Your Complete Guide to Choosing Sun-Protective Clothing and Sun Hats

Sunshine is one of life’s simple pleasures, but excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure can lead to sunburn, premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. The easiest, most reliable way to stay safe is to wear UPF 50+ clothing and UPF 50+ sun hats that physically block UV rays before they reach your skin.

Solbari designs Australian UPF 50+ essentials: sun-safe clothing, wide-brim sun hats, chlorine- and saltwater-resistant swimwear, and protective accessories, so you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence. Every fabric is lab-tested to meet UPF 50+ and is built for comfort, breathability and timeless style. Dermatologists recommend Solbari UPF 50+ clothing as the first line of defence, with sunscreen used second on uncovered areas.

What is UPF and why does it matter?

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is the standard that measures how effectively a fabric blocks UV radiation. Unlike SPF, which applies to sunscreen and focuses on UVB on skin, UPF measures both UVA and UVB blocked by clothing.

A UPF 50+ rating, the highest category, means the fabric allows no more than 2% of UV to pass through, blocking 98%+ of harmful rays. All Solbari fabrics used for garments, sun hats and swimwear are independently tested and certified UPF 50+, delivering trustworthy protection you can wear all day.

Australia’s Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide (made simple)

As Australians, we take sun safety seriously. Our national mantra: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. With some of the highest UV levels anywhere, we introduced a five step habit to stay safe: simple to say, easy to do, every day.

• Slip on UPF 50+ clothing that covers as much skin as possible (long sleeves, full-length leggings, high necklines).
• Slop on broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen to exposed areas; apply 20 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating.
• Slap on a UPF 50+ wide-brim sun hat or legionnaire sun hat to shade your face, ears, neck and scalp.
• Seek shade during peak UV hours or use methods that provide shade such as sun protective UPF sun hat or sun umbrella.
• Slide on close-fitting sunglasses that block 100% of UV.
• UPF 50+ clothing and sun hats do the heavy lifting; sunscreen fills the gaps.

The benefits of wearing UPF 50+ clothing

Protection you don’t have to reapply: Fabric doesn’t rub or wash off, so covered areas stay protected all day.
Everyday comfort: Modern UPF textiles including Solbari's lightweight, breathable fabrics are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, ideal for the Australian climate.
Great for everyone: From sun-sensitive skin to darker complexions, from teenagers to older adults, protection matters because UV damage is cumulative.
Built for real life: Solbari’s swim and active pieces are engineered to maintain UPF 50+ when wet and under stretch, perfect for the beach, boating and sport.
High-UV environments: beaches, mountains, outdoor worksites and long days in the garden, make UPF 50+ an everyday essential.

Why sun hats are non-negotiable

Many skin cancers occur on the face, ears and neck - areas that collect the most incidental UV. A UPF 50+ sun hat isn’t just an accessory, it’s essential protection that reduces exposure dramatically.

• Wide-brim sun hats: 360-degree shade for face, ears and neck.
• Legionnaire sun hats: add a protective drape for the back of the neck and tops of the ears, great for sport, hiking and outdoor work.
• Packable travel hats: crushable designs that spring back to shape for holidays and commuting.

Solbari hats are light, breathable and adjustable for a secure, comfortable fit. Explore women's, men's and unisex UPF 50+ sun hats to suit every adventure.

Understanding UPF ratings

UPF quantifies how much UV a fabric lets through:

A typical cotton T-shirt often measures UPF 5, allowing more than 20% of UV to reach your skin; nowhere near the protection of UPF 50+ clothing.
Learn more about UPF here: What is UPF 50+?

How UPF works (and what affects it)

• Fabric construction: tighter knits and weaves create fewer “windows” for UV to pass through.
• Fibre type: polyester and nylon naturally scatter UV well; cotton, bamboo and hemp can achieve high protection when engineered correctly.
• Colour and dye chemistry: darker, more saturated colours usually absorb more UV.
• Treatments: UV-absorbing finishes (for example, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) can boost performance Solbari prioritises protection designed into the yarns and construction for long-lasting results.
• Moisture and stretch: wet or overstretched fabric can let in more UV, so garments should be tested for the conditions you’ll wear them in.
• Wear and care: abrasion and fading may reduce protection in ordinary fabrics; purpose-built UPF garments are engineered to retain & performance.

Fabrics you’ll find in UPF clothing

• Polyester / recycled polyester: light, durable, moisture-wicking—great for hiking, running and water sports.
• Nylon / recycled nylon: tough and abrasion-resistant for active use and travel.
• Merino blends: naturally odour-resistant and breathable for cooler days.
• Bamboo-rich and modal blends: soft, breathable and comfortable for everyday wear.
• Engineered cotton: familiar feel with enhanced UV protection.

All offer excellent sun protection when engineered to UPF 50+ standards.

Features that make a difference

• Extended coverage: long sleeves, thumbholes, high collars → explore long sleeve tops, neck gaiters and wide-brim or legionnaire hats increase protected surface area.
• Ventilation: clever panelling and airflow zones keep you cool while staying covered.
• Quick-dry performance: ideal for swim, sweat and tropical travel.
• Comfortable, adjustable fits: you’ll wear protection more often when it feels great.
• Chlorine and saltwater resistance: helps swimwear keep its UPF after repeated dips.

You’ll wear sun protection more often when it feels great.

Solbari testing standards certifications

• AS/NZS 4399:2017 (Australia/New Zealand) – recognised as one of the world’s most stringent standards; fabrics must block at least 98% of UV to achieve UPF 50+.
• AATCC Test Method 183 (United States) – measures UV transmission in dry and wet states to reflect real-world wear.
• ASTM D6603 (United States) – governs labelling requirements for sun-protective clothing so customers can make informed choices.
• Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation – eligible Solbari products carry this seal, reflecting our commitment to skin health, safety and recognised by dermatologists worldwide.
• OEKO-TEX® certification – while not UPF-specific, this confirms that selected fabrics are free from harmful substances and suitable for sensitive skin.
• bluesign® – where applicable, we work with bluesign®-approved partners and processes to support responsible chemistry and manufacturing without compromising UPF 50+ performance.

Why choose Solbari for UPF 50+ clothing and sun hats

• Dermatologist recommended first line of defence: wear Solbari UPF 50+ clothing on the body; use sunscreen second on uncovered areas.
• Australian-designed for Australian sun: engineered for high UV and heat.
• Verified UPF 50+: independently tested to block at least 98% of UVA and UVB.
• Timeless, wearable style: pieces you’ll reach for every day, not just at the beach.
• Responsible materials and durability: quality fabrics and construction that last season after season.

Explore Solbari UPF 50+ leggings, swimwear, activewear and sun hats to build a simple, effective sun-safe wardrobe.

Sun protection beyond clothing

Keep sunscreen handy for hands, face and any skin you choose to leave uncovered.
Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV to protect eyes and the delicate skin around them.
Check your local UV Index and follow Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide whenever it’s or higher.

The bottom line

UPF 50+ clothing and UPF 50+ sun hats provide immediate, reliable protection by blocking 98%+ of UV rays, with no reapplication required. Pair Solbari’s Australian-designed pieces with sunscreen on exposed areas, shade and sunglasses for a complete routine you can keep every day. With Solbari, sun safety is simple, stylish and practical, so you can stay out there, comfortably protected. 

You can find out more about Solbari's sun protective range by clicking the links below:

Women's Best Sellers UPF 50+
Men's Best Sellers UPF 50+
Sun Hats UPF 50+
Accessories UPF 50+