“Natural Sun Protection That’s Not Suncream: UPF 50+ Clothing” is a collaborative post.
Why suncream isn’t always enough
If you’re a parent, you’ll know the scene all too well. The sun is shining, the kids are desperate to run outside, and you’re standing there with a bottle of suncream in hand. Cue the wriggling, the whining, and the sticky arms that somehow end up covered in grass or sand five minutes later. And just when you’ve finished, you remember you’re supposed to repeat the whole process every couple of hours.
Suncream is essential – no question about it. It plays a vital role in preventing burns and protecting skin long term. But here’s the reality: it’s not always easy, and it isn’t foolproof.
- Cream rubs off. Towels, clothes, and sand can all remove coverage.
- It washes away. Pool dips and sea swims strip suncream quickly.
- We miss spots. Ears, backs of knees, necks – all too easy to overlook.
- Children won’t stay still. Trying to reapply regularly is often a losing battle.
That’s why more parents are looking for a second line of defence – something to work alongside suncream, to make life easier and safer at the same time.
The overlooked solution: UPF clothing
Enter UPF clothing. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, the clothing equivalent of SPF. It measures how much harmful UV radiation a fabric blocks. Clothing with a rating of UPF 50+ blocks at least 98% of UVA and UVB rays; noting that SPF only protects against UVB rays.
What many parents don’t realise is that ordinary clothes aren’t that protective. A regular cotton T-shirt, for example, might only offer the equivalent sun protection of an SPF 5–10 suncream. That means up to 20% of rays still pass through to the skin – and even more when the fabric is wet, light-coloured, or stretched. Think of a child wearing a damp white T-shirt at the beach: it might feel like cover, but UV light penetrates straight through.
UPF clothing, on the other hand, is specially woven, dyed, and tested to guarantee protection. Fabrics are tightly constructed to reduce gaps, sometimes treated with UV-blocking technology, and then independently tested under international standards such as AS/NZS 4399 (used in Australia) or EN 13758 (in Europe).
Finally, a UK brand making sun protection clothing for families
Here in the UK, parents face another challenge. Because of our famously unpredictable weather, there haven’t been many local suppliers of UPF swimwear and clothing. Most options come from overseas, which means long delivery times, higher shipping costs, and awkward returns.
Fortunately, families are now discovering equatorsun’s sun protection swimwear and clothing. Based in the UK and family-run, equatorsun has been specialising in UPF 50+ apparel since 2006. Parents seem to be impressed not just by the reliable protection, but by the quality – suits are durable enough to be handed down from one child to the next. And because equatorsun is local, delivery is quick, shipping is affordable, and returns are simple. They provide simple pieces like these kids’ UV swim shirts which make sun safety easy: quick to put on, comfortable to wear, and guaranteed to protect.
Why parents love UPF clothing
Parents consistently highlight three big reasons why UPF clothing is such a game-changer:
- Less stress. No more wrestling sessions with cream every two hours. Once a child is dressed, that area is covered for the day.
- More reliable. Coverage doesn’t wash off in the pool or wear off in the sun.
- Comfortable. Modern fabrics are lightweight, soft, breathable, and quick-drying – so children stay happy while protected.
But beyond convenience, there’s peace of mind. Many parents describe how liberating it feels to know their child is safe without constant interruptions. Family holidays at the beach become more relaxed, afternoons in the garden more carefree, and school sports days less stressful. The mental load of “have I reapplied cream enough times?” is lifted.
How to choose the right UPF clothing
If you’re buying UPF clothing for the first time, look out for these features:
- UPF 50+ rating. This is the gold standard, blocking 98% of UV rays. Anything less may not give the same peace of mind.
- Coverage. Long sleeves, high collars, and wide-brimmed hats provide the best protection.
- Fabric quality. Look for chlorine resistance for swimwear and durable stitching so items last across multiple summers.
- Fit. Clothing should be snug but not tight, so it doesn’t stretch and lose effectiveness.
- Comfort. Lightweight, breathable fabrics keep kids cool while covered.
And don’t forget practicality: choose colours and designs your child will actually want to wear. The best protection is the one they keep on without complaint.
Caring for UPF clothing
One question parents often ask is whether washing reduces protection. The good news is that high-quality UPF fabrics are designed to keep their protective qualities for the lifetime of the garment. In fact, some even become more protective after a few washes, as fibres tighten.
To extend the life of UPF clothing:
- Rinse in fresh water after swimming.
- Avoid harsh detergents and bleach.
- Let items air-dry out of direct sunlight.
With proper care, good UPF pieces can last multiple seasons.
UPF clothing works best with SPF
The strongest results come when UPF clothing is combined with suncream. Think of it as a team effort:
- Dress children in UPF 50+ tops, leggings, and wide-brimmed hats. This covers most of the body with guaranteed protection.
- Apply sunscreen to exposed areas. Face, ears, hands, and feet still need SPF.
- Seek shade during peak hours. Between 11am and 3pm, UV levels are at their highest.
- Keep hydrated. Not sun protection directly, but essential for outdoor play.
This routine creates complete, worry-free sun protection. Parents can relax, and children can focus on what they do best – running, playing, and exploring.
The bigger picture: why UPF matters now more than ever
Skin cancer rates in the UK are rising sharply, and experts warn that protecting children’s skin is critical. Just one severe sunburn in childhood can double the risk of melanoma later in life. And while many families assume the UK climate is “safe” compared to abroad, UV rays here can be just as damaging – especially on clear days when the UV index spikes without the heat to warn us.
This is why UPF clothing is becoming increasingly important. It fills the gaps that sunscreen leaves, provides consistent coverage, and sets children up with good habits early on. For parents, it’s not just about comfort today – it’s about lowering risks for the future.
The takeaway for families
Natural sun protection isn’t limited to what comes in a tube. UPF 50+ clothing offers reliable coverage that makes life simpler for parents and safer for children. Combined with suncream, it’s the stress-free system every family needs.
With trusted, high-quality options now available right here in the UK, there’s never been a better time to make UPF clothing part of your family’s sun safety routine. It’s about fewer battles, fewer worries, and more carefree time together in the sunshine.
Comments are closed.