By RADL Wire Editorial Staff
You wouldn’t forget sunscreen on a day at the beach—but would your apparel pass the sun safety test? As outdoor sports like pickleball, tennis, and padel surge in popularity, our clothing during play is undergoing a quiet revolution. The acronym to know isn’t SPF, it’s UPF.
And the timing couldn’t be more relevant: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a national initiative that reminds us just how pervasive and preventable sun-related skin damage can be. With 1 in 5 Americans expected to develop skin cancer by age 70, retailers and pro shops have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to make sun protection part of the apparel conversation.
UPF, Not SPF: Understanding the Difference
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, has been drilled into us by dermatologists for decades. And for good reason. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with 1 in 5 Americans expected to develop it by age 70. UV radiation—whether the skies are sunny or overcast—is the #1 cause. Sunscreen remains critical, but clothing has become the first—and often forgotten—line of defense.
That’s where the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) comes in. Unlike SPF, which measures the time sunscreen protects your skin, UPF measures how much UV radiation penetrates fabric. A shirt rated UPF 50 allows only 1/50th of UV rays to pass through. Every day clothing might offer some incidental protection, but it is inconsistent and unreliable. UPF-rated garments provide a measurable, durable defense.
Why Buyers Should Pay Attention
Today’s aging but active consumers are becoming savvier. Sun sensitivity, cumulative UV damage, and dermatologist recommendations have prompted more shoppers to scrutinize labels for UPF ratings. Pro shops and retailers that fail to stock sun-protective apparel risk falling behind health trends and customer expectations.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UPF 30- 50+ is the gold standard, and demand is being driven by
- Greater public awareness of UV risk.
- Dermatologist endorsements of UPF clothing for athletes, children, and outdoor professionals.
- Advances in fabric technology make it possible to blend breathability, style, and UV blocking into a single garment.
Unlike sunscreen, UPF protection doesn’t need reapplication. And while some treatments may degrade after many washes, most reputable UPF brands now engineer durability into the fabric.
Here’s Why Regular Clothing Isn’t Always Sun-Protective:
- Fabric type matters: Thin, loosely woven, or light-colored fabrics (like white cotton T-shirts) often let UV rays pass through. A typical white T-shirt has a UPF of around 5–10, which blocks only 10–20% of UV rays.
- Fit and stretch: Tight or stretched fabric reduces protection by exposing more skin and opening the weave.
- Wetness: Wet fabric can dramatically lower protection (e.g., a wet cotton shirt may offer low UPF).
UPF Brands Leading the Charge
More and more activewear manufacturers are incorporating UPF protection and labeling to address the growing need for UPF-certified apparel. When updating your summer apparel assortment, consider UV-protective activewear brands that blend performance with protection. Several standout brands that have prioritized skin safety, performance, and style include:
BloqUV
100% focused on sun protection, every garment is UPF 50+. Designed with racquet sports in mind, BloqUV’s moisture-wicking, lightweight fabrics appeal to tennis and pickleball players alike. Their sleek sun sleeves and zip-tops are popular in sun soaked markets like Florida and California.
SanSoleil
Known for its zip mock tops and long-sleeve polos, SanSoleil’s UPF 50+ apparel is a staple for golf and racquet sport retailers. Its “SolCool” and “SolShine” collections cater to warm climates with cooling and sun-safe technology.
Swinton Pickleball
An up-and-coming lifestyle brand with pickleball at its core, Swinton offers performance tees and zip hoodies with UPF 50+, without compromising on their signature breathable, lightweight design.
Coolibar
Coolibar is a medically recommended brand, with clothing approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation and UPF 50+ protection guaranteed for life. Their ZnO™ fabric embeds zinc oxide directly into the fibers, offering a soft, cotton-like feel with serious sun-blocking capability. The brand’s sport line is a hit with tennis and pickleball enthusiasts.
IBKÜL
Popular in resort and country club shops, IBKÜL combines fashion-forward prints with ICEFIL® cooling tech and UPF 50+ protection. Their mesh-vented long sleeves and mock necks are flattering and functional, especially for women players.
Tommy Bahama IslandZone®
Blending laid-back luxury with practical protection, IslandZone® apparel offers UPF 30 to 50+ across polos, performance tees, and pullovers. Moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties make them ideal for travel and court sports, now a staple in more elevated resort pro shops.
Selkirk’s Owen Collection
Built by pickleball players, for pickleball players, the Selkirk Owen Collection features hoodies, long sleeves, tanks, and shorts with UPF 50+ tech fabrics. The line’s combination of durability, sun safety, and performance styling positions it well for on-court wear and lifestyle crossover appeal.
Sun Sleeves & Accessories
Don’t overlook accessories like sun sleeves, a trending product in men’s activewear. PGA star Justin Thomas, who faced a skin cancer scare early in his career, launched WearSPF, which includes high-performance sun sleeves to supplement short-sleeve polos—ideal for golf and pickleball crossover markets.
Summer Stock
As summer heats up, buyers and retailers should prioritize sun protection as a functional feature, not just a bonus. Consumers are asking more thoughtful questions, reading tags, and increasingly choosing brands that deliver UV safety without sacrificing comfort or style.
Stocking UPF-rated apparel positions your pro shop as both performance-forward and health-conscious—a win for your customers and their skin. Sun safety isn’t just a trend; it’s a shift in expectations. Make sure your racks reflect it.
