Skin cancer is among the most common cancers in the world. The Skin Cancer Foundation shares that about 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by 70 years old [1]. However, there are steps that you can take to prevent this disease, including wearing sunscreen and protective gear.

Long-sleeved sun protection shirts can provide an additional layer of defense, offering UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays. This protection is critical for people who spend a lot of time outside.

Wearing long sleeves to protect the skin from harmful UV rays has many benefits. We’ll share more about how this works, what to look out for when purchasing gear, and why long-sleeve sun shirts should be staples in your wardrobe.

How Long Sleeve Shirts Offer UV Protection

UV rays are emitted from the sun and can penetrate clothing. Even if the fabric is long-sleeved, it will not offer maximum sun protection if the fabric is thin or see-through.

Long-sleeved UV protection shirts are specially designed to help block UV rays and reduce their impact on the skin. They offer the following key features.

  • Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) ratings: UPF ratings are similar to SPF in sunscreens. The higher the UPF rating, the more protection it offers from UV rays.
  • Fabric technologies: Tighter weaves in the fabric allows for maximum protection. Fewer harmful rays can penetrate the surface.
  • Fabric type: Polyester and nylon are better suited for UV defense than wool, silk, cotton, and rayon. Additional treatments can improve a shirt’s UPF rating and sunblocking capabilities.

Consider your skin if you are unsure whether you need to invest in sun protection gear. Individuals with sun damage may experience the following symptoms:

  • Premature aging: Wrinkles, sagging skin, and skin tags may make skin look older than it is.
  • Cancerous moles: Skin growths can include cancerous cells that must be removed through surgical intervention.
  • Skin discoloration: Sun spots, freckles, and even a loss of pigmentation can occur.

If you experience these symptoms, it may be time to shop for protective gear from the sun. You can help reverse existing sun damage while preventing new issues from occurring.

Benefits of Long Sleeve Sun Protection Shirts for Outdoor Activities

Investing in quality long-sleeve sun shirts is essential if you're an outdoors person. If you enjoy the following activities, you want great sun protection to wear and forget.

  • Camping
  • Running
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Gardening
  • At the beach
  • Playing sports
  • Walking
  • Swimming
  • Biking

The shirt will help protect you from the sun and keep you cool during physical activities. Additional benefits of this apparel include:

  • An extra layer of protection: It can help protect your skin from sunburns and damage. You can sweat off sunscreen, but the only way you lose your shirt's protection is by taking it off.
  • Comfort: Sunshirts are designed to be lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. They’re meant to be worn under any conditions and provide maximum sun protection.
  • Moisture-wicking: When you wear this shirt, sweat won’t cling to your skin. Instead, it will be soaked up by the shirt and transmitted off your body to dry. This mechanism helps you regulate your body temperature even in severe weather conditions.
  • Practical design: Many people may not know your t-shirts are designed for anything other than fashion in mind. You can express your personality in our shirts without minimizing the protection you get.

The covered areas are protected from UV rays without sticky residue or harsh chemicals on your body. The shirt is quick-drying and cool, so you can wear it comfortably all day while moving outside.

Anyone can benefit from wearing protective shirts outside.

Key Features to Look for in Long Sleeve Sun Protection Shirts

Many sun protection options are on the market today, so it can be challenging to know what to consider to get the best protection for the highest value can be challenging. Below are several factors you should consider.

  • UPF ratings: The UPF rating is one of the best indicators of how well a shirt offers sun protection. The higher the rating, the fewer rays the shirt will allow to penetrate your body. For example, a shirt with a 50 UPF rating will only allow 1/50 of the rays to get through. Our long-sleeved apparel offers a 50+ UPF rating for maximum protection.
  • Color: Many people have learned that dark colors attract the sun’s rays, but that’s not necessarily true. Darker-colored shirts can prevent more UV rays from penetrating the shirt and reaching your skin, while lighter colors will let more rays through. The color impact can be mitigated with the proper fabric.
  • Moisture-wicking capabilities: You want a lightweight shirt that will pull moisture away from your body. You will be more comfortable because the shirt will not stick to your skin. Instead, the humidity will be attracted to the shirt’s exterior, allowing it to dry faster.
  • Breathability: Sun-protective clothing can be worn year-round but is especially important in warm weather. Breathable fabrics, even in long-sleeve shirts, prevent overheating by allowing air to flow through the material. This ventilation helps sweat evaporate and warm air escape, keeping you comfortable in hot conditions.
  • Fabric type: Light-weight fabrics with a tighter weave offer strong UV protection. Polyester and nylon have the strongest sun protection performance. Cotton can also provide sun protection if treated with additional elements to improve performance.
  • Design: While it doesn’t contribute to the shirt's performance, the design can also significantly influence a consumer’s choice to purchase. It has to match their style. A great shirt has excellent color choices, enticing designs, and more.
  • Price: You don’t always have to break the bank when pursing a shirt. Look for sun protection that matches your budget.

These features can contribute to comfort and UV protection, making them versatile to wear in various conditions.

Your shirt may lose effectiveness over time, especially if worn frequently. Consider the following factors to determine if it’s time for a new shirt for maximum protection.

  • Age: Older shirts may lose effectiveness if they are worn or faded. The fabric may become weaker over extended washes.
  • Stretch: While a long-sleeve shirt may feel more broken when stretched out, it can also reduce effectiveness. The shirt fibers have been stretched out, allowing more rays to pass.
  • Wetness: Some fabrics have reduced sun protection performance when wet.

You will be comfortable and dry in all conditions when you wear the right shirt. Our shirts feature protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Our fabric boasts anti-microbial properties and permanent odor control.

The Bottom Line

Skin cancer is the most common cancer, and many cases are preventable. You want to do what you can to prevent this devastating disease, including practicing sun safety.

A long-sleeved sun shirt is a practical solution that can be used in all conditions. It protects against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Depending on your sun exposure, you can use it in addition to sunscreen or instead of it.

You can prioritize your skin health and prevent damage and premature aging by choosing clothing that blocks harmful UV rays and ensures comfort during prolonged sun exposure.

Look for clothes that:

  • Have high UPF sun protection
  • Tightly woven fabrics like polyester
  • Breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities

The right sun protection apparel offers essential defense against harmful rays while keeping you comfortable and stylish. Make sun safety a priority in any weather and explore Armed American Supply's complete collection of protective gear today.

References: [1] Skin Cancer Foundation