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Wearing a cotton tee-shirt over your swimsuit might feel like a good way to protect your skin from the sun, but it offers minimal protection at best. Did you know that a typical cotton tee-shirt, when dry, only provides a UV protection factor (UPF) of about 5? That’s far from sufficient to shield your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Worse, once the shirt gets wet—whether from sweat, seawater, or pool water—it blocks a mere 3% of UV rays, allowing both UVA and UVB rays to penetrate and potentially harm your skin. Wet cotton fibers stretch, creating gaps that further reduce their ability to protect your skin.
In contrast, Coolibar’s clothing is engineered to provide superior sun protection, both in and out of the water. Our tee-shirts are rigorously tested to offer UPF 50+, whether they are dry or wet, which means they block 98% of UVA/UVB rays—the gold standard in sun protection. Unlike cotton, Coolibar fabrics maintain their protective properties even after exposure to sweat, chlorine, and saltwater, ensuring that your skin stays safe during long days at the beach.
Why UPF 50+ Clothing Matters
Exposure to UV radiation is a leading cause of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. While sunscreen is a critical part of your sun-safety routine, it needs to be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. That’s where UPF 50+ clothing comes in as a reliable and effective layer of protection. Combining UPF clothing with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher creates a comprehensive defense against harmful rays.
Sun Safety Tips for the Beach
- Layer Up: Wear a lightweight, breathable UPF 50+ tee from Coolibar over your swimsuit for constant protection.
- Lather On Sunscreen: Apply a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Don’t forget areas like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet!
- Seek Shade: Take breaks under an umbrella or beach tent, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Protect Your Eyes and Head: Wear a wide-brim hat and UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your face and eyes.
We care about your health, and by making smart choices—like swapping your cotton tee for a Coolibar UPF 50+ top—you can stay safe and enjoy your time at the beach without worry.