Did you know that in the U.S., doctors find skin cancer in about 9,500 people daily? And every year, about 3 million Americans get non-melanoma skin cancer. So, sun protection golf clothing is more than a comfort, it’s a health necessity. Given the direct exposure to the sun for several hours, golfers face significant risks of skin damage and health risks.
How then can sun protection golf clothing shield you and potentially enhance your performance? The effectiveness of sun protection golf clothing lies in its ability to combine UV defense with breathable, flexible fabrics.
But what exactly should you look for when choosing these clothes? And what are some of the best sun protection clothing for golf out there today? Read on as I unveil all the details you need to know.
My Search For Sun Protection Golf Clothing: How it Began
I love golf, but a day on the course can feel like a war against the sun. For ages, I’d just put on tons of sunscreen and hope for the best. But the sunburn and squinting all day weren’t exactly helping my game. One super hot afternoon, after a round that left me looking more like a cooked lobster than a golfer, I knew I had to find a better way.
That’s when my search for awesome sun protection clothes began. I wanted comfy shirts that wouldn’t be too heavy, pants that would keep me covered without feeling tight, and maybe even some cool extras that wouldn’t make me look like I was going to space camp.
I had no idea there were so many sun-safe golf clothes out there, and they were about to make golf (and my skin) a whole lot better.
So, let me share with you everything I’ve learnt and found throughout my journey to help make your search easier.
Essential Sun Protection Golf Clothing for Men
Below I have put together some of the most important golf clothing and accessories for men that would help to protect you from the sun:
Best Golf Clothes For Men
Let’s start with the most important piece, your shirt. Look for one with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+. This means the fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, significantly reducing your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
But sun protection shouldn’t come at the expense of comfort on the course. Here’s where features like moisture-wicking come in. This technology helps draw sweat away from your skin, keeping you cool and dry during your swing.
Another key factor is flexibility. A good golf shirt should move freely with your body, allowing for a full range of motion without feeling restrictive. For example when making that perfect tee shot you don’t want your shirt holding you back!
Best Golf Pants and Shorts for Maximum UV Protection
After shirts, the next essential apparel piece is the selection of pants or shorts. Golf pants and shorts like the FootJoy Performance Shorts provide both style and substance. With features such as:
- UPF protection to reduce sun exposure
- Stretch fabric for unrestricted movement
- Lightweight design to keep you cool
These garments make a significant difference in your comfort and protection.
Must-Have Accessories for Men
Sun shirts, pants, and hats are a great foundation, but for golfers who want ultimate sun protection, adding some key accessories can make a big difference. Here are some essentials to consider:
- UV-Protective Gloves: Regular golf gloves might shield your hands from blisters, but they won’t protect you from the sun. Look for gloves specifically designed with UPF 50+ fabric. These will keep the tops of your hands safe from harmful rays, especially on long, sunny days.
- Arm Sleeves: For golfers who want an extra layer of defense for their arms, arm sleeves are a fantastic option. They’re lightweight, breathable, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. A popular choice among golfers is the Birdicorn Sun Sleeves, known for their comfortable fit and effective UPF protection.
These accessories cover areas that are often neglected but highly exposed to sun.
Sun-Safe Apparel for Women Golfers
Now that we’ve covered sun protection clothing and accessories for men, below is a list of sun protection clothing for women golfers:
Leading Golf Clothes For Women
Women golfers have a variety of options for sun-safe apparel. Here is a list:
- UPF rating: Look for shirts with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+. This indicates the fabric blocks most of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Breathable fabrics: Golf can get sweaty, so pick tops made from lightweight, breathable materials like polyester or nylon blends. These fabrics allow air to circulate and help you stay cool.
- Long sleeves: Opt for long-sleeved shirts for maximum sun coverage. If you prefer cooler arms, consider arm sleeves that you can wear under a sleeveless top.
- Consider features: Look for tops with features like a polo collar for neck protection, a built-in bra for comfort, and raglan sleeves for freedom of movement during your swing.
Skirts and Pants Designed for Sun Safety
Similarly, skorts and pants are designed to provide maximum sun protection without hindering performance. These pieces often feature:
- UPF ratings to block harmful rays
- Stylish designs that blend seamlessly with your golfing wardrobe
- Comfortable fits that enhance mobility and breathability
Essential Accessories for Women
Accessories play a vital role in a woman’s sun protection arsenal on the golf course. Essential items include:
- Broad-brimmed hats: These are champions at blocking harmful UV rays from your face, neck, and ears. Choose a hat with a brim of at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) for optimal coverage. Opt for breathable materials like straw or vented options to keep you cool.
- Visors: A great option for golfers who prefer a more open feel. Look for visors with a deep curve in the front and a fabric flap that extends down the back of your neck for added protection.
- UV protection sunglasses: Go beyond just style and choose sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Look for a label that says “100% UV protection” or “UV 400” to ensure maximum coverage. Consider polarized lenses to cut down on glare, which can be especially bothersome on the course.
These not only add a layer of sun safety but also bring a touch of style to the greens.
Sun Protection for Young Golfers
Sun safety is critical for young golfers, who require the same level of protection as adults. Youth-specific sun protective wear is tailored to meet their unique needs without compromising on style or comfort. This range includes:
- Breathable trousers: Nobody likes feeling sweaty and sticky, especially when you’re out exploring nature. That’s where breathable trousers come in handy. Made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics, these trousers allow air to circulate, keeping you cool and dry even on the hottest days.
- UPF-rated shirts: UPF-rated shirts are designed to block harmful UV rays, keeping your skin safe from sunburns and reducing the risk of skin damage. Plus, they’re often made from lightweight, quick-drying materials, making them a practical and comfortable choice for any outdoor activity.
These items are designed with fabrics that provide UV protection while allowing for freedom of movement, essential for the energetic play style of young golfers.
Conclusion
Sun protection isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safeguarding your health for years to come. By wearing the right clothing and accessories, you can shield yourself from harmful UV rays and enjoy your time on the golf course without worry.
This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to make informed choices. Now you can focus on the real reason you step onto the green, to swing with confidence and enjoy the game!
Key Points
- Sun protection golf clothing is crucial for health, given the high risk of skin damage and skin cancer among golfers due to prolonged sun exposure.
- Effective sun protection golf clothing combines UV defense with breathable, flexible fabrics to shield players and potentially enhance performance.
- Features to consider when choosing sun protection golf clothing include UPF ratings, moisture-wicking technology, and flexibility for unrestricted movement.
- Essential sun protection golf clothing for men includes shirts with UPF 50+ ratings, performance shorts with UPF protection and stretch fabric, as well as accessories like UV-protective gloves and arm sleeves.
- For women golfers, sun protection tops with UPF ratings, breathable fabrics, and long sleeves are essential, along with skirts and pants designed for sun safety.
- Key accessories for women include broad-brimmed hats, visors, and UV protection sunglasses, which add both sun safety and style to the golf course.
- Sun protection is equally important for young golfers, with tailored clothing and accessories designed to provide UV protection while allowing for comfort and freedom of movement.
- Understanding UPF ratings and the importance of reapplying sunscreen regularly during a round of golf are crucial for effective sun protection.
- Golf-specific sunglasses offer advantages over regular sunglasses, such as polarized lenses to improve visibility and reduce glare on the course.
- Integrating sun protection tips and choosing the right gear can lead to a safer and more enjoyable golfing experience, with potential for further innovations in sun protection to emerge in the future.
FAQs
What is UPF?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, a standard that indicates how much UV radiation a fabric can block. A UPF rating of 50 means that only 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate the fabric.
How often should I reapply sunscreen during a round of golf?
It is recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating heavily or have wiped your skin with a towel.
Can I wear normal sunglasses for golf?
While regular sunglasses provide some UV protection, those designed specifically for golf often include features like polarized lenses that improve visibility and reduce glare.
