Do Wearing Long Sleeve Shirts Protect From Sun?
Summer is finally here and it’s time to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. However, with all the fun comes the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer. In order to protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays of the sun, we often rely on sunscreens and shade. But what if we told you that wearing long sleeve shirts can also help protect you from the sun?
Yes, you read that right! Long sleeve shirts can be a great addition to your summer wardrobe and help keep your skin protected from the harmful effects of the sun. In this article, we will delve into the science behind sun protection and explain how wearing long sleeve shirts can provide an added layer of protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
The Science of Sun Protection
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that are harmful to our skin. There are two types of UV rays – UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.
The sun protection factor (SPF) of a product is a measure of how well it protects the skin from UVB rays. A higher SPF means better protection from sunburn, but it is important to note that a higher SPF does not provide more protection from UVA rays.
How Long Sleeve Shirts Provide Sun Protection
Wearing long sleeve shirts can provide an additional layer of protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The fabric of the shirt acts as a barrier, blocking out some of the UV rays and reducing the amount of skin exposed to the sun.
It is important to choose shirts that are made from a tightly woven fabric, such as cotton or linen, as these fabrics provide better protection from the sun. Loosely woven fabrics, such as rayon or linen, allow more UV rays to penetrate the fabric and reach the skin.
It is also important to choose shirts with a darker color as they provide better protection from the sun compared to lighter colored shirts. Darker colored shirts absorb more UV rays and provide better protection from the sun.
Choosing the Right Long Sleeve Shirts for Sun Protection
When choosing a long sleeve shirt for sun protection, it is important to consider the following factors:
Fabric
As mentioned earlier, tightly woven fabrics such as cotton or linen provide better protection from the sun compared to loosely woven fabrics such as rayon or linen.
Color
Darker colored shirts provide better protection from the sun compared to lighter colored shirts.
UPF Rating
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a measure of how well a fabric protects against UV rays. The higher the UPF rating, the better the protection from the sun. Look for shirts with a UPF rating of 50 or higher.
How to Pair Long Sleeve Shirts with Other Sun Protection Measures
Wearing long sleeve shirts alone is not enough to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. It is important to pair long sleeve shirts with other sun protection measures such as wearing a hat, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wearing long sleeve shirts can provide an added layer of protection from the sun’s harmful rays. By choosing shirts made from tightly woven fabrics, with a darker color, and a high UPF rating, you can effectively protect your skin from the sun.