Some UV-protective clothing is given its rating based on its fiber density and structure, including, for example, its thread count per inch. Other pieces are pre-treated with a UV-inhibiting ingredient.
But are we better off slathering on sunscreen or donning sun protection clothes? Assuming protective outfits cover most of the skin, they win hands-down at absorbing rays and stopping them from hitting the skin, Ziechner told MyHealthNewsDaily.