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Summer is around the corner (anyone else already counting down the days?), and the season is ideal for reaping the many rewards that come with spending time outdoors. But longer days in warmer temps can be a recipe for sun damage, making proper protection immensely important.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothing is “the most effective form of sun protection,” but not all clothing does the same job. For example, the nonprofit notes that a typical white T-shirt has an ultraviolet protection factor — or UPF — of 7, blocking about 85% of the sun’s rays. In comparison, high-quality sun hoodies often offer UPF 50, meaning they block 98% of the sun’s rays.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options to protect nearly every inch of skin (and your eyes as well) when you want to garden, bike, or otherwise soak in the joys of summertime. Below, we rounded up some go-to sun-protective staples, including wide-brimmed hats, sun shirts, and a sunscreen that smells so good you may actually look forward to slathering it on. As my dermatologist says: The best sun protection is the sun protection you’ll actually use!
Everyday Sun Hats
Tula Hats
A favorite of Nice News Managing Editor Natalie Stone, Tula Hats have a UPF 50+ rating and come in various styles for men and women, including western, beach, and fedora. They’re made with natural palm fiber and handwoven by Mexican artisans who’ve been partnering with the small family business since the 1990s. Natalie has been wearing hers almost daily for years — in other words, the hats hold up!
Mission Cooling Stretch Visor
The Mission Cooling Stretchy Visor is not your average visor. In addition to shielding your face from the sun, it’s made with wet-to-cool technology, meaning the fabric cools to 30 degrees below average body temperature when activated with water. You simply wet, wring, and wave the unisex visor — and it’ll keep cool for up to two hours. Plus, it has a UPF 50 rating and features a structured, 3-inch bill.
Wallaroo Hats
This women-owned certified B corp makes headwear for men and women, and its hats with UPF 50 have been awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of recommendation. They’re also designed with pack-friendly materials, so they can be scrunched in a beach bag or suitcase and bounce back to their original shape. To top it off, the company donates 1% of its profits to support skin cancer research.
Ponyflo® Hats
If you want to rock a high ponytail without compromising on sun protection, Ponyflo’s hats are right up your alley. Available in a range of styles, from bucket hats and baseball caps to wide-brimmed sun hats, they feature a patented adjustable back opening specifically for ponytails, buns, or braids — all while keeping the sun out of your face.
Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Play Hats
Keeping a hat on an adult is one thing; keeping one on a kid or infant is another. But Sunday Afternoons’ lightweight kids hats are up to the challenge! They sport “Smartstrap” breakaway chin straps to keep them in place during playtime while helping prevent choking or injury via a clasp that automatically releases under 11 pounds of pressure. They’re also stain-resistant, have a UPF 50 rating, and come in fun, patterned designs — we’re talking dinosaurs riding bicycles and unicorns rowing boats.
For adults, the Ultra Adventure Hat features a wide brim, neck covering, and chin strap, and comes in a variety of colors, sans dinosaurs and unicorns.
Sun Protection Clothes and Accessories
BloomChic UPF 50+ Protection Swim Top
Seeking a swim top that looks cute and provides extra sun protection for your skin? This long-sleeve number has a UPF 50 rating and is made with “beach-proof fabric” to withstand sun, water, and chlorine. It also features a built-in bra for support. BloomChic specializes in fashion-forward designs for curvy, mid-, and plus-size women and offers sizes 10-30.
Blackstrap Women’s Brackish Sun Hoodie
This hoodie is the Goldilocks of sun protective clothing. It’s lightweight and moisture-wicking, yet offers full coverage thanks to its hood, high neckline, and long sleeves with discrete thumb holes that keep the fabric from slipping off the back of your hands (an exposed and often overlooked area for sun protection). The material also offers 98% UV protection and is salt and chlorine-resistant, ideal for wearing at the beach or while lounging in the pool with a drink in hand.
Ketl Mountain Apparel Nofry Men’s Sun Hoodie
Ketl bills itself as offering the “lightest, most breathable sun shirts on the planet.” This hoodie has a UPF 30+ rating and the entire garment weighs only about 4 ounces in a size medium. Available in a variety of colors and styles, it’s also moisture-wicking and features thumb holes to keep the sun off your hands.
Mission Cooling Multi-Use Neck Gaiter
Protect a spot that’s often missed by sunscreen with a neck gaiter that sits at the collar of your shirt (or jacket), sealing a gap where the sun can hit bare skin. This one is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and helps you cool down when it’s soaked in water. Bonus: It can be worn 12 different ways to cover the mouth, ears, and nose, and even double as a headband.
Quince Long Sleeve Zip-Up Rash Guard for Kids
Here’s a layer for the babies and toddlers: Quince’s rash guard helps keep little ones protected from the sun in and out of the water. It’s made with UPF 50+ fabric and features a high neck, long sleeves, and a zipper to make it easy to get on and off wiggly kiddos. (Tip: The American Lifeguard Association recommends kids wear bright, high-contrast colors to help lifeguards and parents spot them quickly.)
Peepers Reading Sunglasses
Don’t forget about your eyes! Sunglasses help minimize UV damage to eyes and the delicate skin around them. But what do you do if you require readers and want to take your book outside? You pick up a pair of these. Peepers Center Stage sunglasses combine the magnifying function of reading glasses with the added benefit of sun protection, thanks to lenses that block 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays.
Solbari Sun Umbrella
Parasols aren’t just accessories from the past: A modern handheld umbrella can block ultraviolet rays on a sunny day and serve up some style to boot. We’re partial to this one from Solbari, known as the “sunscreen umbrella,” which features an ultra-reflective UPF 50 canopy for extra sun/wind/rain protection and comes in seven styles.
Sunscreen
Vacation® SPF 50 Classic Lotion Sunscreen
While there are countless sunscreens on the market, none smell exactly like this one. It’s garnered quite a cult following (myself included) for its coconut-y banana scent and nostalgic packaging. But scent aside, Vacation’s SPF 50 sunscreen is made with reef-safe formulas and nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and vitamin E. Check out the brand’s decadent Classic Whip lip balm to keep your kisser protected too.
La Roche-Posay Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
A recommendation from Assistant Editor Rebekah Brandes, La Roche-Posay’s SPF 50 mineral tinted fluid formula is dermatologist tested, formulated to shield against UVA/UVB sun rays, and suitable for sensitive skin. Rebekah said the tint (available in four shades) doesn’t just help her avoid the dreaded white cast but also evens out her skin tone and acts as a base for makeup.
RELATED: The Best Clean Beauty Upgrades: From Plant-Based Concealer to All-Natural Cheek Balm
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