Sheila (left), Hunza G
Celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Anne Hathaway are increasingly hitting the beach in full coverage, sun protective swimwear. Whether or not anti-ageing, pale skin, or health concerns are the motivation for donning a long-sleeve one-piece, the truth is: UPF50 swimwear is just good for your skin.
Australians tend to understand that actual sun safety goes beyond a film of sunscreen and a cute hat. It’s surprising then that women aren’t embracing UPF swimwear—especially with increasingly stylish options available.
“UPF swimwear is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to protect our skin from UV damage, which contributes to both skin cancer and premature skin ageing,” explains Queensland-based dermatologist, Dr Leona Yip.
“Unlike sunscreen, which needs regular reapplication, protective swimwear provides a physical barrier over the skin it covers. And let’s face it, most of us aren’t particularly diligent about reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially when we’re outdoors for prolonged periods.”
Once upon a time, ‘rashies’—i.e. long-sleeved swim shirts—were not considered the pinnacle of beach style for adult women. However, whether it’s the celebrity endorsements (thank you, Nic) or a growing emphasis on sun protection, we’re re-evaluating this vital swimsuit design.
“UPF swimwear is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to protect our skin from UV damage, which contributes to both skin cancer and premature skin ageing.”
Dr Leona Yip, Dermatologist
To my surprise, plenty of stylish swimwear brands are now using UPF50 fabrics in their construction. While long-sleeve swimwear is important for the best sun protection, you can also improve the UV-protective quality of your regular swimsuit by shopping from a brand that uses UPF materials. Now, for the important questions…
What Is UPF Swimwear?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it’s the measure of how well fabrics block UV rays. Where the term SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is applied to sunscreen, UPF is applied to textiles.
UPF is evaluated in regard to the tightness of the weave and how much UV light can physically get through the fabric, fibre composition and its UV reflective capabilities, and other treatments in the dying and manufacturing process that can help in blocking UV rays.
Is There A Difference Between UV-Protective and UPF50+ Swimwear?
Yes, there is a difference between claims of ‘UV Protection’ and ‘UPF50+ Swimwear’. “It’s an important distinction,” Dr Yip says. “‘UV-protective’ is a broad description, whereas UPF50+ is a specific, tested rating indicating that the fabric blocks at least 98% of UV radiation under standard test conditions.
“Think of UPF as the clothing equivalent of SPF in sunscreen. The higher the rating, the greater the UV protection. I would recommend looking for UPF50+ rather than relying on vague marketing claims about UV protection.”
What To Look For In UPF50+ Swimwear
Dr Yip recommends looking beyond the UPF factor, and considering coverage as well. “Long sleeves, higher necklines and designs that cover more skin provide better overall protection. A UPF50+ bikini might have excellent fabric protection, but it’s not doing much for the skin it doesn’t cover!” she explains.
“Look for a comfortable fit that doesn’t overstretch the fabric, as stretching can reduce UV protection,” Dr Yip adds. “Also consider whether the material maintains its protection when wet, as not all fabrics perform equally in water.”
Finally, Dr Yip reminds that UPF swimwear does not replace sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and seeking shade for effective sun protection.
The Best UPF Swimwear For Women To Shop In Australia
The Acqua Brand
Sydney-made swimwear label The Acqua Brand makes a range of stylish and comfortable UPF50+ swimwear for Australian women. The fabrics are sourced from Italy to craft pieces that feel luxe, and offer a more glamorous aesthetic than typical sun-protective swimwear. “Protection is fundamental to what we make, but so is the way a woman feels when she puts it on,” the brand’s founder, Allyson Poetscher, shares. “The aim was always to create pieces you would choose to wear regardless of the UPF50+ rating, the protection is simply built in.”
THE ACQUA BRAND
Zip Rash Guard
THE ACQUA BRAND
High-Waist Bikini Brief
THE ACQUA BRAND
Classic Rashguard
THE ACQUA BRAND
Zip Short Sleeve Rash Guard
Une Piece
If you’re a fan of Nine Perfect Strangers and want to know where Nicole Kidman got her luxe-looking, long-sleeve, white swim shirt—it’s from Australian label Une Piece. Famous for designing ‘The Original Sexie Rashie’, Une Piece is serious about crafting sun-protective swimwear that looks good. Made from sustainable fabrics with UPF50+ rating, this luxury label is the perfect combination of practicality and style. Also available at The Iconic.
UNE PIECE
Original Sexie Rashie One Piece Swimsuit
UNE PIECE
Crinkle Cut Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit
UNE PIECE
Classic Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit
UNE PIECE
Textured Classic Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit
Bondi Born
Australian swimwear brand Bondi Born has three patented fabrications, all of which offer UPF50+ protection. Added bonus: Their Italian-made swimwear is designed to last up to 10x longer than standard swimwear fabrics, and also have sustainability certifications. The brand offers a range of timeless bikinis and one-piece swimsuits in UPF fabrics, plus a long-sleeve option for optimal protection. Also available at The Iconic.
BONDI BORN
Parker Long Sleeve One Piece
BONDI BORN
Clemence One Piece
BONDI BORN
Hayden Bikini Top
BONDI BORN
Jayde Bikini Bottom
Hunza G
Hunza G is a London based swimwear brand with a range of UPF swimsuits and clothing. They offer sleeveless and long-sleeve one-piece suits, UPF50+ sarongs, hats and shorts in fashion-forward designs.
HUNZA G
Tyra UPF 50+ Swim – Cornflower
HUNZA G
Katya UPF 50+ Swim
HUNZA G
Tyra UPF 50+ Swim – Black
HUNZA G
Short UPF Sarong
Sheila
Sheila is a California-designed, Australian-made swimwear label, with a broad range of UPF50+ swimsuits. Ranging from you regular one piece bathers, to sporty options with shorts, and long-sleeve swim shirts, the brand has sun protection swimwear at the fore. The swimwear is made from OEKO-TEX and GRS-certified fabrics (including recycled nylon sourced from ocean plastics and fishing nets), and also come in a broad size range of XS-XXL (AU 6-24). Want some celebrity credentials? The Sheila Cate Rash Guard won a ‘Swim O-Ward’ from Oprah.
SHEILA
Cate Rash Guard
SHEILA
Mina One Piece
SHEILA
Nellie Scoop Bikini Top
SHEILA
Grace Mini Swim Short
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