Sunscreen Built Into Your Clothes (And Why Divers Rely on It)
What does “sunscreen in clothing” actually mean?
“Sunscreen built into clothing” refers to fabrics with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating.
A garment with UPF 50+ blocks about 98% of UV radiation, allowing only a small fraction to reach your skin.
Unlike sunscreen, this protection:
- doesn’t wash off in water
- doesn’t need reapplication
- works all day
👉 That’s why many divers and ocean lovers rely on it.
“When I’m diving in warm water, I rely more on UPF clothing than sunscreen—because I know it will still be working after hours on the boat.”
Is UPF clothing better than sunscreen?
In many real-world situations—yes.
Sunscreen has limitations:
- it wears off in water and sweat
- needs reapplication every few hours
- can irritate skin or eyes
UPF clothing, on the other hand:
- provides consistent protection
- covers large areas (back, shoulders, arms)
- stays effective throughout long days outdoors
👉 The best approach is often: clothing + sunscreen for exposed areas
Why this matters more when you’re diving
Divers are exposed to more sun than they think.
- Sun reflects off the water
- You spend hours on boats between dives
- Shoulders and back are constantly exposed
And realistically:
You’re not reapplying sunscreen between dives.
That’s where UPF clothing becomes essential.
What UPF 50+ clothing protects you from
It’s not just about sunburn.
UPF clothing helps protect against:
- ☀️ UV radiation (primary benefit)
- 🐠 Jellyfish and stings
- 🪸 Coral scrapes
- 🎽 Friction from gear like BCDs
That’s why rash guards and dive leggings have become standard gear—not just “nice extras.”
How long does UPF protection last?
With proper care, UPF clothing can remain effective for many washes and extended use.
That makes it:
- a long-term investment
- more reliable than sunscreen alone
Can you still tan with UPF 50+?
Yes—but much less.
Because a small percentage of UV rays still pass through the fabric, you may still get a light tan while significantly reducing your exposure.
“When I’m diving in warm water, I rely more on UPF clothing than sunscreen—because I know it will still be working after hours on the boat.”
When to use “sunscreen in clothing”
UPF clothing is ideal for:
- scuba diving trips
- snorkeling and freediving
- long days on boats
- beach and travel days
It’s especially useful in warm water destinations, where you may not wear a full wetsuit.
Final takeaway
“Sunscreen built into your clothes” isn’t a gimmick—it’s one of the most effective ways to protect your skin in and around the water.
- It doesn’t wash off
- It doesn’t need reapplying
- It works all day
For divers, it’s not just convenient—it’s practical.
In the image, out favourite model Angelica is posing in the sun wearing Reed low waist leggings with sunscreen built into the clothes. They are stylish, durable, and your best choice for scuba, swimming, surfing, running or yoga. Sun protection UPF 50+.
These Reed leggings are made of a comfortable microfiber yarn, and they’ll never lose their stretch.
Fabric: 82% polyester, 18% spandex
Made of a microfiber yarn, which makes the item smooth and comfortable
Four-way stretch fabric that stretches and recovers on the cross and lengthwise grains
Elastic waistband
Overlock and coverstitch
Reed Collection
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