How do you know if your shirt is thick enough to protect against the sun?

I often go outdoors to deliver goods, wear a tight shirt but still worry about not being covered enough. How do I know if my shirt is thick enough to protect me from the sun? (Hoa, 22 years old, Hanoi).

Reply:

Hot weather, UV rays at dangerous levels for the skin make you feel hot, tired, uncomfortable. To protect your skin, you should pay attention to choosing clothes, sun-protective skirts, long-sleeved jackets to cover and avoid sunlight from penetrating.

To know if the clothes are thick enough to block the sun, you can use a flashlight to shine light. If no light can penetrate the fabric of the shirt, then you can rest assured that it is sufficiently protected from the sun.

The second way is to check by holding the shirt up to the light. If light can see through the shirt, then UV radiation can also pass through and affect the skin. Usually, dark-colored shirts absorb more heat but have better UV protection than light-colored shirts.

In addition, some clothing brands have a UPF label, which indicates exactly how much sunlight the clothing can block, helping you protect your skin in summer weather. The higher the UPF index, the less light will hit your skin. Choose satin or cotton shirts to create a more comfortable and pleasant feeling when wearing. Choose clothes that fit your body, not too loose or too tight.

In addition, you should wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to ensure coverage on your face, neck and chest. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30-50. You can take sunscreen pills to protect your skin. Drink plenty of water and avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time.

Dr. Le Vi Anh
Department of Dermatology - Dermatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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