Sunscreen is only one item in the tool box when it comes to sun protection, and as a body sunscreen hater (yup, I finally admitted it) I decided to try some UV protection clothing. Here’s my Uniqlo UV protection clothes review!
The tool box of sun protection
Michelle made this awesome graphic that tells you the most important thing: seeking shade/sun avoidance; hats, glasses and parasols; protective clothing AND SPF are the holy foursome of effective sun protection. Some of those are more doable than others (I did an overview last year here), and they all come with pros and cons. I personally feel that a combo of all of these give me a bit of leeway with sloppy applications of SPF and so on. But then I’m a person who naturally avoids the sun and will be moaning continuously when it’s over 30 degrees. Your personal mileage may vary.
Last year, when it got hot very early in the year and stayed that way over here, when UV protection clothing came to my mind it was with a side of OMGno. My main concern was the amount of heat – I was hot enough as it were and emphatically didn’t even want to think about leggings and long-sleeved anything. Now, that I’ve tried Uniqlo’s AIRism line, my mind is changed (a bit. You’ll see.).
UPF – Ultraviolet Protection Factor
Clothes with an UPF label aren’t treated with any kind of sunscreen filter. (UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor, btw. Clothes with an UPF label are undergoing a standardized test, much like SPF is tested.) They get their UPF mainly from the fabric used and the weave of the fabric. Synthetic fabrics (especially polyester blends) with a tight weave in a dark colour are best. Sometimes fabrics are treated with UV-absorbing technology. Regular clothing, like your regular light cotton T-Shirts usually have an UPF far below 15. (Michelle, of course, has an excellent post about UPF.)
What it is
As mentioned before, UV protection clothing isn’t really a big thing in Europe I feel. Outdoor activity stores might have some, but generally, it’s hard to find cute things. Even Uniqlo itself doesn’t stock the same amount of UV protection clothes as in other countries. Right now, there’s a parka, a cropped cardigan, leggings, a jacket and two hats. Which is a bit sad. (Here and here are some other options.)
Still, I bought the ‘AIRism UV Protection Pocketed Soft Leggings’ and the ‘Mesh Zip-Up Hoodie’ with the brands ‘AIRism UV protection’ technology, meaning the fabric both stays cool and protects from UV rays.
Uniqlo UV protection clothes review: What it does
As mentioned above, dark fabrics with a tight weave are best for sun protection (think jeans). Uniqlo claims that’s different for their fabrics due to fabrics being treated with materials that both absorb and block UV rays. That results in clothes “(…) featuring protection ratings from UPF15 to UPF50, even in pale spring and summer colors (…)“.
The protection is relatively safe even if you throw the garment into the wash:
“We have verified that the effectiveness of UNIQLO UV Protection products does not decrease after 10 washes. For fabrics that absorb UV rays, the effect may gradually decrease after several years of repeated washing. For fabrics that reflect UV rays, the reflective material is blended into the fibers to physically reflect UV rays, so they do not lose their UV blocking effect. However, as the garment loses its shape with repeated washing and wear, the UV protection effect may be reduced due to thinning of the fibers.”
Uniqlo
The AIRism technology means that the garment stays cool and fresh: AIRism fabrics come with “quick-drying DRY technology” and “Cool Touch function”.
“High-rise leggings, thick enough to wear on their own. Smooth, comfortable feel. UPF 50+.”
“- AIRism fabric with a matte texture.
– With added stretch.
– UV protection feature.
– With handy side pockets.
– High-waist design hides the navel.
– Versatile leggings suitable for yoga, sports, outdoor pursuits, relaxation, or casual wear”
“- Smooth ‘AIRism’ fabric.
– With DRY technology, Cool Touch, UV Protection, and deodorizing functions.
– Made with recycled polyester.
– Pocketable design.
– Drawstring added to make the hood adjustable.
– Revised length for easy styling.
– Designed to be packable from the rear pocket, so it easily fits in your bag.
– Slightly relaxed cut.
– Ideal for sports, leisure, or casual wear.”
I paid around $30 for each item – look for sales when they will be 50% off. I found it true to size. The labels in both items said UPF40+.
My experience
It bears repeating that I hate to use body sunscreen, and that has mainly to do with the fact that all sunscreens stain clothes, and I wear mostly white in summer. I will invariably end up with yellowed sleeves, collars etc. If I can get around that and still be protected – that would be awesome.
When I went on vacation to Spain recently (that’s where most pics come from in this post), the conditions to test both items were perfect. I’ve to admit that I wore the leggings only on transit days, which – I know! – kinda defeats the purpose, but then my style isn’t sporty and I’m not the type to traipse around ancient palaces in leggings and a hoodie.
While the leggings are super comfortable, stretchy but sturdy, they’re treading the fine line between lightweight and breathable clothing for high temperatures, and being a comfy legging. For my taste, they’re too thick for high temps, but then, if they were made from lighter fabric, I wouldn’t want to wear them.
Uniqlo UV protection clothes review: Worth it?
I come to UV protection clothing as a regular Middle European person. I do know that in other parts of the world it’s completely usual to wear long-sleeved clothes no matter the temperature, but I personally do think that warm weather starts at around 18 degrees Celsius. Which means that my tolerance for adding additional layers is quite low.
Nevertheless: the Uniqlo pieces were easy to wear up to around 28 degrees in which we were out and about and sightseeing and wandering around very hilly streets. Would I want to go hiking in them in summer? Debatable.
Now, the main point: sun protection. I wore the hoodie on long days when I was out in the sun from morning till late afternoon. I didn’t tan one bit. Not at all. My husband, my control group, used sunscreen on his arms (his application is usually sloppy) and DID tan.
I’d wish Uniqlo would offer smarter styles over here, though. I wouldn’t have felt out of place in stylish Spain in leggings and a long-sleeved white shirt, but the hoodie reads very athleisure to me.
So here’s the deal: for some situations, this is a good sunscreen alternative. As all sun protection measures, it has limits. It’s up to you to find the one that suits you best.
Price & Availability
I got the hoodie in Yellow in L, the leggings in navy in L at the Uniqlo website. I paid around $30 for each item, but prices differ from regions and sales.
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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