Solbari
If you’ve called Australia home for the past couple of decades, you’d be very well acquainted with the phrase “there’s nothing healthy about a tan”. And while this sentiment might be drilled into you – and you pride yourself on your consistent SPF 50+ application — you might not yet be aware of UPF 50+ clothing.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 50+ clothing are garments designed to block at least 98 per cent of harmful UVA and UBV rays. To put this in perspective, a standard white cotton t-shirt has a UPF rating of just 5 (which is equivalent to SPF 5). Which is no match for the Aussie sun, to say the least.
“I always emphasise the importance of comprehensive sun protection to my patients — not just for skin cancer prevention, but also to combat premature aging and hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure,” says A/Prof Michelle Rodrigues of Melbourne’s Chroma Dermatology.
“Dermatologists know that sunscreen isn’t enough to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Achieving 360-degree coverage is essential because, in reality, sunscreen isn’t applied under clothing or hats.”
This is where clothing brands — such as Solbari — specifically championing sun-protective clothing come in.
Sun protection meets style
Launching in 2014, B Corp-Certified Australian brand Solbari aims to help Aussies embrace the outdoors with its UPF 50+ sun hats, clothes, accessories and swimwear.
Recent research by Solbari found that three in five Australians (64 per cent) actively avoid sun exposure during peak UV hours, and 62 per cent of skin cancer survivors feel anxious about spending time outdoors due to sun exposure.
The clothing line aims to tackle some of this sun stress with its UPF 50+ designs, including standouts such as its cardigan-esque wrap for everyday, the shoulder wrap to elevate your workout outfit and the compact sun-protective umbrella. (Perfect for carrying your own portable shade when out and about.) The brand even designs driving gloves as a car’s windshield blocks roughly 96 per cent of UV radiation, whereas the car’s side windows block only around 71 per of damaging rays.
Rigorously tried, tested and rated UPF 50+ under the Australian sun by ARPANSA, you can be assured Solbari‘s pieces are as sun-protective as they are classically stylish. So, if you’ve been browsing around for your next beach holiday get-up, why not check out a brand that has your skin front of mind?
