UPF clothing for Sun-protection

Here’s how UPF clothing works: Numbers are assigned to garments based on lab tests that register the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate a specific fabric. While SPF numbers only correlate to protection against UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, UPF protects against both UVB and UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin.

“It’s not that the clothing is actually impregnated with sunscreen,” explains Evan Rieder, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at New York University. “It’s about the materials and the color and the composition,” he continues, pointing out that a UPF of 50 offers optimal protection.

Recent design advances from brands like Los Angeles–based Cover take this into account with fabrics that are moisture-wicking and breathable—a far cry from older pieces that felt heavy and looked cumbersome. “I’m still waiting for Jacquemus to make the Bomba hat with UPF 50,” Rieder jokes, imagining a world where the UPF and the luxury markets collide; in the meantime, there are a number of great options now available for the whole family—including its littlest members.