Isn't My Cotton Tee Enough? In a word, no.

An average cotton t-shirt may not safeguard you at the beach, let alone on the street. When dry, a white cotton t-shirt only provides an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 5-7*. Even worse, when wet from the pool, the protection level drops to about UPF 3, exposing us to UV radiation we may be unaware of.

Today, 90% of skin cancers and premature aging are a result of compounded UV exposure. Coolibar's ZnO t-shirts, polos, tunics, cover-ups, dresses, hoodies and pants are super soft, comfortable and UPF 50+, blocking 98% of UV rays wet or dry. All our fabrics are guaranteed UPF 50+, from the first time you wear our product to the day you retire it.

Since UV damage is cumulative and irreversible, starting kids and teens with UPF clothing provides the best option when it comes to outdoor activities. With ultra-soft fabrics, like our ZnO, kids fall in love with Coolibar t-shirts which we design to keep them sun safe year-round.

*Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation

Why are clothes called UPF instead of SPF?

Between UPF and SPF, the concept is essentially the same, to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation. What SPF is to lotions, liquids and serums, UPF is to fabrics and clothing. SPF only measures sunscreen protection from UVB rays, the burning rays. When applied correctly, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays. UPF 50+ measures light transmittance, blocking 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Coolibar fabrics exceed all published American and Australian standards.

How is Coolibar ZnO t-shirt fabric developed?

ZnO is our unique blend of cotton, bamboo viscose (a natural UV fighter) and spandex fabric, embedded with millions of zinc oxide minerals at the fabric level. Zinc Oxide protects against UVA and UVB rays and has many skin comforting qualities, often used on the most sensitive skin types. So soft and soothing, our Coolibar ZnO t-shirts are sure to become your everyday favorite.