If you enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it is hiking, fishing, climbing, or simply relaxing, you know how crucial it is to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sunburns are not only unpleasant and unattractive, but they may also increase your chances of developing skin cancer and premature aging. That is why wearing a sun hoodie is a smart and convenient way to protect oneself from the sun without continuously applying sunscreen.
But what exactly is a sun hoodie, and how can you choose the ideal one for you? We will address these worries and more with this guide, assisting you in finding the ideal sun hoodie for your next adventure.
What Is a Sun Hoodie?
A sun hoodie is a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable garment that covers your upper body, neck, and head with a hood. It is made of fabric with a high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating, which means it blocks a large percentage of both UVA and UVB rays from reaching your skin. For example, a UPF 50+ fabric blocks 98% of UV rays.
A sun hoodie differs from a regular hoodie in several ways. First, it is designed to be worn in warm and sunny weather, so it is usually thinner and more airy than a typical hoodie. Second, it has features that enhance its sun protection and comfort, such as thumb holes, pockets, vents, zippers, or masks. Third, it frequently features brilliant colors or patterns that reflect the sun and increase your visibility.
Why Choose a Sun Hoodie?
A sun hoodie offers numerous benefits over other types of clothing or accessories for sun protection. Here are some reasons why you should consider wearing a sun hoodie:
- Large coverage area: It covers more of your body than a regular shirt, especially your neck, ears, and head, which are often neglected areas when applying sunscreen.
- Easy to put on and take off: Unlike hats, sunglasses, or scarves, which can be cumbersome or fall off.
- Comfortable and versatile: You can wear it for various activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, golfing, or gardening.
- Stylish and functional: You can choose from different colors, patterns, and features to suit your preferences and needs.
How to Choose a Sun Hoodie?
Not all sun hoodies are created equal. Several factors should be considered when shopping for a sun hoodie to ensure that you get the best quality and performance. Here are some features to look for in a sun hoodie:
UPF
As mentioned earlier, UPF is the measure of how much UV radiation a fabric can block. Look for a sun hoodie that has a UPF of at least 30, meaning it blocks 96.7% of UV rays. However, the higher the UPF, the better. A UPF 50+ sun hoodie is the best choice for maximum protection.
Moisture-wicking
Look for moisture-wicking fabrics that can draw sweat away from your skin and evaporate it quickly. This keeps you cool and dry in hot and humid weather, as well as preventing chafing and irritation caused by damp clothes rubbing against your skin.
Quick Dry
Consider quick-dry fabrics that can dry fast after getting wet from sweat or water. This is important for outdoor activities where you may encounter rain, splashes, or spills. Quick-dry fabrics also prevent odors and bacteria growth that can occur when wet fabrics stay damp for too long.
Lightweight
Choose lightweight fabrics that are thin and airy, making them comfortable to wear in warm weather. Lightweight fabrics also reduce the bulk and weight of your clothing, making it easier to pack and carry.
Comfort
Comfort is subjective, but some factors can affect how comfortable a sun hoodie feels on your skin. Look for a sun hoodie that has a soft and smooth texture, a stretchy and flexible fit, and a tag less and flatlock design that prevents itching and scratching.
Thumb Holes
Thumb holes are openings at the end of the sleeves that allow you to insert your thumbs through them. This helps keep the sleeves in place and covers more of your hands for extra protection. Thumb holes also add warmth and coziness to your sun hoodie.
Pockets
Pockets are useful for storing your essentials such as keys, phone, wallet, or snacks. Look for a sun hoodie with secure and convenient-to-access pockets, such as zippered pockets or kangaroo pockets, to keep your items safe and handy.
Breathability
Ensure the fabric allows air to circulate through it well. This helps regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating or sweating. Breathability also affects how fresh and odor-free your sun hoodie stays after wearing it for a long time.
Sun Hoodie Recommendation
If you're looking for a high-quality sun hoodie that meets all the criteria above, we recommend the Laureate UPF50+ Lightweight Sun Hoodie. This sun hoodie is made of polyester fabric that has a UPF 50+ rating, moisture-wicking technology, quick-dry feature, lightweight construction, comfort design, thumb holes, pockets, and breathability.
The Sun Hoodie is available in various sizes from XS to 3XL, and various colors from white to blue. It has two zippered pockets, an elasticized over-helmet compatible hood, and thumb loops. It also has a stylish and flattering fit suitable for women.
Sun Protection Beyond UPF Clothing
While a sun hoodie is an excellent way to protect your skin from the sun, it is not sufficient on its own. You should also take the following steps to ensure your safety:
Wear sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours or after sweating or swimming. Sunscreen helps protect the parts of your body not covered by your sun hoodie, such as your face, hands, and feet.
Wear sunglasses
Opt for sunglasses with UV protection lenses that can block 99% or more of UVA and UVB rays. They help protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them from sun damage, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and wrinkles.
Seek shade
Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its peak. When you are outside, look for shade under trees, umbrellas, or buildings. Shade can help minimize your UV radiation exposure by up to 50%.
Check the UV index
Before going outside, check the UV index, which measures the intensity of UV radiation at a given time and place. The higher the UV index, the higher the risk of sun damage. You can find the UV index on weather apps or websites or by using a UV meter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a sun hoodie is a must-have item for anyone who enjoys being outside and wants to protect their skin from the sun. A sun hoodie fulfills comfort, style, and benefit while blocking or reflecting the majority of harmful UV radiation. However, not all sun hoodies are made to be equal, so look for one with a high UPF rating, moisture-wicking technology, quick-drying technology, lightweight construction, comfort design, thumb holes, pockets, and breathability.
Remember that a sun hoodie is not enough by itself, and you should also wear sunscreen, and sunglasses, seek shade, and check the UV index to ensure full protection from the sun. By following these tips, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about sun damage.