Are UV Protected Swim Clothes Worth the Extra Cost?

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SUMMARY

UV protected swim clothes, such as those sold by Alex and Me, are priced significantly higher due to their specialized materials, primarily polyester and polyamide, which offer better UV protection compared to traditional cotton. The discussion highlights that while brands like Quiksilver promote their UV tech fabrics with SPF 50 ratings, the specifics of the technology remain vague. Users express concerns about the effectiveness of UV protection in swimwear, noting that thin cotton offers minimal UV absorption and can lead to sunburn if worn for extended periods. Additionally, the conversation clarifies that UV and IR protection are distinct, with materials effective against UV not necessarily blocking IR radiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of UV protection ratings and materials
  • Familiarity with fabric types: polyester, polyamide, and cotton
  • Knowledge of UV stabilizers and absorbers in textiles
  • Basic concepts of infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effectiveness of UV stabilizers in polyester swimwear
  • Explore the differences between UV and IR protection in fabrics
  • Investigate the SPF ratings of various swimwear brands
  • Learn about the impact of fabric composition on UV absorption
USEFUL FOR

Swimwear manufacturers, outdoor enthusiasts, and consumers interested in UV protection for swimwear will benefit from this discussion.

jobyts
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http://www.alexandme.com/

sells uv protected swim clothes for a 4 times the price. All I could see is swim suits which are covering more body parts. Is the material different?
 
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Polyester/polyamide is better than cotton - don't know if you can add anything to make it even better
 
I've seen Quiksilver's UV tech stuff before. I can't find any serious info with a quick search. It simply refers to "UV tech super-stretchy nylon and spandex with SPF 50 rating..." so I'm not certain if it's proprietary or simply vague to make it seem like it's special technology.

I know my short sleeve spandexy (I'm not at the house otherwise I'd read the materials) rash guard that I bought 10 years ago left me with some serious farmers tan lines this summer when I wore it diving.
 
The only thing I have seen is that polymers can have various UV stabilizers/absorbers mixed in. Possibly this is what they use in the polyester clothing.
 
I'm trying to think if I have ever gotten sunburn through any clothes that I have ever owned. Are these transparent or something?
 
Pattonias said:
I'm trying to think if I have ever gotten sunburn through any clothes that I have ever owned. Are these transparent or something?

Thin white cotton has very little UV absoprtion, there is a concern that people could get sunburned because they stay out in the sun for longer because they feel cooler and are protected.
 
Dunno about other benefits, but it would probably help with IR cameras designed to see through swimwear. I know IR and UV are different but if it effectively blocks one it probably blocks the other too.
 
I could never stay outside in super-stretchy nylon and spandex, the feel of it would make me insane.
 
hypatia said:
I could never stay outside in super-stretchy nylon and spandex,
Plus holding your stomach in for that long makes me dizzy
 
  • #10
chayced said:
Dunno about other benefits, but it would probably help with IR cameras designed to see through swimwear. I know IR and UV are different but if it effectively blocks one it probably blocks the other too.

No, it would not help for IR. IR and UV are indeed different, they are in fact as different as they can be since UV and IR are (just outside) the opposite ends of the visible spectrum.
Hence, that fact that something protects from UV has absolutely no releveance when it comes the properties at the IR end of the spectrum.
 
  • #11
mgb_phys said:
Plus holding your stomach in for that long makes me dizzy
Then I suggest you quit holding my stomach in.:redface:
 

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