Can you avoid sunburn with a T-shirt?

Sunburns are not only uncomfortable but can also increase the risk of skin cancer in the long term. With summer and its sunny days, it's natural to look for effective ways to protect yourself from UV rays. The t-shirt, a daily garment, is often considered a sun protection option, but is it enough to avoid sunburn?

What kind of protection does a t-shirt really offer?

A t-shirt can offer some protection against sunburn, but it's essential to understand its limitations:

Type and color of the fabric

The ability of a t-shirt to protect against sunburn largely depends on the type and color of the fabric:

• Thin and light fabrics: T-shirts made of light cotton and in light colors generally allow a significant amount of UV rays to pass through. Their sun protection factor (UPF) is often low, between 5 and 15, meaning they block less than 20% of UV rays.
• Thick and dark fabrics: T-shirts made of thicker fabrics and darker colors offer better protection. Dark fabrics absorb more UV rays, reducing their penetration.

Sun Protection Factor (UPF)

Our t-shirts and long-sleeve swimsuits are specifically designed for sun protection and have a high UPF, often between 30 and 50+. These garments are made with materials and treatments that block a large portion of UV rays. Compared to ordinary t-shirts, these garments offer much better protection against sunburn.

Condition and usage of the garment

• Wear and washing: T-shirts may lose their protective ability after several washes. The fibers can thin, reducing their effectiveness.
• Sweating: When you sweat, the fabric may become thinner and less effective at blocking UV rays.

Limitations of a t-shirt's protection

Although t-shirts can offer some protection, they have several limitations:

• Incomplete protection: Even with a t-shirt, you can still get sunburned if the fabric is too light or if the t-shirt gets wet, which reduces its effectiveness.

Recommendations to avoid sunburn

For maximum protection against sunburn, here are some additional tips:

• Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or more) to exposed parts of your body, even if you're wearing a t-shirt.
• Specific clothing: Opt for garments with a high UPF, especially if you'll be spending long periods outdoors, such as our one-piece swimsuits or two-piece swimsuits from the Lison Paris collection.
• Protective accessories: Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade whenever possible.

In conclusion, a t-shirt can offer some protection against sunburn, but this protection is limited and varies depending on the type of fabric and its condition. To effectively avoid sunburn, it's recommended to combine wearing protective clothing or swimsuits from Lison Paris with the proper use of sunscreen and other sun protection measures. By taking a comprehensive approach, you can enjoy the sun while preserving the health of your skin.