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A boy running on the beach in a neon yellow rash guard being chased by his sister also wearing a neon yellow rash guard with neon pink sleeves.

Is it UPF or SPF? A Guide to Sun Protection UPF Swimwear & Clothing

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In the radiant tapestry of outdoor living, the sun's warm embrace often accompanies our adventures. However, with the joys of sunlight comes the responsibility of safeguarding our skin from its dangerous rays. Lets talk about the protective wonders of UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in the realm of clothing, particularly focusing on the pinnacle of sun protection - UPF 50+. As we delve into the nuances of UPF and SPF, we'll explore the significance of this robust rating, understanding the key differences between the two and how they play a vital role in shielding our skin from the sun's potential harm. Our journey also takes us into the world of HiViz UPF 50+ sun-protecting UV swimwear, neon rash guards, and long-sleeved garments, ensuring you stay protected and do so with the flair of neon visibility. 

What is the Difference Between UPF and SPF?

What is UPF?


  • UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is a crucial measure for fabrics that determines how effectively they block ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It ensures your clothing acts as a shield against the sun's harmful rays.
  • UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is a crucial measure for fabrics that determines how effectively they block ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It ensures your clothing acts as a shield against the sun's harmful rays.

There are three UPF classifications:

  • Minimum Protection - UPF 15

     93.3%-95.9% of UV blocked

  • Good Protection - UP 30

     96.0%-97.4% of UV blocked

  • Excellent Protection - UPF 50, UPF 50+

    97.5%-98% of UV blocked

Image of a sunset gradient in a circle with a black background and blue waves at the bottom. Says UPF 50+ Blocks 98% of the sun

What is SPF?

 

  • SPF, commonly associated with sunscreens, measures the sunscreen's ability to protect your skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburns.

Key Difference Between UPF and SPF:

 

  • While both UPF and SPF measure sun protection, UPF applies to clothing, indicating its ability to block both UVA and UVB rays.
  • SPF is specific to sunscreens and focuses on UVB protection.

 

The Pinnacle of Sun Protection - UPF 50+ 

 

The Significance of UPF 50+:


UPF 50+ ensures that only 1/50th (or 2%) of UV radiation penetrates the fabric. This level of protection significantly reduces the risk of sunburn, making it an essential choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It's important to remember that only the parts of the body covered by the UV protecting clothing, UV swimwear, or UV swim shirts are protected from the sun's harmful rays.

 

What UPF 50+ Means:


UPF 50+ is the epitome of sun protection clothing. Garments with this rating block over 98% of UVB rays, ensuring unparalleled defense against sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

A beach setting on a sunny day. In the foreground are two young kids. The one on the left is sitting on her knees playing in the sand in her neon yellow rash guard with neon pink sleeves. The boy is standing up facing her and looking at the camera. In the background are three more kids of similar age, two in the water together and one running toward the water. There is a man all the way to the right at the edge of the water but he

UV Swimwear and Neon Rash Guards

Why UV Swimwear?

UV swimwear, including our HiViz neon rash guards, offers comprehensive protection against UV radiation. They act as a second skin, combining fashion with function - sun safety and the visibility of neon swimwear. Plus, less sunblocking is always a win. HiViz neon rash guards (neon swimsuits and neon swim trunks coming soon!) boast UPF 50+ - blocking 98% of the suns harmful rays. Top of the line sunprotection at the ease throwing on a shirt!


Top benefits of UPF Swimwear

  • Easy on for immediate protection
  • Doesn't wear off, sunblock does
  • HiViz fabric holds OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification, chemical free. What's in your sunblock?
  • Also protects you from rubbing and chaffing from sand and fun

Reflective Power of Neon Swimwear

Neon swimwear, including girls' swimsuits, not only dazzles with vibrant colors but also possesses a unique ability to reflect UV rays. The secret lies in fluorescence, a phenomenon where neon colors absorb invisible ultraviolet light and then emit a visible glow. This reflective quality enhances the garment's absorption of the harmful rays preventing them from reaching your skin and making it an excellent choice for stylish sun protection. Learn more about why neon is more reflective than other colors on our blog: The Science Behind The Underwater Color Retention of Neon & Why Neon Is The Safest Color For Swimwear [spoiler it's super cool!]

 

Maximum Sun Protection with UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Neon Rash Guards 

Our entire line is high visibility swimwear. The visibility of our true neon swim will allow you to rest easy knowing you will easily be able to locate your child when in and around water. Our HiViz long-sleeve neon rash guards provide extended coverage, offering extra protection for arms and torso. Not only are they ideal for various water activities, our neon rash guards are lightweight, water repelling, and quick drying, so they can be worn out of the water as well. We highly recommend our neon rash guards at splash pads, parks, and anywhere with a crowd where you want to be able to keep an eye on your child for safety. 

 

Choosing the Right UPF Swimwear & Sun Protecting Clothing:

When selecting sun protection clothing, especially for outdoor water activities, prioritize UPF 50+ labeled items. Our neon rash guards are available in long-sleeve options and this adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring comprehensive coverage….and less sunblocking! Additionally, we are in the process of bringing you our short-sleeve neon rash guards for those of you in much hotter climates who don't want sleeves - we heard you!

 

Benefits of UV Protection Clothing:

 

  • Overexposure to the suns UV rays can cause skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.
  • Investing in UV protection clothing, including swimsuits, board shorts, and a HiViz neon rash guard, guarantees an easy protective solution for outdoor adventures. 
Three kids on the beach not far from the water wearing neon yellow rash guards. One is wearing a neon yellow rash guard with neon pink rash guards and walking away toward the right. The other two are playing in the sand on the left. There are four people between them and the water not wearing neon and they blend into the background. The kids in the neon yellow rash guards stand out like bright lights.

Elevating Your Sun Protection Routine with Stylish Functionality

In the realm of sun protection, UPF 50+ stands as the gold standard, offering unmatched defense against the sun's harmful rays. Rash guards, long sleeves, and UV swimwear ensure you stay protected in style during various outdoor activities. Choose the ultimate pair of safety for your outdoor and water activities with our HiViz neon rash guards, fashion and function, sun safety with UPF 50+ and safety through the visibility of neon. 


With drowning remaining the #1 cause of death for children under the age of 5, adequate supervision still remains one of the most important protection layers. When your child is dressed in HiViz neon UPF swimwear, you can rest assured knowing that not only are they protected from the sun's harmful rays but they will stand out at the beach, pool, or splash pad, making it easier to keep an eye on them. 



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