UV Protection in Swimwear: What You Need to Know
We all know to apply sunscreen before heading to the beach — but did you know your swimwear itself can offer a powerful layer of UV protection? At Naluza, many of our sustainable swimwear pieces are designed with built-in UV protection, giving you an extra shield against the sun's harmful rays. Here's what you need to know.
What Is UPF and Why Does It Matter?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor — the fabric equivalent of SPF in sunscreen. While SPF measures protection from UVB rays only, UPF measures protection from both UVA and UVB rays, making it a more comprehensive measure of sun safety.
- UPF 15–24: Good protection
- UPF 25–39: Very good protection
- UPF 40–50+: Excellent protection (blocks 97.5%+ of UV radiation)
Standard cotton T-shirts typically offer only UPF 5–10 when wet. Purpose-built swimwear fabrics can offer UPF 50+ — a significant difference when you're spending hours in the sun.
How Does UV-Protective Swimwear Work?
UV protection in swimwear comes from two main sources:
- Fabric construction: Tightly woven or knitted fabrics leave less space for UV rays to pass through.
- Fibre type: Synthetic fibres like recycled polyester and nylon naturally absorb and block UV radiation more effectively than natural fibres like cotton or linen.
This is one reason why our EcoSense and EcoWave fabrics — made from recycled polyester and ocean-rescued fibres — offer excellent UV protection as a natural benefit of their construction.
UV Protection and Sustainability: A Natural Pairing
One of the beautiful things about sustainable swimwear fabrics is that their performance benefits and eco credentials often go hand in hand. Recycled polyester and nylon fibres are not only better for the planet — they're also inherently more UV-resistant than many conventional alternatives.
Our Amni Soul Eco biodegradable nylon, for example, combines a silky luxurious feel with strong UV-blocking properties — so you can look great, feel comfortable, and stay protected.
Tips for Maximising Sun Protection at the Beach
Even with UV-protective swimwear, a layered approach to sun safety is always best:
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to all exposed skin, including areas not covered by your swimsuit.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Seek shade during peak UV hours (typically 10am–4pm).
- Consider a UV-protective cover-up for extra protection when out of the water.
Explore Our UV-Protective Styles
Browse our Coastal Paradise and Oceanic Elegance collections to discover swimwear that combines sun protection with sustainable luxury. Whether you're after a classic one-piece, a bikini, or a resort cover-up, Naluza has you covered — literally.
Sun safety and sustainability — because looking after yourself and the planet should always go together.
