UV Protective Clothing
In the Caribbean, it is easy to get sunburned, and that can make for a miserable vacation. Forget about getting a tan and protect your skin.
Sunscreen can wear off, so the second layer of defense is UV protective clothing, sometimes called “rash guards.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
CLOTHING TIPS
BOATING AND HIKING
A light-weight long-sleeved shirt is perfect for layering over a T-shirt for boating or hiking. Find a shirt that buttons up (it doesn't have to be buttoned, just slip it oveer a shortsleeved shirt to make some shade). A pullover will be too hot. For pants, look for convertibles. Zip on the legs to block sun or bugs.
SWIMMING
For swimming, companies like Coolibar make protective clothing for wearing over a swimsuit. Look for a long-sleeved knit top or go for the thigh-length surfer look. Make sure to rinse swimwear in fresh water before drying it. Salt water makes stuff smelly and stiff when it dries.
• Check the tag and look for a UPF rating, which means the clothing will block the sun’s harmful rays.
• UPF 30 is good. UPF 50 is even better.
• Remember that the weather is hot and humid, so buy loose clothing.
• Kids should have a long-sleeved shirt and long pants made out of lightweight fabrics. They will block the sun and in the evenings keep the mosquitos at bay.
• Clothing only protects the body parts it covers. Don’t forget to use sunscreen on hands, face, and feet.
