Wearing sun protection on the water and on the slopes.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, causing more than 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths. You can get melanoma by spending too much time in the sun, so it’s important to protect yourself and your family.

What is UPF?

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a rating system used for apparel and indicates how effectively a fabric shields the skin from the sun's UV rays. The higher the UPF number, the greater level of UV protection it offers; a shirt with a UPF of 50 will let just 1/50th of the UV rays reach the skin. (The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a UPF of 30 or higher.) Many of these fabrics, like most of those offered by SCALES are also designed to wick sweat and water away from your skin, so you'll stay cool and dry as well as sun-protected while being active.

Why choose UPF rated sun protective clothing?

UPF clothing is the single most effective form of sun protection against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. It does not rinse off, it cannot be diluted, it does not need reapplied and it can’t be applied incorrectly, with too thin a layer or missed spots, like sunscreen lotions.  Sun protective clothing is an actual physical barrier between the sun and skin and blocks not only UVB, but also UVA rays, both of which are responsible for aging the skin.

SCALES offers a wide range of sun protective clothing and accessory options for men, women and kids. Performance shirts, athletic shirts and swim suits are available for anglers, water sports enthusiasts, swimmers and surfers and offer sun safety for anyone in or out of the water.  We also carry a broad-brimmed hat for those seeking the ultimate in sun protection.

How does laundering affect UPF fabric?

Studies have shown that repeated home laundering does not reduce the UPF rating of a woven or knitted fabric of cotton, polyester or nylon. And, in actuality, UPF ratings may be enhanced the more you wash it.

What is the difference between SPF and UPF?

“SPF” is the sun protection rating system used for sunscreens, and “UPF” is the sun protection rating system that is used for clothing. The maximum rating you can claim for clothing is 50+. Sun Protection Zone’s clothing far exceeds that, and provides broad spectrum protection (protection against both UVA and UVB rays).

UPF clothing is the single most effective form of sun protection against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. It does not rinse off, it cannot be diluted, it does not need reapplied and it can’t be applied incorrectly, with too thin a layer or missed spots, like sunscreen lotions.  Sun protective clothing is an actual physical barrier between the sun and skin and blocks not only UVB, but also UVA rays, both of which are responsible for aging the skin (wrinkles, brown spots and sagging).

What are UVA and UVB rays?

The sunlight that reaches earth has ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.  These ultraviolet rays are the main causes of damage to the skin from the sun.  UVA and UVB rays affect the skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure in different ways, but both cause melanoma, and other types of skin cancer.

What makes the clothing sun protective?

The loft of the yarn, weight per square meter and tightness of the weave all contribute to the high SPF rating.

Will the sun protection wash out?

Some companies use chemicals to boost the UPF rating which diminish over time. As long as SCALES clothing is cared for properly, the protection will last for the life of the garment.  You also want to make sure the clothing fits properly; if the garment stretches too much, it may hinder its full protection capabilities.

Is the clothing comfortable to wear?

 The fabric allows four-way stretch, and is breathable, as well as lightweight.  Our clothing is designed to keep you cool in the heat, and warmer as the sun goes down.

Do I still need to apply sunscreen?

INDEED!  Sunscreen should definitely be applied to any skin that is not covered by a sun protective garment — especially the face, lips, ears, hands, feet, etc.).

What are the washing instructions?

We recommend hand washing, or machine wash on delicate cycle using cold water, and a mild detergent.  Do not wring, or do any other type of action that could cause the garment to stretch.  Do not iron or bleach.  Do not use fabric softener. Best to hang dry out of direct sunlight.