One of the most common questions our customer service team receives is, “What is the difference between Coolibar clothing and regular clothing?” Here’s our answer:
Regular light-weight clothing provides little protection.
Most light-weight clothing provides less sun protection than SPF 30 sunscreen. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) cites a study conducted in Australia that claims a white cotton T-shirt has a UPF rating of 5, allowing 1/5th of the sun’s UVR to pass through, and even more when wet.
Even if you don’t burn through your clothes, UV passes through.
The SCF states UVA (aging) rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. Even though UVA rays are less intense than UVB (burning) rays, they are 30 to 50 times more prevalent. They are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass.
(Image from the Skin Cancer Foundation)
Coolibar Clothing is UPF 50+, which blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
Coolibar SUNTECT® fabrics are engineered and repeatedly tested to provide effective, long-lasting protection from UVA and UVB rays. All Coolibar clothing is rated UPF 50+ from the first to the last day worn. We manufacture several types of fabrics for different activities including swimming, fitness, travel and leisure.
Sun protection is embedded in the fabric.
The sun protection comes from a combination of factors including: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreen ingredients permanently embedded in the fibers and/or a tight weave construction.
Skin coverage matters.
Coolibar clothes are strategically designed to cover up more skin than regular summer clothing, so you need less sunscreen for complete protection.
Technical properties provide additional comfort.
All Coolibar clothes are lightweight, breathable, quick-drying and easy to care for.
If you have any additional questions, please call our team of sun protection experts at 1.800.926.6509 or visit www.coolibar.com
