What makes effective UV - proof clothing?

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A 67-year-old individual diagnosed with UV aggravated eczema is seeking advice on effective ways to block UV rays, expressing dissatisfaction with close-woven fabrics recommended by doctors. They propose sewing a lining into a lightweight jacket and inserting aluminum foil to enhance UV protection. However, concerns are raised about the practicality of aluminum foil due to its tendency to tear easily. Suggestions include wearing additional layers, such as breathable undershirts, and using wide-brimmed hats for better coverage. The discussion highlights that black clothing is not necessarily superior in UV protection compared to other colors, and alternatives like "tan-through" clothing and leather are mentioned. Additionally, the use of UV-blocking swim shirts is recommended as a potential solution. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for practical and effective UV protection strategies for individuals with sensitive skin conditions.
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I am 67 and three years ago I was diagnosed with uv aggravated eczema. The doctors recommend wearing close woven fabrics to block uv but i find they don't really cut the mustard. my idea is to sew a lining into the back (where most irritation occurs) of a lightweight jacket and insert a sheet of aluminium foil to block the uv. What do you think? i would be extremely grateful for some feedback or do you have any more ideas?
 
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Quite a number of manufacturers specifically make clothing for this purpose, unsurprisingly it's popular in Australia,
but densely woven fabrics, preferably black should do a fairly good job.
I think your aluminium foil idea might not be practical as it tears very easy and you would likely get fed up with continually having to replace it.
 
thankyou for your reply. i appreciate the point about tearing but I'm hoping that if i put it in a loose fitting pocket it will survive an outing, besides I'm desperate. yes the hospital said i should choose black will search for aussie stuff.
 
Have you tried simply putting on another layer of clothing? Perhaps a thin undershirt that breathes? Also remember to wear a hat, preferably one with a brim all the way around.
 
rootone said:
... I think your aluminium foil idea might not be practical as it tears very easy and you would likely get fed up with continually having to replace it.

Clothes made of "space blanket" would be very noisy : you'd be guilty of rustling :¬)

Here's some USA links for UV proof clothing ... http://www.lupusmctd.com/index.php?topic=3253.0;prev_next=prev [old 2006]

rootone said:
... preferably black should do a fairly good job ...
Black is not necessarily better at blocking UV than other colours : window-glass blocks UV , but is transparent to visible light, (rather than opaque black), i.e. the UV transmission properties of a material are not necessarily the same as its visible-light properties.
 
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B0b-A said:
Black is not necessarily better at blocking UV than other colours : window-glass blocks UV , but is transparent to visible light, (rather than opaque black), i.e. the UV transmission properties of a material are not necessarily the same as its visible-light properties.

e.g. You can get "tan-through" clothing, which admits UV, some of which is black ... http://www.tanthrough.com/index.htm

If black is better at blocking UV she's going to get a zebra-stripe tan :¬)

zebra.png
 
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mikewinnipeg said:
I am 67 and three years ago I was diagnosed with uv aggravated eczema. The doctors recommend wearing close woven fabrics to block uv but i find they don't really cut the mustard. my idea is to sew a lining into the back (where most irritation occurs) of a lightweight jacket and insert a sheet of aluminium foil to block the uv. What do you think? i would be extremely grateful for some feedback or do you have any more ideas?
How about leather, tightest weave out there. A vest would not be a terrible fashion statement.
And while leather is hard to test in UV blocking ability you could go for the extra safety of applying a bit of SPF cream to it, as it would not be washed away easily like on our skin.
 
You can get UV-blocking Swim Shirts:

http://www.swimoutlet.com/rash-guards-c11705/
UV-Blocking Swim Shirt.jpg
 
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