Sources for Ultra Violent Protective Clothing

[Datsdad]

I'm looking for sources for cycling clothing which offers a UV rating. Any guidance will be appreciated.

Thanks,
David

[indyfabz]

I prefer non-violent clothing. 

Here is an article I found by Googling "upf cycling clothing." The search also returned links for specific items.

http://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/apparel/the-upf-gear-you-need-to-avoid-sunburns-while-riding/slide/8

[Datsdad]

Thanks for information and pointing errors of my ways...

[Pat Lamb]

Call me old-fashioned, but I have had a farmer's tan pretty much every summer I've spent on this earth, and to the best of my knowledge, I've never worn any ultraviolet protective clothing until the last two years.  I tried some sun sleeves (Pearl Izumi and Voler), and they worked.  I'll note that when the temperature gets over 80-85F at home (where it's humid), sun sleeves are too warm for me so they come off and sunscreen goes on.

So, IME, just about any shirt or shorts block UV to the point I don't get sunburn or even tanned.  The only exception is a shirt that had holes punched in it for ventilation; but even with that, the holes were small enough, and the shirt flapped enough, that it was more of a very light tan than a burn.

Bottom line: UV protective clothing is marketing hooey.

[RussSeaton]

Don't know if its possible or not to change the TITLE of your post.  But if possible, please change the TITLE to "Ultra Violet".  Not ultra VIOLENT.

[hon_cho]

Last summer I purchased a Bellwether Men's Sunscreen UV Long Sleeve Jersey.  I liked it enough to buy a second one.   They are available on Ebay for only $23 shipped (in USA) from Bikewagon.   I purchased the XL jerseys because reviews said they ran small in size.   Also,  they are only available in white and hi vis yellow.  As I dislike logo and advertising laden jerseys,  I have no complaints about the plain unadorned fabric. 

Still need to use sunscreen on my hands, face, neck and legs.   

Good luck. 

[johnsondasw]

I just use regular biking jerseys, shorts, etc, and sunscreen--every time I go out in the sun season.  I also get checked by a dermatologist twice a year.  I get in trouble if I don't, b/c my daughter is a dermatologist.  I have had two basal cell skin cancers removed, which puts me at higher risk for the scary ones--melanomas.  They must be found and removed as they tend to metastasize (spread) to other organs and can therefore be fatal.   

[DaveB]

When I saw the title of this thread my first thought was to recommend a suit of armor. 

[Nard]

I bought a bright orange and yellow green long sleeve t shirt from Amazon, made by Hanes. These are SPF 50, bright colored, wash out easy, light for wearing in hot weather( have used it in 90 degree days), and I never want to wear a cotton long sleeve or short sleeve t shirt again. Love thess and they cost 10.00 each.

[canalligators]

...Bottom line: UV protective clothing is marketing hooey.

I disagree.  I have no doubt that it works, but the situations where you can wear it comfortably have their limits.  Too hot/humid and you'll steam yourself.

[John Grossbohlin]

I'm looking for sources for cycling clothing which offers a UV rating. Any guidance will be appreciated.

Thanks,
David

I equipped my son and I with long sleeve U/A shirts with a rating of 50+ UPF for our last trip. For example https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/pid1290532-789. Contrary to usual cycling practice the shirts were oversize so they fit loose. The loose fit made them very comfortable even in high humidity. We also wore Adventure Cycling Association Protech Caps. This made a huge difference for me as I burned pretty badly on prior long trips despite applying sunscreen repeatedly.

I'm now a firm believer in covering up as I had basil cell carcinoma (skin cancer) removed from my neck. My primary damaging exposure came from decades of cycling.  I also have a very close friend who is dealing with melanoma (bad skin cancer)... After the cancer was cut out of several locations on her body she was left with several hundred stitches and now has disfiguring scars. Thankfully she had bad chigger bites that led her to see a dermatologist. It was fortunate as the cancer had already progressed to at least stage 3 without her even knowing she had it. If it weren't for the chigger bites it may have killed her... She will have to undergo testing for cancer for the rest of her life not only to detect more skin cancer but to make sure it didn't spread to other organs.

Cover up...