Dress for Sun Success!

Some manufacturers today include an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) number on the label. UPF labels indicate how much of the sun's UVR is absorbed by the product's fabric.

For instance, a hat with a UPF of 50 allows just 1/50th of the sun's UVR to reach the skin. To receive The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, sun-protective fabrics must have a UPF of 30 or higher.

Even if your hat doesn't have a UPF label, you can up your protection factor by choosing headgear wisely. Look for hats with:

Wide Brims: Hats with at least a 3"-brim encircling the circumference protect the face, ears, and neck. Examples include the bucket, cowboy, outback, and Panama.

Curved Shapes: Look for hats that follow the contours of the head and neck.

Dark Colors: Dark or bright colored hats absorb UVR better than paler colors.

Opaque Materials: The denser the fabric, the higher the UPF. Look for closed-weave fabrics or tightly-woven straw.

For a list of companies that manufacture clothing and hats that carry The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, go to http://www.skincancer.org/, then click on RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS, then click on CLOTHING & FABRICS.