Sun protection has changed a lot in recent years. Not long ago, if you wanted to prevent sunburn and protect your skin, your only option was to slather in sunscreen. Now, though, sun protection clothing is becoming quite popular. You can find shirts, hats, and even pants that are designed to reflect the sun's rays and keep you from being exposed to too much UV radiation. Of all the types of sun protection clothing out there, sun shirts are likely the most popular. Here are some tips that may come in handy as you start to buy and use sun shirts.
Look for hooded sun shirts
When shopping for sun shirts, look for ones that come with a hood. You can pull the hood up over your head, and it will offer good protection for both your ears and your forehead. The hood will also help protect the back of your neck, which is a place where people often develop sunburns. It's also nice to have a hood to keep your head cool and your hair in place if you happen to forget a hat.
Go for long sleeves
Wearing a long-sleeve shirt in the summer may seem a little odd at first, but remember that sun shirts are generally very breathable. And the only way for a sun shirt to actually protect your arms is to cover them. If you are worried you'll be too warm in a long sleeve shirt, look for a model with vents or mesh under the armpits. Light-colored sun shirts tend to stay cooler too.
Don't wash your sun shirt too much
Sun shirts are made from tightly woven, but lightweight fabric that is meant to reflect sunlight. If the fabric is washed too much, the fibers may distort, and the sun protection may become less effective. So, avoid washing your sun shirt except when necessary. If you can wear it a few times between washes, do so. When you do wash the shirt, make sure you do so on a gentle cycle. Check the shirt's tag for more specific washing instructions and follow them. Every brand's instructions are a little different, but typically, they will tell you not to dry the shirt in a clothes dryer.
If you follow the tips above when buying and wearing sun shirts, you should get ample protection from the sun. It's a lot nicer than having to coat yourself with sunscreen. Contact a local service to learn more about sun shirts, including men's hooded sun shirts.
