Lands’ End and the Skin Cancer Foundation Partner to Keep You Safe All Summer Long
Lands’ End has a longstanding partnership with the Skin Cancer Foundation. It all started in 2013 with our UPF 50 swim tee. This revolutionary swim shirt quickly became a favorite, because it blocked harmful rays in and out of the water. We reached out to the Skin Cancer Foundation to validate this fabric as being something special. They independently test various fabrics. After testing, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends only the fabrics that meet their high standards for providing effective UV protection of covered areas. Needless to say, our UPF 50 swim shirt aced the test.
Today, we offer a wide variety of Skin Cancer Foundation recommended UPF 50 swimwear, cover-ups, and clothing. These styles were created to be worn every single day. In our UPF 50 protection collection, you can plan a safer summer day knowing you’re covered, anywhere under the sun. Plus, since we’re always sending the Skin Cancer Foundation new fabrics to test, Lands’ End’s list of Skin Cancer Foundation recommended UPF 50 clothing and swimwear continues to grow.
That’s just the beginning of all that goes into helping to keep you safe all summer long. Here we’ll answer your most commonly asked sun protection questions and possibly even inspire you to make the move toward living an easier lifestyle in comfy UPF 50 clothing designed for your day to day.
What Does UPF Stand For?
UPF is short for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. UPF is the rating that measures the Ultra Violet protection provided by fabric. It is similar to the SPF rating system used for sunscreens. Lands’ End swimwear and sun protection clothing have received a rating of UPF 50, the highest UPF rating possible. Our UPF 50 fabric only allows 1/50th of the UV radiation to pass through it. That means it effectively blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful rays from damaging your skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends our UPF 50 fabric. It is an effective UV protectant for the areas it covers. Since covering every inch of your skin isn’t always ideal, the use of a trusted sunscreen is still recommended.
What Factors Affect the Level of UV Protection Provided by UPF 50 Fabric?
There are several factors that may affect the level of UV protection provided by any given fabric. For example, most fabrics lose some of their UV protection when they are stretched out. Repetitious wear-and-wash cycles typically lessen the amount of sun protection they provide. Getting the fabric wet also reduces the amount of UPF rating.
Does All Fabric Provide Adequate Sun Protection?
It is a little-known fact that not all fabrics provide equal protection from the sun’s harmful rays. This realization is what led Lands’ End to create UPF 50 protection that proudly carries the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation. In order to qualify for The Skin Care Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, a fabric has to have a UPF of at least 30. A UPF of 30 to 49 is considered to be “very good” sun protection. However, fabric with a UPF rating of 50 or higher provides “excellent” protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. As a general rule of thumb, you should always look for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation when shopping for sun protection you can trust.
What is the Difference Between UPF and SPF?
UPF is the rating scale that measures the amount of ultraviolet radiation that can penetrate through the fabric of your clothing and swimwear to reach, and ultimately harm, your skin. SPF is slightly different. It is a rating scale based on the amount of time it takes for skin to redden when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. UPF 50 sun-protection clothing and swimwear is a safe and simple way to keep the sun’s harmful UV rays at bay.
What is the Difference in the Level of Protection Provided by UPF 50 Fabric and Other Clothing?
Every fabric provides some level of protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. However, you might be shocked when you learn how drastically different UPF 50 fabric is from the fabric used to make the average t-shirt. A great example of “moderate sun protection” is the basic white tee. While wearing it you can expect to be protected by a UPF of about 7. Get the t-shirt wet, and the UPF level drops to roughly 3. Because UPF 50 clothing is one of the most effective forms of sun protection available, trading your basic t-shirt for a UPF 50 tee makes a huge difference in the prevention of the world’s most common cancer.
How to Live a Sun-Savvy Life
The Skin Cancer Foundation and Lands’ End believe you can still enjoy your time in the sun without compromising your health or overall wellbeing. Simply wear sun-smart clothing. It’s the best way to ensure you stay protected no matter where the day leads. There are so many stylish options of UPF 50 clothing and swimwear to complete your sun protection strategy. Pick the pieces that best compliment your style. Just be sure you see The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation before you buy.