A Skin Cancer Doctor’s Guide to Sun-Safe Style
As a skin cancer doctor, I’ve seen firsthand the long-term effects of sun damage. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia and across the world, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. The good news is that it’s also one of the most preventable.
While sunscreen is a vital part of sun protection, protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) are often overlooked. These simple, effective tools help shield your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In this post, I’ll explain why what you wear matters, how to choose the right protection, and how to make it part of your everyday life.
Your Clothes Can Save Your Skin
UV radiation from the sun, including UVA and UVB rays, is the leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. It also contributes to premature ageing such as wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity.
Sunscreen is essential, but it can wear off, wash away, or be missed in application. Protective clothing provides a reliable physical barrier that blocks UV rays throughout the day without needing reapplication.
Garments with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) can block up to 98% of UV rays, dramatically reducing the risk of skin damage and cancer. Whether you’re at the beach, gardening, or walking to work, UPF-rated clothing offers lasting protection and peace of mind.
What Makes Fabric Sun Safe
Not all fabrics protect your skin equally. Here’s what to look for when choosing clothing designed for sun protection.
UPF Rating
The UPF rating tells you how much UV radiation penetrates the fabric.
UPF 50+ blocks around 98% of UV rays, allowing only 1/50th to reach your skin.
UPF 30 blocks about 97%.
Look for a UPF rating of 30 or higher for everyday wear. You can now find UPF-rated shirts, hats, and swimwear in a wide variety of styles.
Fabric Type
Tightly woven fabrics like polyester, nylon, and denim offer stronger protection than loosely woven cotton or linen. Darker colours generally block more UV rays than lighter shades. Many UPF garments are now made from lightweight, breathable materials designed to keep you cool.
Coverage
The more skin you cover, the better your protection. Choose:
Long-sleeve shirts or rash guards
Long pants or maxi skirts instead of shorts
Wide-brimmed hats that shield the face, neck, and ears
UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and eyelids
Fit and Comfort
Loose-fitting clothing often provides better coverage, as stretched fabric can let more UV rays through. Today’s UPF-rated clothing is stylish and designed for comfort, making it easy to wear daily.
Sun-Safe and Stylish: It’s Easier Than You Think
Protective clothing doesn’t mean giving up on style or comfort. With a few smart choices, you can protect your skin every day without even thinking about it.
Everyday wear: Try UPF-rated long-sleeve tops or airy cover-ups paired with sunglasses and a hat.
Outdoor activities: Invest in UPF-rated activewear for hiking, cycling, or beach days. Brands like Coolibar, Columbia, and Patagonia have great options.
Kids: Children’s skin is especially sensitive. Look for UPF-rated rashies, hats, and swimwear for safe outdoor play.
Layering: If you don’t yet own UPF clothing, layering tightly woven garments still helps increase protection.
Clothing Is Just the Start: Your Complete Sun Protection Plan
Protective clothing is one part of a full sun safety routine. Combine it with these steps for the best results:
Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ to all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
Seek shade: Avoid peak UV hours between 10 am and 4 pm when possible.
Regular skin checks: Book routine skin cancer checks with your doctor and perform self-exams to spot new or changing moles early.
Professional care: If you notice a suspicious mole, seek medical advice. Early mole removal can be life-saving.
From My Clinic to You: Why Prevention Matters Most
As someone who treats skin cancer every day, I can’t overstate how powerful prevention is. Sun protection isn’t just for holidays or summer months; it’s a daily habit that protects your skin for life.
Protective clothing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent UV damage. By choosing garments that shield your skin, you’re actively lowering your risk of skin cancer while keeping your skin healthy and youthful.
Stay sun safe, protect your skin, and make prevention part of your everyday routine.
Written by Dr Emily Alfonsi
MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG
Medical Director, Shade Skin
Dr Emily is a skin cancer doctor with advanced training in diagnosis and treatment. She has personally detected and treated hundreds of skin cancers and is passionate about early intervention and patient education.
