UPF Ratings in Summer Activewear: Fabric Weaves, Titanium Dioxide, and UV Safety

Please note that this guide offers general advice on sun protection and fitness routines.

Firstly, of course, you have the sun protection factor. When you are running on the road for a long amount of time in the summer heat, the last thing you want to do is burn your skin to a crisp. Using a top with a high UPF rating means you step out dialled in with modern tech that not only blocks the bad rays, but keeps your body cool as well. That is a shield that is better than anything else out there.

Step by Step Starting Out

Secondly, naturally, there is the UPF safety rating factor. When you are picking out new items of kit for a set amount of time outdoors, the last thing you want to do is guess if your shirt is safe. Checking the tag for a UPF 50 rating means you have your setup sorted beforehand so that it not only stops most of the sun, but gives you peace of mind. That is a choice that makes your long runs much safer.

Next, as you know, we have the tight weave factor. If you are trying to stay safe in the sun for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is wear a thin shirt that lets light right through. A tight mechanical weave on your top means you are kitted out with a dense fabric that not only stops the UV rays, but holds up wash after wash all year. That is a fabric that is better than anything else out there.

Then, of course, you have the chemical treatment factor. When you are building a safe routine for a set amount of time, the last thing you want to do is rely on old clothes that have lost all their sun power. A top treated with titanium dioxide means you are spec'd out with extra defence that not only reflects the harsh glare, but works well from the very first day of summer. That is a layer that keeps your body safe from harm.

How to Build this into my life

Moving on, naturally, there is the daily habit factor. When you are getting ready for your sessions during a busy week, the last thing you want to do is forget to put your sun gear on before you head out. Leaving your UPF tops by the door means you have a turnkey routine that not only saves you time in the morning, but makes sure you are always covered up. That is a habit that makes the whole week much easier.

Another point, of course, is the heavy sweat factor. When you are pushing your pace on the road for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is wear a top that stops working when it gets wet. Buying a high quality run top means you are kitted out with good materials that not only dry fast, but keep their high UPF rating when you sweat heavily all day. That is a detail that is vital for a summer run.

Then, as you know, you have the wash care factor. If you are washing your items of kit week after week for a set amount of time, the last thing you want to do is ruin the special sun blocking features. Following the care label on your gear means you have your plan dialled in so that it not only keeps the weave tight, but makes the top last for years. That is a routine that saves you a lot of cost.

Essential Kit

Now, of course, you have the long sleeve factor. When you are out on a trail for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is leave your arms bare to the hot summer sun. A UPF rated long sleeve run top means you are spec'd out with full cover that not only blocks the heat, but feels light on your skin all day long. That is a top that is better than anything else out there.

Next, naturally, there is the cycling jersey factor. If you are riding your bike on the road for a set amount of time, the last thing you want to do is wear a loose shirt that flaps in the wind. A proper UPF cycling jersey means you have a turnkey setup that not only cuts through the air well, but protects your back from the direct sun above you. That is a fit that is perfect for a long ride.

Finally, as we see often, there is the headwear factor. When you are wearing a helmet on a hot day for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is let the sun burn your bare scalp. Putting a UPF skull cap under your helmet means you are sorted beforehand with a layer that not only stops the burn, but soaks up the sweat from your head. That is a piece of kit that works very well indeed.

10 alternative items to try

1. When you are running in changing weather for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is overheat in long sleeves. Adding UPF rated arm sleeves to your routine means you have a dialled in layer that not only blocks the sun, but rolls down fast. That is a piece of kit that is very easy to use.
2. When you are resting after a hard run for a set amount of time, the last thing you want to do is leave your neck bare. Adding a wide brim sun hat to your routine means you step out kitted out with shade that not only cools your head, but protects your face. That is an option that is better than anything else out there.
3. When you are looking down the bright road for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is squint at the harsh glare. Adding UV blocking sports sunglasses to your routine means you are spec'd out with clear vision that not only stops eye strain, but blocks bad rays. That is a piece of kit that makes your run much safer.
4. When you are cycling in the hot summer for a set amount of time, the last thing you want to do is burn the back of your neck. Adding a lightweight UPF neck gaiter to your routine means you have a turnkey item that not only covers your skin, but holds cold water well. That is an option that keeps you cool on a hot day.
5. When you are starting your warm up for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is wear a heavy coat that traps heat. Adding a UPF rated running jacket to your routine means you are sorted beforehand with a shell that not only stops the wind, but blocks the sun. That is a piece of kit that works well all year round.
6. When you are riding a bike on the road for a set amount of time, the last thing you want to do is get burnt on your knees. Adding sun protection leg sleeves to your routine means you are kitted out with extra fabric that not only saves your skin, but pulls off fast. That is an option that gives you great cover on the move.
7. When you are layering up for a long ride over a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is wear a thin cheap shirt. Adding a high UPF base layer to your routine means you are spec'd out with a core shield that not only wicks away sweat, but stops UV light. That is a piece of kit that sits well under your jersey.
8. When you are holding the bars of your bike for a set amount of time, the last thing you want to do is bake your bare hands. Adding UV resistant running gloves to your routine means you have a dialled in fit that not only grips the bars well, but keeps your skin safe. That is an option that is better than anything else out there.
9. When you are sweating on a climb for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is let the sweat drip in your eyes. Adding a UPF cycling cap to your routine means you have a turnkey shield that not only blocks the sun, but keeps your face clear and dry. That is a piece of kit that fits right under a helmet.
10. When you are walking to the start line for a set amount of time, the last thing you want to do is stand in the direct hot sun. Adding a UV blocking umbrella to your routine means you step out sorted beforehand with a portable roof that not only creates shade, but lowers the heat. That is an option that helps keep your core body temperature down.

Finally, of course, you have the social media factor. When you are busy sticking to your routine and running your business, the last thing you want to do is spend hours posting on social media. Finding an automated system called site2.uk (like our site sundried.site2.uk) means you get a turnkey setup that not only automates your social posting, but lets you control it all by WhatsApp. That is convenience that is better than anything else out there.