We’ve all been there: slathering on sunscreen, waiting for it to dry, and still ending the day with those dreaded red lines. While we are taught from a young age about SPF, there is a more reliable way to protect your skin during long outdoor sessions that many athletes overlook.
It’s time to talk about UPF, and why it’s the gold standard for sun safety.
Cavallo Flower on Green Mesh Quarter Zip
Crafted from an ultra-light technical fabric, this collection is engineered to provide the modern rider with maximum airflow and superior sun protection.
SHOP NOWWhat is UPF?
While SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how long a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays, UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how much of both UVA and UVB radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, a shirt with a UPF 50 rating blocks 98% of the sun's rays.
The Secret is in the Weave
You might think any old t-shirt provides protection, but the reality is surprising. A standard white cotton tee typically has a UPF of about 5.
Why so low? If you hold a cotton shirt up to the light, you can see tiny gaps between the fibers. UV radiation passes right through those holes. "Sun protective" clothing, on the other hand, is engineered with a much tighter construction and specialized technical fibers that act as a physical wall against radiation, all while remaining lightweight.
Ariat Women's Sunstopper Baselayer Shirt
Crafted from soft, innovative fabrics, it wicks moisture, fights odor, and keeps you feeling fresh from sunup to sundown.
SHOP NOWProtection That Doesn’t "Wear Off"
The biggest flaw with sunscreen is human error. It thins out as you sweat, rubs off on your gear, and requires reapplication every two hours. Most of us forget to re-up mid-session.
Fabric offers permanent protection. Whether you are three hours into a ride or finishing a long hike, your UPF-rated shirt is working just as hard as it was in the first five minutes. It doesn’t wash away with sweat or lose its efficacy because you’re working hard.
A Win for Your Skin and the Environment
Beyond personal safety, choosing UPF apparel is a more sustainable choice. Many traditional sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone, which can wash off into water systems and impact local ecosystems. By covering more of your body with protective apparel, you reduce the amount of chemical runoff released into the environment.
Breezi Perforated Zip Up Sun Shirt
Made with breathable, moisture-wicking, and anti-microbial fabric, it features a tall collar for sun protection and rider stretch for comfort and mobility.
SHOP NOWThe Performance Advantage
Our technical cooling shirts are designed to bridge the gap between safety and comfort. We don't believe you should have to choose between "protected" and "breathable."
By utilizing advanced synthetic blends and strategically placed mesh paneling, our gear provides a high UPF rating without the heavy, stifling feel of traditional outdoor clothing. You get the peace of mind of total coverage with the airflow of a performance mesh, allowing you to focus on your session—not the sun.
Ready to upgrade your outdoor kit? Check out our latest UPF-rated cooling collection and feel the difference of reliable protection.
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