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19 best UV-protection clothing and items to protect you from the sun

Harmful long exposure to the sun can cause photosensitivity, skin cancer, and more.

There are ways to protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays. Read more. (PHOTO: Yahoo Life Singapore)
There are ways to protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays. Read more. (PHOTO: Yahoo Life Singapore)

Last week, when the National Environment Agency (NEA) reported that ultraviolet (UV) index hit 'extreme' levels on Wednesday afternoon (27 March), we sat up and started thinking of ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Ultraviolet light is invisible rays that are part of the sun's energy. The types of rays that reach Earth's surface are called UVA and UVB. Harmful long exposure to the sun can cause photosensitivity, skin cancer, and more. In general, UV radiation can cause serious damage to your skin, eyes, and immune system.

The impact of UVA rays to your skin

When exposed to UVA rays, your skin will start to tan. According to WebMD, tanning is your body’s way of protecting your skin from the damage caused by UVA rays. However, extreme tanning can lead to the formation of skin cancers.

The impact of UVB rays to your body

Skin blisters are common when exposed to UVB rays. These bumps or painful blisters appear on the skin. If you're exposed to UVB rays for long hours, you may be prone to a type of skin cancer called melanoma.

As we enter a hotter season this month until June, it is advisable to wear protective clothing and sunscreens and drink lots of water.

READ:

Why sunscreens are my skin's best friend: Top tips & recommendations from a sunburnt victim

Here are some items you can shop now:

For Men

1. Men's surfing short-sleeved anti-UV T-shirt in grey

S$7.90 S$9.90 at Decathlon

A photo of a Men's surfing short-sleeved anti-UV T-shirt in grey. (PHOTO: Decathlon Singapore)
A photo of a Men's surfing short-sleeved anti-UV T-shirt in grey. (PHOTO: Decathlon Singapore)

This Men’s UV-resistant short-sleeved T-shirt is great for protection from the sun, even in the water, and to limit irritation when in contact with the board. The loose fit makes it easy to put on.

2. Men's Surfing Short-Sleeved Anti-UV T-Shirt - Palm white

S$9.90 at Decathlon

A photo of a model wearing a Men's Surfing Short-Sleeved Anti-UV T-Shirt - Palm white. (PHOTO: Decathlon Singapore)
A photo of a model wearing a Men's Surfing Short-Sleeved Anti-UV T-Shirt - Palm white. (PHOTO: Decathlon Singapore)

This white T-shirt with anti-UV properties looks stylish and feels great too! Wear it with shorts or jeans for a casual day out.

3. Uniqlo Pocketable UV Protection Parka (3D Cut)

S$49.90 at Uniqlo

A photo of a Uniqlo Pocketable UV Protection Parka (3D Cut). (PHOTO: Uniqlo Singapore)
A photo of a Uniqlo Pocketable UV Protection Parka (3D Cut). (PHOTO: Uniqlo Singapore)

This foldable parka is lightweight and compact, providing UV protection on the go. Its crisp, textured fabric has a water-repellent finish and is at least UPF50+.

4. UV Protection Cap (Keith Haring)

S$29.90 at Uniqlo

UV Protection Cap (Keith Haring). (PHOTO: Uniqlo Singapore)
UV Protection Cap (Keith Haring). (PHOTO: Uniqlo Singapore)

Keith Haring's iconic pop art shaped the art world. This collection uses his timeless masterpieces.

5. Nike Men's Dri-FIT UV Protection Short-Sleeve Fitness Top

S$59 at Nike

Nike Men's Dri-FIT UV Protection Short-Sleeve Fitness Top. (PHOTO: Nike Singapore)
Nike Men's Dri-FIT UV Protection Short-Sleeve Fitness Top. (PHOTO: Nike Singapore)

Your fitness has variety, so Nike made a top comfortable enough for whatever you're up for, whether that's a quick run, interval training or a session on the yoga mat. Suit up in our sweat-wicking top, and let the soft feel and relaxed fit invite you to work out however feels best.

6. Nike ACG 'Goat Rocks' Men's Dri-FIT ADV UV Short-Sleeve Top

S$75 at Nike

A model wearing a Nike ACG 'Goat Rocks' Men's Dri-FIT ADV UV Short-Sleeve Top. (PHOTO: Nike Singapore)
A model wearing a Nike ACG 'Goat Rocks' Men's Dri-FIT ADV UV Short-Sleeve Top. (PHOTO: Nike Singapore)

This Nike ACG top is a light layer designed to keep things dry and fresh when the weather heats up. This highly breathable, advanced sweat-wicking tech helps you stay dry and comfortable throughout your adventure.

7. Champion C3-XS303 Men's Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Round Neck, UV Protection

S$24.34 at Amazon Singapore

A photo of Champion C3-XS303 Men's Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Round Neck, UV Protection. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
A photo of Champion C3-XS303 Men's Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Round Neck, UV Protection. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

This short-sleeved T-shirt is made of 100% recycled polyester and is environmentally friendly. Features a design that switches between the flat side of the front and the mesh side of the back body. Plus it comes with UV protection.

8. Nominate Men's Long Sleeve Fishing Shirts UPF 50+

S$48.96 at Amazon Singapore

A model wearing a Nominate Men's Long Sleeve Fishing Shirts UPF 50+. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
A model wearing a Nominate Men's Long Sleeve Fishing Shirts UPF 50+. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

The UPF 50+ long-sleeve shirt for men will block out powerful rays for you and protect your skin. There are also buttons and tab holders at the arms to convert long sleeves to short sleeves for hotter days.

9. David Beckham Sunglasses in Gold/Black Frame

S$89.10 at Amazon Singapore

David Beckham Sunglasses in Gold/Black Frame. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
David Beckham Sunglasses in Gold/Black Frame. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

Curated just for you, the David Beckham DB sunglasses are the perfect addition to your sunglass collection. The contemporary look is carefully designed to ensure that you always look and feel your best. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays whilst looking stylish in the charming Gold Metal frame, paired with the plastic lens in black.

For Women

10. Adidas Aeroready UV cap

S$45 at Adidas

Adidas Aeroready UV cap. (PHOTO: Adidas Singapore)
Adidas Aeroready UV cap. (PHOTO: Adidas Singapore)

Stay cool and covered in the hot sun. This Adidas golf ball cap is designed for comfort on hot, sunny days. Aeroready fabric manages sweat to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day. A detachable neck cover adds full sun coverage over your ears and neck.

11. Lululemon Lightweight UV Protection Running Jacket

S$228 at Lululemon

A model wearing a Lululemon Lightweight UV Protection Running Jacket. (PHOTO: Lululemon)
A model wearing a Lululemon Lightweight UV Protection Running Jacket. (PHOTO: Lululemon)

This lightweight running jacket is UV-protective so you can let your shadow chase you from dawn to dusk.

12. Women's Anti-UV leggings 900 with neoprene cutouts in black

S$25.90 S$31.90 at Decathlon

Women's Anti-UV leggings 900 with neoprene cutouts in black. (PHOTO: Decathlon Singapore)
Women's Anti-UV leggings 900 with neoprene cutouts in black. (PHOTO: Decathlon Singapore)

These women’s UV-resistant Leggings are for protection from the sun, even in the water, with neoprene for thermal comfort and knee reinforcements.

13. Uniqlo UV Protection Utility Blouson

S$39.90 at Uniqlo

UV Protection Utility Blouson. (PHOTO: Uniqlo Singapore)
UV Protection Utility Blouson. (PHOTO: Uniqlo Singapore)

14. Uniqlo UV Protection Bucket Hat

S$29.90 at Uniqlo

UV Protection Bucket Hat. (PHOTO: Uniqlo)
UV Protection Bucket Hat. (PHOTO: Uniqlo)

This unisex bucket hat is perfect for warmer days.

15. BassDash Women’s UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection

S$29.13 at Amazon Singapore

A photo of a BassDash Women’s UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection shirt. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
A photo of a BassDash Women’s UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection shirt. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

BassDash's shirt provides UPF 50+ sun protection by blocking harmful UV rays; plus the long sleeve design helps to give more protection area for the skin.

Protective Gear

16. Wpc. UVO UVO2-06 Parasol, 100% UV Protection

S$59.50 at Amazon Singapore

A photo of Wpc. UVO UVO2-06 Parasol. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
A photo of Wpc. UVO UVO2-06 Parasol. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

It's the strongest parasol you'll want in your possession. In order to keep up with this thought, the Wpc team have gathered the know-how of the industry's top share, and developed the strongest parasol, focusing on quality and price. The fabric has been processed with lamination for a longer time and has been renewed.

17. Wpc. 801-16423-102 Parasol Light Shielding Tiny Navy Folding Umbrella

S$25.90 at Amazon Singapore

 Wpc. 801-16423-102 Parasol Light Shielding Tiny Navy Folding Umbrella. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
Wpc. 801-16423-102 Parasol Light Shielding Tiny Navy Folding Umbrella. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

The size and square fit can be easily stored in the pocket of your bag, so you can store your bag without ruining the silhouette of your bag. All colours have a 100% blackout rate and UV reduction rate to protect your skin from the sun. It combines the UV protection necessary to prevent sunburn, making it the perfect item for UV protection.

18. Stream2Sea Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 20 All Natural Protection Against UVA & UVB

S$56.54 at Amazon Singapore

A photo of Stream2Sea Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 20 All Natural Protection Against UVA & UVB. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)
A photo of Stream2Sea Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 20 All Natural Protection Against UVA & UVB. (PHOTO: Amazon Singapore)

For up to 80 minutes, this mineral sunscreen is for people who like to dive and snorkel or for those who generally enjoy the beach. Safe to use for the face and body, it will provide shield protection on your sensitive skin while outdoors and prevent aftersun skin burns and irritation, so you can have fun while enjoying the sun!

19. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

S$59 at Sephora

A photo of Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++. (PHOTO: Sephora)
A photo of Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++. (PHOTO: Sephora)

This innovative, antioxidant-rich SPF primer preps skin for makeup while providing broad spectrum SPF 40 and protection from blue light, the light emitted from our phones and computers. The unique oil-free formula glides onto skin providing shine control and leaving a velvety, makeup-gripping finish.

SG Telegram banner. (PHOTO: Yahoo Life Singapore)
SG Telegram banner.
Yahoo Shopping Southeast Asia
Yahoo Shopping Southeast Asia