

    My vacation to Spain in general was one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. The culture was rich and the archetecture was far more ornate than anything I've ever seen in the United States. I will defenately go back there some day if I am fortunate enough.

  • erplaneflyer

    This particular blog was submitted as a scholarship essay to myfamilytravels.com, enjoy!

  • cchan16

    I truly am grateful for the wonderful opportunity I had to travel to Hong Kong for a month! I'll definitely think about living in Hong Kong in the future!  

  • sjkim13

    I hope people can read this travel blog and see for themselves how great the aftermath of war is. Because of war, these children have to suffer every single day. ): 

  • saramasjedi

    This blog was very fun to write, it let me reevaluate what had happened during the trip and laugh about it once again. Maybe it will inspire someone else to do what what my family did and go through the indescribable little horrors that we all went through. Happy traveling!

  • Alexxis

    If you have ever wondered what a BIG city is, than New York City is the place for you to go! i had a blast there! Check it out!!

  • iffatb10

    I had alot of fun writing this essay. 

  • ilovestories4

    Europe is a great place to visit!

  • lizlozada

    it looks cool!

  • savannahchambers2013

    Here is my scholarship for the Teen Travel Writing Scholarship of my journey to Alaska! 

  • sndave12

    My trip to London.

  • clb2013

    I discovered that I was a pretty good photographer while on this trip. I now take all the family vacation pictures!

  • clb2013

    My trip to Yellowstone was truly amazing! Yellowstone is a must-see for all nature lovers and hikers! 

  • Anushka

    The wedding took place on August 6, 2011.

  • CheyenneBB

    this was a wonerful trip with friends & family

  • acesjoe247

    My experience was amazing here!

  • batmandude123

    My essay describes the emotional connection to the effects of a storm which would seemingly ruins a trip to Lake Michigan.

  • Megan G

    I wish I could have written more about Germany, but summing up a vacation such as that in only 600 words seemed impossible to me. I would have never guessed I would have learned so much about myself there. We did activitivities I would never seen myself doing in a million years. Many of the students that went on the trip I would not normally be friends with, but at the end of the day no matter how different we were from one another, we were all friends and family to eachother and still keep in touch till this day. I don't know when I will be able to go on such an amazing adventure again, but my advice to whoever comes across this is, if you have the oppritunity, take it. Even if you are apprehensive, take the risk because I'm willing to bet you will learn so much more.

    Thank you all for reading this and best of luck to everyone who entered this contest! smiley

  • alyssavallero

    We love going to the Hawaiian Islands.  Maui was one of our favorites.  Molokini Crater is just off of the Maui coast.  I couldn't believe at the variety of fish we snorkeled with–we even glimpsed a reef shark!  Snorkeling at Molokini Crater was a great experience and was the inspiration for this short essay. 

  • maddykate

    This is my scholarship essay, please confirm that it has been entered. Thank you!

  • LadyKiwiWorld

    The reason for my visit to Nigeria was because of a death in my family. In the attatched picture, I am in the middle, surrounded by my family members as we walked toward the area where the ceremony was to be held. The whole experience of visiting Nigeria a third time (but as a teenager) opened my eyes and made me realize that there are things in the world bigger than just me and my problems, and it's my job to find a way to give back before time runs out.

  • caytlinwalker

    This was my family trip to Missouri…never forget how important learning and family is.

  • WyattBertsch

    I am a young international traveler interested in seeing the dynamics between different cultures acted out out not only through travel but through international relations on a global stage. Trips to Belize and across the world have cemented my belief that nations working together is for the good of everyone on earth.

  • evsumner

    I wrote this for the Scholarship writing contest.

  • amartino

    This is my entry for the FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholorship!

  • LoganM

    I hope that everyone can learn a little about this unique country from my blog. There are so many more things I wish I could say, but space is limited!

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