The phrase “fun in the sun” might sound incredible, but in reality, doing any physical activity under the sun can make you feel tired.
And if you do not want to suffer the harsh effects of the sun, a shoulder wrap might be the perfect accessory for you. Unlike sun sleeves, shoulder wraps will not slip off as they are connected.
And if you are planning to get shoulder wraps for yourself, here are a few things you need to know!
Why are Shoulder Wraps Important?
Did you know that there were almost 288.2 cases of melanoma for every 100,000 Australians in 2021?
One of the main reasons why doctors advise wearing shoulder wraps is this. These not only help prevent melanoma, but they can also protect you from other types of UV damage such as sunburn and cancer.
Moreover, sun wraps come with UPF50+ that can absorb almost 98% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays! Furthermore, shoulder wraps are also made with lightweight, breathable fabric with moisture-wicking, quick-drying and cooling features!
What is Meant by UPF?
Also known as Ultraviolet Protection Factor, UPF is a measurement value to calculate how much UVA and UVB rays can pass through the fabric to reach your skin.
Since shoulder wraps have a UPF50+ rating, these materials can easily block harmful UV rays up to 98%! This helps to reduce your chances of developing skin problems significantly.
What is the Difference Between UPF and SPF?
As mentioned earlier, UPF helps to calculate how much UVA and UVB rays can sneak into the fabric to reach your skin. On the other hand, SPF (also known as Sun Protection Factor) is a measurement to tell you how much your skin can take under the sun before it starts to redden.
For example, if you get a sunburn after 30 minutes of being under the sun, using an SPF 15 sunscreen can help protect your skin 15 times longer!
Another difference between these two abbreviations is that UPF can calculate UVA and UVB rays. However, SPF can only estimate the UVB rays.
What to Look for While Buying Shoulder Wraps
There are plenty of clothes created especially for sun protection. However, they are all designed differently. So, if you want the best UV protection against the sun, make sure to follow the requirements here:
- Opt for dark coloured shoulder wraps as they absorb the UV rays without penetrating the skin.
- Opt for a shoulder wrap made with densely woven fabric. Thin, sheer materials cannot protect the skin well, which means the UV rays can penetrate this layer.
- Shoulder wraps made of shiny polyester, spandex or methyl microfiber do an excellent job of absorbing the harmful UV rays.
- Look for shoulder wraps with a UPF rating of more than 50.
- Opt for the correct size shoulder wraps. If you want your wraps to be worth every penny, you will need to measure the length of your arm as well as the circumference. This way, you can find suitable shoulder wraps that will fit you perfectly!
How Do You Care for Shoulder Wraps?
The best way to extend the life and durability of sun shoulder wraps is to wash them in a cold cycle without bleach or other strong chemicals.
Make sure to stay away from tumble dry if you opt for a machine wash.
Undoubtedly, playing under the sun can bring a lot of joy to people. But, without the proper safety and precautions, this can become fatal.
The good news is that by wearing shoulder wraps, you can easily reduce your chances of falling prey to sun damage while also enjoying your day in the sun!