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Sun protection advice usually starts with sunscreen. But I don't know about you, but my Asian parents were all about the long sleeved light clothing. Now as an adult, I have realised they were right (annoying but true!). And with technological innovation, it has become even better as it's more reliable, longer-lasting, and easier to maintain throughout the day. The best on the market is UPF 50+ clothing, particularly with silk as a foundation with its natural inbuilt sun protection.
Sun-safe clothing acts like a physical shield between your skin and UV radiation. Unlike sunscreen, it doesn’t sweat off, wash away, or need constant reapplication. That’s why more people are turning to UPF-rated fabrics for everyday protection, outdoor sports and travel.
This is how the SILKINC summer sets with a certified 50+ UPF rating compares with sunscreen, where it performs better, and when sunscreen still plays an important role.
What Does UPF 50+ Actually Mean?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It measures how much ultraviolet radiation a fabric blocks from reaching your skin.
A UPF 50+ fabric blocks at least 98% of harmful UV rays. That means only a tiny fraction of UV radiation can penetrate the material.
Not all clothing offers the same protection. A lightweight white cotton T-shirt may only provide around UPF 5–10 when dry, and even less when wet or stretched. In contrast, purpose-designed UPF 50+ fabrics are engineered specifically to maintain high protection levels during regular wear.
Why UPF 50+ Clothing Can Be Better Than Sunscreen
1. Protection Doesn’t Wear Off
Sunscreen protection declines over time.
Sweat, water exposure, friction from towels or clothing, and natural skin oils all reduce effectiveness. Even high-SPF sunscreen typically needs reapplication every two hours — and more often during swimming or exercise.
UPF 50+ fabric continues protecting as long as the garment remains on your body.
There’s no need to remember reapplication schedules, and there’s far less risk of missed patches or uneven coverage.
2. Coverage Is More Consistent
Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. To be honest, I am usually rushing my application, miss a bunch of areas and studies consistently show that sunscreen is often applied too thinly. This all significantly lowers the advertised SPF protection for the sunscreen you are using.
Whereas throwing on a top is much quicker. UPF clothing provides uniform coverage automatically. Areas covered by the fabric receive the same level of protection across the entire surface. It is especially useful for your shoulders, upper back, chest, arms and neck, all areas that are some of the harder places to reach and apply sunscreen evenly.
This is why Silkinc designed UPF 50+ protection garments. We take skin health very seriously.
3. Better for Long Outdoor Days
If you spend hours outdoors, clothing becomes one of the simplest and most dependable forms of UV protection.
Summer is round the corner and UPF 50+ garments are amazing for beach days, hiking, golf, tennis, gardening and travel. Don't feel limited when the sun is out, just take the right precautions for your skin.
4. Less Irritation for Sensitive Skin
Do you hate the feeling of sunscreen on your skin? It feels thick, leaves white streaks or it costs a dear penny if you want the good stuff! You might even experience irritation, clogged pores, or sensitivity from certain sunscreen ingredients.
UPF clothing reduces the amount of sunscreen needed across large areas of the body, which can help minimise skin irritation while still maintaining strong UV protection.
For children, people with sensitive skin, and anyone prone to heat rash, lightweight UPF fabrics can feel more comfortable than heavy sunscreen layers alone.
So Does That Mean You Don’t Need Sunscreen?
Not quite. UPF clothing and sunscreen work best together — not as replacements for each other.
Clothing can only protect the areas it covers. Any exposed skin still needs sunscreen. The strongest sun protection combines:
- UPF 50+ clothing for reliable coverage
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen for exposed skin
- Hats and sunglasses for face and eye protection
- Shade during peak UV hours when possible
Rather than relying entirely on sunscreen alone, UPF clothing reduces your total UV exposure throughout the day with less maintenance and greater consistency.
Why More People Are Choosing UPF Clothing
Through our technological innovation at Silkinc, we have designed proven 50+ UPF protection garments which are also designed to feel lightweight, breathable, and comfortable — even in the hot weather.
