5 stylish hats and tees with UV protection to prevent sun damage

Fend against harmful sun exposure with these wearable sunscreen options.
Image: Harry Choi /TongRo Images /Corbis

It’s hard to forget how those harmful UV rays can age your skin, cause dark spots and yes, potentially cause skin cancer, yet most of us still find it hard to remember to apply and re-apply event the right amount of sunscreen; which is why “wearable” sunscreen options can be so handy.

We’re talking about clothing, swimwear and other fashion accessories that have UV protection; some of these pieces even have certified ratings of up to UPF 50. Although the clothes that you wear do offer some degree of UV protection by virtue of shielding your skin from the sun, there are specialised lifestyle and sportswear brands that produce outdoor-friendly fashion items that offer a little more sun protection. Plus, you can re-wear everything for your next outdoor or sports activity. (Of course, it’s still no excuse to do away with slathering on sunscreen!)

Whether you’re off on a trip soon to Bali, Boracay, or just planning to be outside in the summer sun for a while, be sure to have at least one of these handy fashion pieces in your wardrobe.

1. THE SWIMSUIT
Stylish finds from swimwear brands Orlebar Brown make for great quick-drying, UV protective pieces, without looking the least bit frumpy.

Orlebar Brown UPF50+ protection polyester blend one-piece, $196.53 from Net-A-Porter

Orlebar Brown UPF50+ protection polyester blend one-piece, $197.10 from Net-A-Porter

2. THE TEE-SHIRT
Pack at least one of these for your beach vacation. Athletic brands like Under Armour do offer select styles with UV protection of up to UPF 50.

Polyester blend top, $69 from Under Armour

3. THE PARKA, HOODIE OR SWEATER

Polyester blend hoodie, $89 Under Armour

Don’t let cloudy days and cooler temperatures fool you into doing without sunscreen or long-sleeved pieces. If you’re travelling to cooler temperate (but still sunny!) destinations, do pack at least one of these UV-protective finds to prevent that painful sunburn.  

Foldable polyester jacket, $29.90 and cotton sweater, $9.90, both from Uniqlo

4. THE HAT

UV cut straw hat, $14.90 from Uniqlo

Be it a visor or straw hat, don’t leave home without at least one of these on. Read our hat style guide, for more shopping tips.

5. THE SUNGLASSES OR CONTACT LENSES
While we won’t recommend doing without your requisite pair of sunnies for summer, it’s good to know that there are UV-blocking contact lenses that you can wear too. These SEED x heroine cosmetic lenses give the appearance of larger pupils, while offering UV protection as well.

Seed x heroine make 1-Day UV contact lens, $62 for a box of 30 lenses. Get it from these authorised retailers.

Mystic Vintage UV acetate sunglasses, $280 from She Shops The Online Store

Stick to the basics with this easy packing list. We share the 7 must-haves for your next beach vacation. Get your tresses holiday-ready too, to look always selfie-ready; .