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This article was taken from the June 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
Keep cool in the heat with built-in sunblock clothing
How we tested
In the absence of actual sunshine in the UK, we exposed these garments to solar radiation using a megaSun 6800 tanning bed.
A colour-coded UV-sensitive test card was placed inside each garment to measure how much UV radiation passed through the fabric during one hour's exposure. When we assessed the scores, consideration was also given to comfort, style, breathability and drying time.
Chucs UV Crew-neck T-shirt
With its relaxed fit, this utilitarian design is equally suited to lounging in and around a pool as it is to sporting activities. To prevent chafing, the internal seams are glued rather than stitched, and the nylon/elastane blend dries quickly.
It performed admirably in blocking UV rays, and the long sleeves provide added protection. It's also available in four other cheery colours.
Wired: Stylish; colourful
Tired:<span class="s2"> Expensive
Score: 7
Cost: £150
Rapha Pro Team Jersey
This slim-fitting design is refreshingly ascetic for cycling apparel, comprising a plain zip-fronted top with a fluorescent armband. The synthetic fabric is highly effective against UV rays -- none got through during our test -- and discreet mesh panels help wick away sweat. It might be too cycling-centric for some, though.
Wired: <span class="s2">Breathability
Tired: <span class="s2">Too specialised
Score: 7
Cost: £140
Orlebar Brown Logan
A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, the Logan features neat details such as thumb hoops to prevent the sleeves riding up.
It is fast-drying, resistant to chlorine and efficacious in its Sun protection, so we can highly recommend it. However, its snug, tapered cut means this top is unforgiving on all but the fittest of physiques.
Wired: <span class="s2">Very comfy
Tired: <span class="s2">Thin fabric
Score: 8
Cost: £145
Adidas/Porsche Design Sport pique polo
On the surface, this is a classic short-sleeved polo that's cut for the golf course. The quality of finish is high, from the subtle three-stripe sleeve detail to the monogrammed Porsche Design collar buttons. The breathable pique fabric and sweat-absorbing collar seam are practical touches.
However, its resistance to UV rays was the least effective on test.
Wired:<span class="s2"> Smart finish and fit
Tired:<span class="s2"> Offers least protection
Score: 6
Cost: £75
Quiksilver Alloy SS
One of the early adopters of Ultraviolet Protection Factor technology, Quiksilver's Rash vests carry the endorsement of the Skin Cancer Foundation. This close-fitting top is made from Lycra, so its thickness and heat-retention properties make it ideal for water sports - albeit at the cost of some comfort and restriction of movement. The high collar provides added Sun protection for the neck.
Wired: Value for money
Tired:<span class="s2"> Heavy fabric
Score: 6
Cost: £22
Know your ultraviolet rays
UVA: This long-wave form accounts for up to 95 percent of the solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB, and causes premature ageing.
UVB: A shorter wavelength, this affects the surface layers of the skin, causes sunburn and is pivotal to the development of skin cancers. Its intensity depends on season, location and time of day.
UVC: The shortest wavelength of the three, it is filtered out by the Earth's ozone layer, and does not contribute significantly to skin damage.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
