Sun Protection

Skin cancer is the most common and most rapidly increasing form of cancer and can be caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Garments with sun protection have a special finishing that protects from these harmful rays. Factors that affect the level of sun protection provided by a fabric include weave, colour, weight, stretch, and wetness. In addition, UV absorbers may be added at various points in the manufacturing process to enhance UV protection levels.

Clothing is rated for its level of UV protection according to an Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF. This is a similar rating to the SPF used with sunscreen except that it addresses UVA and UVB whereas SPF only covers UVB. The reference value for safe sun exposure without UV protection is 9 minutes.

Accordingly, UPF 30 allows you to be exposed to the sun for 270 minutes. The actual safe time depends highly on your skin type. Also note that clothing with a dense and dark fabric offers higher protection than a loose and light fabric.

McKINLEY offers garments with UPF 50, 40, 30, and 15 sun protection ratings.