When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays should be a top priority. While sunscreen is a popular choice, there is another effective line of defense that can provide additional protection: American made sun protective clothing.
With advancements in textile technology, the rise of sun protective clothing (also known as UPF clothing or UV clothing) has gained popularity as a reliable and stylish option for safeguarding your skin. This list of American made clothing for sun protection includes UPF clothing brands in sizes for men, women, and kids and for all seasons.
Sun Protective Clothing Made in the USA
Before delving into the benefits of sun protective clothing and sharing the sources we found for sun protection clothing made in the USA, it is important to understand the distinction between SPF and UPF, as you will see these on labels and in product descriptions.
What is the Difference Between SPF and UPF?
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure commonly used to assess the level of protection provided by sunscreen against UVB (ultraviolet b) rays. On the other hand, UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is a rating system specifically designed for textiles and clothing, indicating the amount of UV radiation that penetrates the fabric and reaches the skin.
While SPF measures the effectiveness of a sunscreen's ability to block UVB rays, UPF evaluates the blocking of both UVA and UVB rays by sun protective clothing. A garment with a UPF rating of 50, for instance, allows only 1/50th of the UV radiation to pass through, offering excellent protection to the covered areas. It is worth noting that higher UPF ratings signify stronger protection. So, when it comes to choosing sun protective clothing, pay attention to the UPF rating to ensure optimal safeguarding of your skin.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Choosing American Made Sun Protective Clothing
Selecting the right sun protective clothing involves considering a few key factors. Here are some important guidelines to help you make an informed choice:
- Look for High UPF Ratings: Opt for clothing items with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. The higher the rating, the more effectively the fabric blocks UV radiation.
- Consider Fabric Type: Fabrics that are tightly woven or knitted tend to offer better protection. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, as well as natural fibers such as cotton and linen, can provide adequate UV protection when woven densely.
- Check for Breathability: While protection is paramount, it's essential to choose garments that offer breathability and moisture-wicking properties. This allows for comfort and helps regulate body temperature, especially during warm weather.
- Seek Coverage: Look for clothing that offers extensive coverage, such as long sleeves, high collars, and longer hems. We should be seeking protection from the suns UV rays all year long, not just in the summer, especially if you work outdoors all year long or enjoy winter outdoor recreation activities. Consider options with built-in features like hoods, gloves, and neck gaiters for added protection.
- Darker Colors and Prints: Dark-colored fabrics and bold prints tend to absorb more UV radiation than lighter colors, providing increased protection. However, all colors can offer UV protection to some extent.
- Don't Forget Accessories: Complement your sun protective clothing with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and sunscreen for exposed areas to ensure comprehensive defense against harmful rays.
Learn the brand story behind Sun50, a made in USA UPF clothing brand we have included in our list, in the YouTube video below.
Benefits Beyond Sun Protection
Apart from shielding your skin from the sun's rays, sun protective clothing offers various other advantages. UPF clothing is convenient, as it doesn't require frequent reapplication like sunscreen does. It also minimizes the risk of missed spots or inadequate coverage. Sun protective clothing is an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive skin, as it reduces direct contact between sunscreen chemicals and the skin, mitigating the chances of irritation or allergic reactions.
Sun protective clothing is not limited to swimwear and activewear! It comes in various styles and designs suitable for everyday wear. From lightweight shirts and pants to stylish dresses and hats, there are numerous fashionable options available that combine protection and style seamlessly. This means you can enjoy outdoor activities while feeling comfortable and looking chic.
In the quest for comprehensive sun protection, sun protective clothing, or UPF clothing, plays a vital role. It offers a tangible and reliable barrier against harmful UV radiation, minimizing the risk of skin damage and potential long-term consequences. By selecting clothing with a high UPF rating, considering fabric type, and ensuring proper coverage, you can enjoy the great outdoors with peace of mind. Embrace the practicality and style of sun protective clothing, and let it become an integral part of your sun safety routine.
Sun Protective Clothing Made in USA: Top Picks
The brands below are listed in alphabetical order. Did we miss a made in USA sun protection clothing brand that you love? Let us know in the comments!
Corbeaux
Corbeaux has a range of performance clothing for men, women, and kids. All items are handmade in Minnesota from sustainable fabrics that range in UPF 15 to UPF 50+. Most of their clothing items are for cooler weather (jackets, hoodies, base layers) but they do have a selection of spring/summer clothing that includes short sleeve top and tank tops.
- Shop Corbeaux at Moosejaw.
- Shop Corbeaux at Amazon.
City Threads
If you are searching for UPF clothing for kids, the City Threads website is a great place to start. City Threads is a leading manufacture of American made clothing for children. They offer a huge selection of UPF 50+ clothing in kids sizes 3-6 months to 16 years old.
Popular City Threads UPF clothing items include long and short sleeve and hoodie rash guards. shorts, leggings, and hats.
- Shop the City Threads Amazon store.
dasFlow
dasFlow high performance athletic wear for men and women is made in Orlando, Florida. These Clothing pieces have both function and style. All pieces have a sun protection of UV 50+. The dasFlow Clothing line includes tank tops, t-shirts, polo shirts, sports bras, leggings, and jackets. Custom apparel, corporate apparel, and wholesale orders are accepted.
- Shop the dasFlow Amazon shop.
Eclipse
Eclipse apparel company manufactures high quality, durable clothing for men, women, and kids. All Eclipse clothing and accessories are made in the USA from sustainable fabrics that have a sun protection of UPF 50+. The clothing line includes sun sleeves, sun gloves, beach cover ups, tops, bottoms, and more.
Buy any 2 items and get a 3rd item free and free shipping on all US orders when purchasing through the Eclipse website. Enter 3for2 at checkout.
- Shop the Eclipse Amazon shop.
FORLOH
FORLOH outdoor gear is 100% designed, sourced, and manufactured in the USA. Not all of FORLOH's clothing line is sun protective, but they offer a large selection of UPF 50+ shorts, pants, shirts, and swimwear for men, women, and youth that is.
- Shop the FORLOH Amazon store.
GO Athletic
GO Athletic has a line of sun protective clothing and accessories for men with UPF 50+. The sun protective clothing includes t-shirt hoodie, compression tank, hats, and gaiters. The camo print is great for hunters.
Heliades
Heliades is a designer sun protective indie clothing brand for women. All fashion pieces are made with UPF 50+. Many accessories like the neck wrap (pictured here), cravat, and scarves are Unisex. Other stylish items available include hoodies and capes.
Jobbeedu
Jobbeedu rash guards and dry shirts are available in unisex, men, women, and children sizes. They specialize in active wear performance clothing for retail stores, athletic teams, work uniforms and lifeguards. All pieces are made in the USA. Private label orders available. The sun protection ranges from UPF 30 to 50+ and sizes go up to 4XL.
Montauk Tackle Co.
Montauk Tackle Co. sun protective clothing for men and women is of classic American design. This performance clothing is perfect for those who spend time on the water and time outdoors. The Montauk Tackle Co. UPF 50+ clothing line includes shirts and shorts in sizes for both men and women. NOTE: The fleece hoodies are not made in the USA.
Ocean Tec
Ocean Tec sun protective clothing for men, women, and kids is inspired by simplicity, and those who enjoy immersing themselves in the elements. The colleciton includes rash guards, and light weight hoodies and tees in sizes for all. Ocean Tec also has leggings in women sizes and toddler swim onesies. The sun protection for most items is UPF 50+. The unisex long sleeve bamboo hoodies (pictured) are UPF 30+.
- Shop the Ocean Tec Amazon store.
Solumbra® by Sun Precautions
All of Solumbra's sun protective clothing for men women and kids- including the fabric hats- are sewn in Seattle. All of the Solumbra® athletic and every day wear clothing is made with 100 SPF fabrics. The Solumbra® clothing line is the most extensive of all the companies on this list. The men's clothing is unisex and includes button down shirts, jackets, surf wear, cargo pants, tailored pants and more. For women there are button down tops and tunics, dresses, t-shirts, swimwear, leggings, pants, and more. The kids collection includes shirts, tunics, swim shirts and more.
Tuga
Tuga focuses on high quality sun protective swimwear UPF 50+ for the whole family. The Tuga line of swimwear includes snorkel wear, surf wear and beach clothing in sizes and styles for men, women, and kids. Plus sizes are available.
The Tuga website sells other brands of clothing (besides their own brand) that are not American made. The 'Check It' button below will bring you directly to the clothing that is made in the USA.
- Shop the Made in USA Tuga Amazon store.
Victory Koredry
Victory Koredry UPF 50+ sun protective clothing is milled and made in the USA. Victory focuses on high quality, affordable, active clothing for men, women, and youth. They specialize in SUP, fishing, surf, diving, snorkeling, and beach wear.
Note: The cover photo and pinable image is a stock photo. Similar clothing items can be found by the brands Solumbra and Sun50, both of which are included in the list.
Have you visited our Made in USA Shopping District? It is the place to start your shopping when you want to find the best of American-made.
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I live in FL where can I walk into a store and try these clothes on?
Hi Jill- If there is a certain brand that you are interested in, you can contact the company directly and they can let you know if there is a retailer near you that carries their product.