STAY PROTECTED
When playing outside is how you get your fun, it’s important to know how to stay protected from the sun. Wearing a UPF sun protective hat is one of the best ways to play it safe. When choosing a hat, make sure that it is designed for sun protection and tested to confirm its Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). UPF is the system that rates a fabric’s effectiveness against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Ratings are accompanied by a number to indicate the level of protection. The higher the number, the greater the protection.
Most of our hats carry a UPF 50+ sun protection rating, which is the highest possible. A UPF of 50+ blocks out 98%+ of UV rays when worn, meaning less than 2% of UV rays are transmitted, allowing you to diminish the sun, not the fun. Hats with a high UPF rating and a broad brim are especially helpful in these cases:
- Sun-sensitivity: People with fair skin tend to burn easily and are more vulnerable to UV rays. Be aware! Even if you have a darker skin tone and rarely burn, you can still develop skin cancer.
- Children: Kids have thinner, more sensitive skin. Sun damage at an early age can also increase their risk later in life. And since 80% of skin damage happens before the age of 18, it’s good to get kids started with smart sun protection early.
- High-elevations: People who spend lots of time outdoors at high elevations are exposed to more intense UV rays. With less atmosphere to absorb damaging rays, it’s important to stay protected at altitude. Snow and water also intensify the absorption of UV rays. Sunday Afternoons sun-protective hats feature dark underbrims that reduce glare and reflect UV rays.
- Health conditions/medications: People with skin cancer and those recovering from serious burns are more vulnerable. Medications including acne treatments, antihistamines, antibiotics, certain anti-inflammatories, and even herbal supplements can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Check with a medical professional about your level of risk.
Thick, dense, and darker colored fabrics tend to do a better job reducing the transmission of UV rays. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon disrupt UV rays more effectively than natural fabrics such as cotton and hemp.
UPF TESTING
The fabrics we use are rigorously tested by independent third-party labs to ensure a UPF 50+ rating, and performance is measured using U.S. UPF rating standard AATCC183. UV rays react differently to weave, color, and pattern which is why we test every fabric we use every season.
BUT WHAT ABOUT SPF?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a rating system used for sunscreen and sunblock products like lotions and creams. Sunscreen with a high SPF rating will help protect the skin against damage from UV rays.