When it comes to sun protection, there’s no denying that UPF sun-rated clothing can be significantly more expensive than your average T-shirt. This can be frustrating for those looking to guard themselves from the sun while on a budget.
While it may be annoying that UPF clothing is relatively pricey, it’s not a scam – sun protection clothes really do work, and there’s a reason why sun protective clothing is so expensive.
Basically, it’s due to the fact that the materials used are much higher quality than your standard fabrics. But there’s a bit more it than just that..
Why is So Protective Clothing So Expensive, Exactly?
So, what exactly makes sun protective clothing so expensive? Let’s take a look at a few of the factors:
- The fabric: Sun protective clothing is typically made from more premium, higher-quality materials that are designed to block out the sun’s harmful UV rays. These fabrics can be costly, especially compared to the cheaper materials used to make fast fashion clothing.
- The construction: Sun protective clothing is made with a much tighter weave than standard clothing. This tight weave is what helps block out the sun so well, but also results in more material being used to make the clothing, resulting in a higher price tag.
- The treatments: In order to achieve a high UPF rating, some fabrics undergo a special treatment process, such as when a layer of zinc oxide is infused into the material. These processes can add to the cost of the clothing.
While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, it’s important to remember that the quality of the materials and construction is significantly higher than your average piece of clothing.
At the end of the day, sun protective clothing is an investment. While it’s a shame that the clothing is so pricey, you’ll have to spend money to protect your skin regardless, whether you opt for UPF clothing or sunscreen. At least with sun protective clothing, you can reuse the clothing more than once!
