As autumn closes and winter sun trips appear on the calendar, many families start thinking about packing.
Whether it’s a week in Tenerife, a Christmas break in Dubai, or a quick escape to southern Spain, one thing doesn’t change: UV radiation stays strong even when the air feels mild.
Most of us underestimate this. Cooler temperatures and a bit of breeze make the sun feel harmless. Then the first day at the beach ends with red shoulders, tight skin, and a bottle of after-sun. It’s avoidable.
After several holidays learning the hard way, I now plan my packing around one rule — cover first, cream second.
Ordinary clothing doesn’t guarantee protection. Thin cotton, open-weave linen, and old T-shirts often let light through. After years of assuming they were enough, my skin tells a different story.
Proper sun-protective clothing removes the guesswork and keeps the whole family covered without fuss.
Why Clothing Matters More Than You Think
Suncream is vital, but it’s not foolproof. It needs a thick layer, frequent re-application, and ideally half an hour to sink in before exposure. Realistically, few of us manage that — especially with children. Water, sweat and towels strip it away faster than we realise.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing fills that gap. Unlike SPF, which measures how long skin takes to burn, UPF measures how much UV passes through fabric.
A UPF 50+ rating blocks at least 98 per cent of UV rays, meaning only 1/50th reaches the skin. That’s protection that doesn’t wear off when you swim, sweat or forget.
Once you’ve worn proper UPF clothing, you don’t go back. It makes long days outdoors simpler. There’s no chasing children with bottles of suncream or worrying about missing a patch. You just get dressed and get on with your day.
What to Pack
Swimwear
Start with what you’ll wear most — rash vests, long-sleeve swim tops, or full-length suits with UPF 50+. They protect the shoulders, back and chest, which burn quickest, and they dry fast.
A good rash vest feels similar to a sports top — light, stretchy, and cool in the water. For family holidays where swimming is daily, this one swap removes half the stress.
Cover-ups
Many people assume any loose shirt counts as a cover-up. In truth, open-weave fabrics allow UV straight through. Look for tightly woven or UPF-treated materials such as high-density microfibre, polyester, or nylon blends. They let air circulate but stop light penetration.
The test is simple: hold it up to sunlight. If you can see clear light through it, it won’t protect your skin.
Hats
Your face, neck and scalp take the highest dose of UV every day. A wide-brimmed hat with at least a 10 cm brim shades the cheeks, ears and back of the neck.
Straw hats are fine for photos, but the gaps between the weave allow rays through. A fabric hat with a certified UPF rating offers reliable protection and can fold flat in a suitcase.
Light layers for exploring
If you plan on walking, sightseeing or eating outdoors, bring a long-sleeve UPF shirt or lightweight sun jacket.
The best ones are made from quick-dry technical fabrics designed for heat. They’re cooler than cotton, resist wrinkles, and protect far better than a thin linen shirt ever could.
For Men
Men’s wardrobes rarely focus on sun safety, but they should. Even those who “never burn” collect invisible damage over years. Shoulders, ears and the back of the neck are common trouble spots.
Practical options:
- Long-sleeve UV shirts or polos for outdoor lunches or walks.
- Rash vests for swimming, kayaking, or sailing.
- Cricket or legionnaire hats with flaps that shade the neck and ears.
For Children and Babies
Children’s skin is thinner and produces less natural melanin, so UV penetrates more easily. One serious burn in childhood can double the risk of melanoma later in life.
That’s why consistent coverage matters:
- Full-coverage rash suits or long-sleeve swimwear with UPF 50+. They protect shoulders, backs and thighs even during hours in and out of the sea.
- Sun hats with neck flaps for toddlers and babies. Brims alone often leave the neck exposed when they’re bending down to play.
- UPF leggings or lightweight shorts for walks or playground time.
Once they’re dressed, you’re largely done. It’s protection that doesn’t rely on their patience — and every parent knows that’s priceless.
How to Judge Sun Protection In Clothing
Not all “sun-safe” claims mean the same thing. Before buying, check a few details:
- The label: Look for a stated UPF rating, ideally 50+. If it doesn’t say, it probably hasn’t been tested.
- The fabric: Denser weaves block more light. Hold it up; if you can see daylight through it, UV can reach your skin.
- Coverage: Longer sleeves, higher collars and knee-length shorts make more difference than colour or print.
- Testing: Reputable brands test to recognised standards (such as AS/NZS 4399 or EN 13758-1). Generic “UV resistant” wording without data isn’t proof.
- Durability: Good UPF fabrics retain protection after washing; loose natural fibres often lose theirs quickly.
Specialist UPF Brands
High-street clothing is usually made for comfort or appearance, not measured UV resistance. Specialist sun-protection companies design garments specifically to block rays while remaining practical for travel.
One example is equatorsun, a UK-based brand focused solely on tested UV blocking clothes and swimwear for adults and children. The company works with Australian-developed products that meet strict UPF 50+ standards, offering consistent sun protection you can trust.
Protection Beyond the Holiday
Sun safety doesn’t end when you fly home. In the UK, UV levels regularly reach “high” from April to September, even when it’s cloudy or cool. The same UPF shirts and hats are ideal for gardening, walking, running or watching sport.
It’s also a good habit for children to learn early — putting on a rash vest before a swim becomes second nature if it’s part of the routine.
In Short
Good sun protection isn’t about chasing trends or colour schemes. It’s about fabrics, coverage and consistency.
The right clothing removes uncertainty. It saves time, reduces stress, and prevents the kind of burns that linger long after the holiday ends.
Pack with protection in mind, wear it often, and treat UPF clothing as a normal part of summer life. Your skin — and your children’s — will thank you for it years from now.
