On this page we answer several questions that our readers often ask. If you have a question that is not yet covered here, please email us and we look into the matter.

 What is Sun Protection Swimwear?

Sun safe swimwear is an alternative to sunscreens and other forms of sun protection. Many people find that sunscreen isn’t enough and it is often used incorrectly. Some people have skin allergies or sensitivities to chemicals that sunscreens can contain.

 What is Sun Protection Factor?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is very similar to SPF ratings for sunscreens that we have all used. Always buy swim shirts that are UPF rated 30 or above. Many swim shirts have a UPF rating of 50+, which blocks out over 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.

When a swim shirt shirt has a UPF 50 rating the material will only allow 1/50th of UV (Ultraviolet) radiation get to the skin, helping to protect you from skin cancer and premature skin aging.

UPF/SPF Rating defines the indicates the length of time someone can spend outdoors without burning. When wearing a 15 UPF garment, a person who normally burns after 20 minutes can tolerate 15 times 20 minutes (300 minutes) without burning.

UV Sun-protective fabrics differ from typical summer fabrics in several ways. They usually have a tighter weave or knit and are darker in colour. Garments made with these fabrics may have a label showing the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). The higher the UPF, the higher the UV protection.

The UPF rating indicates how much of the sun's UV radiation is absorbed by the fabric. For example, a fabric with a UPF rating of 20 allows 1/20th of the sun's UV radiation to pass through it. This means that the fabric would reduce your skin's UV radiation exposure by 20 times where it's protected by the fabric.

Garments with a rating above UPF 50 may be labelled UPF 50+; however, they may not offer substantially more protection than those with a UPF of 50. Also, a garment shouldn't be labelled "sun-protective" or "UV-protective" if its UPF is less than 15. In addition, sun-protective clothing may lose its effectiveness if it's too tight or stretched out, and worn and washed repeatedly.

You may see labels on sun-protective garments stating that the garment meets standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). ASTM is just one organization that has developed a standard guide for the testing and labelling of UV protective fabrics. While manufacturers don't have to comply with the ASTM standard guide, those that say they do must label their garments with UPF values.

 Why cover up when the water is warm?

Depending on whom you ask, the answer could be comfort, modesty, sun safety and environmental protection, or simply the desire to look good in the water. You may find it's also great, pleasant fun.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 1 million people will be diagnosed with cases of skin cancer this year in the United States. Wearing sun-protective clothing and limiting your sun exposure can reduce your risk for skin cancer. It's important to understand the labelling information on sun protection products and shop carefully.

 Aren't these black outfits hot?

Forget the myth that black is hot! The only thing hot about these outfit is the look! This is probably the most frequently asked question we get and the answer is no, they are not hot.

In fact, they were originally designed for Australia's blistering heat. The material is similar to that worn by long-distance bike riders and other athletes. While they cover more of the body, they are made of a tightly-woven, lightweight and cool material.

The American Academy of Dermatology states that "tightly-woven clothing reflects heat and helps to keep you feeling cool." Should you get too hot, just soak it with a quick dip and your swimshirt keeps you fresh for a while.

 Can I wear these clothes in a swimming pool?

Yes, absolutely. Lycra clothes are classified as swimwear. You can enjoy them in most public pools, indoor swimming centres and water parks. Bright colours make your child easy to spot!

 Can my child wear it for more than one summer?

We recommend that you buy at least one size larger than your child currently wears. However, if your child is bigger than average, buy two sizes larger. Choose the right size and the all-way stretch fabric should provide you with two summers of wear before you pass it down.

 Isn't just sunscreen enough?

No. While sunscreen remains an important part of a balanced sun protection plan, many organisations such as the American Cancer Society, the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend wearing tightly-woven protective clothing because it can reduce exposure to a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB rays.

 Why not just swim in a T-shirt?

While a very heavy, dark, tightly-woven T-shirt may offer sun protection, most summer-weight cotton T-shirts offer as little as 10 SPF dry and lose 50% of their SPF when wet. The minimum UPF recommended by the American Cancer Society and others is 15. You can layer T-shirts to increase this, especially in hot climates where the cooling effect of cotton is welcome.

A major advantage of Lycra fabrics is their ability to stretch to fit a wide range of body shapes and sizes. Lycra fabrics come in two varieties known as Raschel and Trico, and we feel that Trico fabrics are superior, as they will stretch equally in all directions.

These swimming clothes can be worn in and out of the water, are lightweight and made from a fast drying soft cool fabric. If you or your kids go constantly in and out of the water you may want a fast drying nylon/lycra mix. This modern fabric is designed for swimwear and retains far less moisture than a cotton garment. Because it dries so quickly you really can wear it all day, no matter how many times you're in and out of the water.

 Are there special care requirements?

Always remember to rinse them well after use and let them dry in the shade. Avoid the dryer, use mild detergents and don't pack them wet. The fabric is chlorine resistant, but it is still important to rinse it well after use in chlorine or salt water. Many swimsuits are made of a chlorine resistant polyester fabric which is fairly durable.

Avoid repeated swims in chemically treated water as this will eventually break down the elastic fibres. Also be careful with some soaps, shampoos and washing powders. If you wear your swim shirt in the shower to rinse it, take it off before you use any shampoo. Hand washing is best.