UPF Clothing
By Wil Weldon

Playing in the sun in the summer may deserve more protection than just sunscreen. UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, numerically rates clothes that block harmful ultraviolet rays. Clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher is recommended for solid protection. If it's not listed, you can shine a light through fabric to approximate the rating for yourself.

Beyond harming the dermis and epidermis, ultraviolet light can affect DNA, which may result in cancer. Doctors say thorough skin protection requires a varied approach with sunscreen lotion, moderate exposure, and clothing.

“In terms of the protection you're gonna get from a high-UPF clothing versus a high-SPF sunscreen, they're probably equivalent as long as you're continuing to apply the sunscreen regularly. It can be sweated off, it can wear off,” said Dr. Lori Etter, of Triangle Dermatology Associates.

Some of the factors that determine UPF of clothing are construction, color, hydration, or how damp the garment is, and how much it's stretched. Denim is said to offer the highest UPF rating at 1700.