This article originally appeared on our sister website, Tools of the Trade.
If you work outdoors regularly, sun exposure is no joke. According to the CDC, nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year and 90% of the time, the culprit is the sun’s UV rays. Here in Washington state, we have some of the highest skin-cancer rates in the country, because we underestimate UV on cloudy days. I have always been a shorts and polo shirt guy in the summer time. Too, I have always been religious about wearing large-brimmed hat (according to OSHA, a baseball hat is not enough) as well as sunscreen (but I really hate wearing sunscreen).
An Outer Layer Designed for Protection From the Sun
While OSHA recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, it’s not your only defense against UV rays. In fact, most people don’t wear sunscreen under their shirts– and if you’re wearing a T-shirt, UV rays are still getting to your skin. More and more work-wear options are becoming available that offer UV protection right within the fabric. Rated as UPF (Ultraviolet Protective Factor), this fabric offers a more comprehensive protection than sunscreen can. Like sunscreen, which is rated at SPF, the higher the UPF rating, the better protection you’re getting. Because these garments are meant for to be worn in the sun, they are lightweight and often breathable – so they have the added benefit of keeping you cooler than cotton would. UPF was first developed in 1996 in Australia where skin cancer rates are the highest in the world.
While I do like wearing a polo-style shirt in the summer, this season I tried the long sleeve and pants approach like many of the roofers wear. A couple of months ago, TrueWerk sent me its T.5 Werkhoody just in time for weather in the 90s. I’d been wearing its T.5 Werk Polo almost every day for a while - so much that it has faded quite a bit. I was interested to see how wearing a long sleeve felt. An Australian company, Eleven Workwear, sent me a cargo pant to try out, as well.
TrueWerk T.5 Work Shirts
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The TrueWerk T.5 work shirts feature 100% polyester fabric that has a UPF 30+ and is said to block more than 95% of the sun's cancer causing UV rays.
Play slideshowThe T.5 Work Shirts
Both the T.5 Werkhoody and T.5 Werk Polo are made of a breathable, lightweight fabric that is extremely pick resistant. My polo has no snags in it, despite its level of use while framing and forming footings. This shirt uses a fabric that absorbs moisture, which TrueWerk claims enhances the body’s natural cooling. It also has a UPF of 30. According to TrueWerk, its “K115 100% polyester WerkFabric's UPF 30+ blocks more than 95% of the sun's cancer causing UV rays.” The shirts are available in Viz Green, Wolf Grey, and Black. Price: $44 ea. (either style)
Eleven Super Easy Cargo Pants
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These lightweight pants are UPF 50 and are reinforced in the knees, pockets and seat of pants enough to prevent premature wear.
Play slideshowEleven Workwear Cargo Pants
Eleven Super Easy Cargo Work Pant. I have been wearing these stretchy Australian pants all spring and summer. They are super lightweight, have a UPF of 50, and are reinforced enough to prevent premature wear without being heavy. The reinforcement areas include knees, pockets, and seat of pants. The waist is ribbed and includes an internal draw cord, as well as belt loops. The pants are available in Black, Charcoal, Khaki, Navy, and White. Sizes are in cm; here’s a link to the sizing conversion chart: https://www.elevenworkwear.com.au/size-chart. I’ve been wearing these framing, siding, and forming and pouring concrete, as well as to the mountains on photography trips. I ordered another pair for hiking. Price: $75
For years, I’ve been told to wear long pants and long sleeves and though I’ve tried different UPF shirts from REI, it didn’t work well. This year working in the 90s in the dust on foundations has made me a believer. I can’t recommend this TrueWerk shirt and Eleven pants enough. They are holding up and are super comfortable even in the heat. It turns out that staying covered up in the sun is actually cooler.
