Sun Protective Clothing: Not Just For Summer
Photo: Kimberly V on Flickr
Just because summer has ended, it doesn’t mean it’s time to pack away your sun protective clothing. Today I’ll help you understand why sun damage is a major concern all year round and give you ideas for how to wear sun protective clothing outside of the summer months.
What Causes a Sunburn?
Hint: It’s not the sun.
Well it is, but not in the way you might imagine. Many people believe that if it’s cloudy, or if they can’t see the sun itself, they won’t get sunburned and their skin won’t be damaged by the sun. Unfortunately, this is a common (and dangerous) misconception.
Even when you can’t see the sun, it’s still there providing heat and light through different forms of energy. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is just one form of energy from the sun. But ultraviolet radiation is what causes sunburns and other damage to your skin.
Ultraviolet radiation is invisible and can’t be seen by the naked eye. But it’s still there and it’s still damaging your skin.
Are You Safe During Cold & Cloudy Weather?
There is no connection between temperature and UV radiation. Even during the fall and winter, when temperatures are lower and there are more clouds in the sky, ultraviolet radiation still reaches your skin and can cause sunburn, eye damage, skin cancer and other ailments.
And believe it or not, cumulous clouds (the big puffy ones), can cause something known a broken-cloud effect which actually makes UV rays more intense than on clear days!
What About Snow?
Snow is especially dangerous when it comes to ultraviolet radiation. When UV rays hit the snow, they bounce back up. That means you’ll receive extra UV radiation.
Because the reflected rays are coming from below, we often forget to protect ourselves from them. Skiers and mountain climbers must wear full coverage goggles to prevent a condition known as snow-blindness.
Sun Protective Clothing: Year Round Fashion
The truth is, sun protective clothing only works when you actually wear it. That’s why at SUMMERSKIN, we believe that sun protective clothing needs to be fashionable and wearable.
If you don’t like how a piece of sun protective clothing looks, fits, or feels, you’re not going to want to wear it. And it won’t protect you at all if it’s stuffed in a drawer or sitting in the back of your closet. That’s why our pieces are designed with both form and function in mind. And we try to offer pieces that look great all year round.
Dolmans
Our dolman tops are great transitional pieces for when the seasons are changing. Try wearing one on over a warm base layer during cooler weather. The longer sleeves offer good coverage against the sun and the fabric (93% bamboo, 7% viscose) provides 50+ UPF sun protection.
You can use our dark grey and black striped dolman to dress up a casual outfit. And as winter is coming to an end, try our kiwi-colored dolman top to add a bit of springtime color to your look.
And of course, all of our dolmans are great cover ups to wear over your swimsuit in the summer.
Sun Protective Pullovers
Our sun protective pullovers are great for winter wear. Wear one on weekend mornings when you’re going out for coffee, or throw one on before heading out for day of apple picking this fall. They’re warm and come in a variety of colors that are perfect for winter, including plum, wine, and charcoal grey.
Full-length sleeves and a high neckline provide plenty of protection from the sun. The bamboo/cotton/spandex blend fabric not only feels great, but offers 50+ UPF sun protection, too!
Winter Cardigans
Nothing’s cozier or more versatile than a great cardigan. Our sun protective cardigans are the
perfect balance between cozy and comfortable, casual and stylish. And if there’s one piece that every woman should have in her wardrobe, it’s an open cardigan.
We know you’ll keep finding new ways to add our cardigans to your outfits. They’re right at home dressing up a casual outfit for the office. And they’re a perfect extra layer to keep the sun and chill at bay when you’re taking a walk on a crisp fall afternoon.
Dresses for All Occasions
No one dress can do it all. That’s why we offer a wide variety of sun-protective dresses, from a casual shirt dress, to modern and stylish wrap dresses, to elegant full-length maxi dresses. Each offers excellent sun protection and are made from comfortable fabrics that drape beautifully.
Scarves, Hats & Sunglasses
We call them our Endless Summer Wraps, but these scarves are perfect to wear during the cooler months, too. They’re so versatile! Wear them as a wrap, an infinity scarf, a hood or kerchief. There’s no reason not to carry one in your purse every month of the year. You never know when you’ll need that extra bit of warmth and sun protection.
Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. There are plenty of great reasons to wear sunglasses throughout the year. And our Audrey and Kitten sunglasses offer great protection for the delicate skin around your eyes, as well as your eyes themselves. Wear them when you’re out and about and your eyes will thank you!
Remember: Don’t Fear the Sun
The dangers of sun exposure are real, but you shouldn’t be afraid to go outside and enjoy yourself. You just need to remember to wear the right sun-protective clothing and sunscreen.
Did you see something you loved in this post? Do you have a great idea for how to wear one of our pieces? We’d love to hear from you! Share your ideas and thoughts in the comments below.
