The Right Florence UPF For the Right Conditions

We design UPF gear for just about anything under the sun. And while the amount of activity you can accomplish in these garments is broad, our offering is intentionally specialized. The goal: avoid overwhelming you with choice, & provide select solutions so you can grab the appropriate gear & get back to doing what you love.

The following guide is in pursuit of this goal. Even with a specialized selection, it’s easy to get confused on what shirt, UPF rating and silhouette is right for you and your pursuit. We’re here to point you in the right direction.

FLORENCE UTILITY UPF: WHAT WE MAKE AND WHY IT’S DIFFERENT

When the team is building gear, the brief from founder John Florence is simple: make things that help people stay outside as long as possible doing what they love. Utility UPF Clothing is the quintessential embodiment of this idea.

WHAT WE MAKE

Florence Utility UPF Tops are multipurpose shirts with built-in sun protection. Designed to withstand long days in and around the water, they're engineered with breathable panels, antimicrobial fabric and 20-50 UPF+ to help you endure all conditions.

WHY IT’S DIFFERENT

If you’re not going to make something the best it can be, what’s the point? Our experienced development team sourced the highest quality fabrics possible that checked the right boxes from moisture management to performance to lightweight textile innovation. From there, we tested their performance with John and our crew of Test Pilots under the oppressive sun on the North Shore of Oahu. We had people take them on transatlantic sailing voyages. We had snowboarders layer them under their jackets to block sun reflecting off the snow. The feedback was unanimous: these are the best UPF garments they’d ever used.

CONDITIONS & ACTIVITY GUIDE

IN WATER

In aquatic environments, movement without friction and sun protection are the key principles to comfort & performance. For these conditions, we’ve designed the Hooded Rashguard. Equipped with UPF 50+, this garment blocks 98% of UV rays and has earned a cult following for its functionality and dependability during marathon days in the water.

Activities Recommended:

SURFING. PRONE PADDLING. CATAMARAN SAIL RACING. WHITEWATER RAFTING. WAKEBOARDING. KAYAKING. WARM-WATER DIVING & SPEARFISHING. SNORKELING.

SHOP HOODED RASHGUARDS

AROUND WATER

During long days on the water, UV rays reflect off the surface and can deliver sunburns in places you didn’t even consider. For many sailors, underneath the chin and on the neck become prime locations for burning due to this phenomenon. We created the Sun Pro line of Utility UPF Tops with these conditions in mind. Made from lightweight, antimicrobial, UPF 50+ fabric, these are built for long days on the water either sailing, fishing, or exploring new coastlines.

Activities Recommended:

SAILING. DEEP SEA FISHING. KAYAKING.

SHOP SUN PRO

URBAN LANDSCAPE & ALL-TERRAIN

On land, your UPF gear needs to be breathable, versatile and adaptable to your changing environment. Gear like the Sun Pro Adapt features an ultra-soft, brushed fabric with a matte finish. Features that enable it to blend in with your everyday clothing but still deliver the world-class sun protection and tech you expect from modern utilitarian equipment. Available in a variety of silhouettes, the Adapt line was built with hiking, city exploring, & missions where conditions are evolving.

Activities Recommended:

HIKING. HUNTING. CLIMBING. TRAIL RUNNING. URBAN EXPLORATION.

SHOP SUN PRO ADAPT

HIGH OUTPUT. MAXIMUM BREATHABILITY. MULTI-CONDITION.

AIRTEX – our line of ultra-breathable, lightweight UPF gear – cannot be defined by a single condition set. Created specifically with high-output activity in mind, this versatile gear is engineered to help individuals reach their personal best across all terrains.

Activities Recommended:

RUNNING. YOGA. BIKING. PADDLING. HUNTING. CROSS TRAINING. ANYTHING HIGH OUTPUT.

SHOP AIRTEX

FAQ

ABOUT UPF CLOTHING

UPF clothing has become a popular choice for protecting against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. As a wearable alternative to sunscreen, UPF clothing offers numerous performance benefits you can’t get with just sunscreen & everyday cotton-based apparel.

UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, quantifies a fabric's ability to block UV radiation. Similar to SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which rates sunscreen effectiveness, UPF indicates how well clothing shields against UV rays. A higher UPF rating indicates better protection.

WHY UPF CLOTHING & NOT JUST SUNSCREEN?

UPF clothing presents several compelling reasons to opt for it over sunscreen. Firstly, it provides consistent protection throughout the day, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication. Unlike sunscreen, UPF clothing doesn't contain chemicals, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or those who prefer chemical-free solutions. Moreover, UPF clothing acts as a physical barrier, minimizing the risk of sunscreen allergies, irritations, or chemical absorption. It also retains its sun-blocking properties even after multiple washes, making it a cost-effective and durable option.

BENEFITS OF UPF CLOTHING

UPF clothing offers an array of benefits for individuals seeking reliable sun protection. Firstly, it plays a crucial role in preventing skin cancer by effectively blocking UV radiation. This makes it an important preventive measure, particularly for individuals with fair skin or a family history of skin cancer. UPF clothing also provides excellent protection against sunburns, reducing discomfort, pain, and the potential long-term damage caused by overexposure to the sun. Additionally, UPF clothing helps combat premature aging by shielding the skin from UVA and UVB rays, minimizing the risk of wrinkles and age spots.

With a wide range of styles available, including shirts, pants, hats, and swimwear, there’s more versatility than ever before in UPF gear. This ensures that you can find suitable options for various outdoor activities while maintaining adequate protection. Furthermore, with advancements in textile technology, UPF clothing now combines functionality and fashion, allowing individuals to prioritize style without compromising on sun protection.

TYPES OF UPF CLOTHING

UPF clothing encompasses various styles to cater to different needs. Long-sleeved shirts made from tightly woven fabrics provide excellent protection for the upper body, while lightweight, loose-fitting pants and bottoms shield the lower body, making them ideal for outdoor activities or everyday wear. Wide-brimmed hats offer protection for the face, neck, and ears, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. For in-water UPF gear, ensures continuous sun protection even when wet.

When it comes to sun protection, UPF clothing serves as a superior alternative to sunscreen. Its consistent and durable protection, absence of chemicals, and physical barrier attributes make it an excellent choice for those seeking reliable sun defense. The informative benefits of UPF clothing, combined with its versatility and fashion-forward designs, further enhance its appeal. By investing in UPF clothing, individuals can enjoy outdoor activities while safeguarding their skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Find your ideal UPF here.