More than SPF

When most of us think about sun protection, we think about sunscreen. And for good reason. A broad-spectrum SPF remains one of the most effective tools for reducing sun damage.

But it's only one part of the equation.

Dermatologists often describe sun protection as a layered approach. Consider the clothing you wear, the hat you choose, and the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight—as well as SPF. These simple decisions can dramatically reduce UV exposure while making long days outdoors more comfortable.

Your First Layer of Protection

Unlike sunscreen, clothing doesn't wear off.

A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, shielding large areas of the body without the need for constant reapplication. Fabrics like linen, tightly woven cotton, and technical sun-protective textiles offer breathability while helping reduce exposure.

It may seem counterintuitive, but covering up can often feel cooler than exposing more skin. Light-colored, breathable fabrics create shade next to the body, allowing air to circulate while limiting direct solar heating.

Why Hats Matter

The face, ears, scalp, and neck receive some of the greatest cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime.

A wide-brimmed hat protects areas that sunscreen often misses or that require frequent reapplication. It also shields the eyes, reducing glare and encouraging less squinting on bright days.

Perhaps more importantly, a hat changes your relationship with the sun. It creates a small pocket of shade that moves with you, making time outdoors feel noticeably more comfortable.

Accessories That Works Harder

Few accessories adapt as effortlessly as a lightweight scarf.

It can soften the midday sun across your shoulders, protect your neck on long drives, cover your hair on windy afternoons, or simply add another layer when the temperature dips after sunset.

Beautiful, certainly—but also remarkably practical.

The Goal Isn't Avoiding the Sun

Sunlight plays an important role in our lives. It supports our circadian rhythms, encourages time outdoors, and contributes to overall well-being.

The goal isn't to hide from it.

It's to enjoy it thoughtfully.

Seeking shade during the brightest hours, wearing a hat on long walks, choosing breathable sleeves over bare shoulders, and applying sunscreen where it's needed all work together. None replaces the others. Together, they create a more complete approach to caring for your skin.

Good summer dressing has always balanced beauty with function. The same pieces that make warm weather more comfortable often happen to be the ones that protect us best.