It’s no joke that global warming is heating up our atmosphere and forcing our temperatures and the amount of exposure we get from the sun to increase.
Sunscreens, hats, and sunglasses may not be enough to protect us. Consider some of these suits before heading out this summer to the beach…
Sun protection clothing blocks almost 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Most clothing worn only protects about 50% of suns harmful rays, if that. Sun protection clothing and swimming wear is growing in popularity as a reliable form of UV protection. Sun protective clothing originated from Australia, but is now gaining popularity throughout the world and especially here in the United States. When looking for a true sun protective garment, look first for one that has passed the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists Tests (AATCC) Test Method 183. This shows that the garment successfully blocks harmful rays. Look also for a sun protective product that has passed the American Society for Testing and Materials. (ASTM) D 6544. Most clothing that has gone through this expensive second test will cost you more, but has gone through rigorous testing to be sure that it continues to hold up to harmful sun rays even after many washings, wear, and fading.
Coolibar offers many different styles of both men’s and women’s swimwear clothing. For woman, choose from zip front long-sleeve swim shirts, short sleeved swim shirts, swim skirts, shorts, and tights. Also available are gloves, sarongs, hats, hoodies and pants for after your dip in the pool. Their swimwear is reasonably priced $29.95-$69.95. Plus sizes are available. Coolibar also offers men’s swimwear clothing. Find short sleeve swim shirts, long sleeved swim shirts, board shorts, long and short sleeved rash guards, tights and gloves. Also available for after swim wear are a variety of hats and gloves. Men’s swimwear varies in price from $29.95-59.95. Plus sizes are available. To shop here, go to www.coolibar.com.
Alex and Me offers a wide variety of men and women’s swimwear. For woman, check out sun protective one and two piece swimming suits, swimming shirts, sarongs and shorts. Pair your new swimming suit with available accessories like sunglasses, sandals, hats, and jackets. Prices range between $30-80. For men, available swimwear includes swim shirts, shorts, and board shorts. Available accessories include sunglasses, hats and sandals. Prices range from $25-70. Alex and Me also offers wetsuits in youth sizes and unisex suits for both men and women. Check it out at www.alexandme.com.
The SPF store is Skin Cancer Foundation recommended and carries major brands like Aquaweave, Tuga and Sunsafe. For men and women, find long and short sleeved swim shirts and suits. Prices range from $35-60. Not the best in selection as far as men’s board shorts and woman’s swimming suits go, but they do have a wide variety of swim shirts for the $40 range. To take a look, go to www.spfstore.com.
Lion in the Sun mostly carries children and teen clothing, but is branching out to the adult world. They now carry several kinds of stylish men’s board shorts, women’s beach skirts, and long and short sleeve swimming shirts. The prices won’t cause you to roar either when checking out. Most of their products range from $35-50. Go to www.lioninthesunusa.com.
Cabana Life found that many people weren’t buying sun protective clothing because most people felt it was drab, and not very stylish. They answered that call, and created their own line of stylish, trendy sun protective clothing and swimwear. For men, choose the stylish board shorts and rash guard. The set will only set you back $75. For women, choose the stylish tunic dress, also $75. While small in selection for men and women (they’re mostly into children’s clothes now) expect them to branch out and begin carrying more adult clothing soon. To see their full line, go to www.cabanalife.com
While the sun protective swimwear and clothing market is mostly geared to children, expect the focus to shift to adults with the increased focus on global warming and the increased rise in skin cancer outbreaks. Expect companies to include more trendy, stylish clothing to fit a variety of different budgets and tastes.
**All clothing listed in this article carried a UPF 50+ rating, the highest rating for sun protective clothing.
