Study Aug 4, 2023: Clothes as sun protection
- surprise. synthetic fiber in black (!):
Not even in midsummer: Why you shouldn't bathe in a
T-shirt
(orig. German: Auch im Hochsommer nicht: Warum du nicht
mit T-Shirt baden solltest)
https://www.blick.ch/life/gesundheit/auch-im-hochsommer-nicht-warum-du-nicht-mit-t-shirt-baden-solltest-id18804310.html
Apply sun cream only on exposed body parts, this is often
not enough. Dermatologist Mrs. Marianne Meli explains
which textiles protect how well against UV rays. And what
happens if they get wet.
Valentin Rubin - Editor Service
Which clothing offers the best sun protection?
Clothes made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon,
elastane or viscose offer the best sun protection, says
Marianne Meli (41), medical director of dermatology and
venereology at the Dermanence dermatology practice in
Zurich. "Synthetic fibers can be woven more densely than
cotton, linen or silk. This means they absorb more UV
radiation." In addition to the type of fiber, the color of
the clothing is also important, says the expert: “Black
fabric protects better than white.” The reason: sunlight is
absorbed by dark color pigments. Light color pigments in the
fabric reflect the light. “UV rays then still reach the
skin, which can lead to damage.”
