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Sun Protection from Patagonia

Here in Texas we have great respect for the power of the Sun. We see sunshine for most of the year, and in summer the Sun can be fierce. Sun protection is something we take very seriously. Sunglasses, UPF clothing, hats and sunblock are the key elements in the on-going fight to preserve us from the ultraviolet rays of the Sun.

What exactly is UPF clothing? UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Clothing with a UPF rating of 40 to 50+ blocks 97.5 to 98% of Ultraviolet rays. Some fabrics offer natural protection like dark colored denim and sturdy cottons, but they can be too heavy to wear comfortably in hot weather.  UPF shirts, pants and jackets are lightweight and much cooler to wear and are a favorite with folks who spend hours on the water or out on the trail. They’re also loved by travelers. These lightweight pants, shirts and jackets pack small, are easily washed and dried overnight, and offer sun protection during hours of sightseeing.

Today, we’re focusing on UPF clothing from Patagonia. We like to think of UPF clothing as sun protection that won’t wear off like sunscreens do. Depending on the degree of protection required, Patagonia has several strategies for creating UPF fabrics: yarn selection, fabric construction or fabric finishes.  Alone or in combination they add sun protection to shirts, pants, jackets and more. 

Patagonia Women’s Quandary Pants are technical pants made from lightweight, stretchy 95% nylon (65% recycled) and 5% spandex with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. The pants provide 50+ UPF sun protection, are gusseted, have articulated knees for mobility and the legs can be rolled up and secured to a capri length. There’s an abundance of pockets, both secured and drop-in. Take these pants traveling, into wild or out on boat, and your legs will be protected from the Sun.

Heading into hot and humid weather but need keep covered up? Patagonia Women’s Tropic Comfort Hoody is lightweight and made of stretchy, fast-drying, breathable, recycled polyester jersey with permanent odor control and 50+ UPF sun protection. The hood is roomy enough to cover not only your head, but a baseball cap as well. The high neck offers extra coverage and thumb holes provide protection for the backs of your hands. There’s also a rear security pocket for small essentials. Take this hoody out on the water or anywhere you need extra protection from the Sun.

Patagonia designed the Men’s Long Sleeved Sol Patrol II Shirt for tropical fishing and traveling. The fabric is a lightweight, quick-drying 100% polyester (45% recycled) ripstop with 50+ UPF sun protection. The collar can be flipped up to offer extra protection for the back of the neck. Cooling mesh fabric at the center back and side vents let in the breeze, helping to keep you cool even in the muggiest conditions. You’ll have two button chest pockets and an inset zippered pocket for essentials. And your sleeves can be rolled up and secured with tabs.

If you’re looking for sun protection with the comfort of a crew, consider the Patagonia Men’s Tropic Comfort Crew II. Picture yourself out on the water on a hot, sunny day. This 100% polyester(50% recycled) shirt is fast-drying, stretches when you do, provides 50+ UPF sun protection, wicks away perspiration and keeps you fresh with permanent odor control. The fit is relaxed with underarm gussets for easy movement and longer sleeves with thumbholes for extra protection for the back of your hands.

Sun protection for the youngest among us is a must in Texas. When the days are bright and sunny, it’s only natural for kids to want to play outdoors, and we need to protect their tender skin from danger of ultraviolet rays. The Patagonia Baby and Toddler Capilene Silkweight Sun Hoody is a lightweight, pullover hoody with 50+ UPF sun protection made of a soft, durable blend of polyester (35% recycled) and spandex. The hoody is comfortable and has an inset neck panel, wide hem and long cuffs, all for extra coverage.

And finally, a sun hat, as one of our buyers likes to describe it, is a shade tree you can wear. The Patagonia Tech Sun Booney Hat is cool and lightweight. It’s made of 100% polyester ripstop that dries fast and is so lightweight you may forget you have it on. Its wide brim protects your ears and is sturdy enough to stand up to wind and being packed in your travel bag. It also has a chin strap to keep it on your head where it belongs instead of floating overboard or sailing off the side of a cliff.