Sun Safety in Australian Sport: Why UPF Sportswear Matters

Sun safety is often reduced to simply applying sunscreen, and while sunscreen is still essential, it is not enough on its own for high exposure sports. Finding purpose built sportswear with built in UPF protection is the best way to reduce UV exposure, especially during long sessions where sunscreen can wear off or wash away.

Here at SCODY, sun protection is designed into the garment from the start, not added as an afterthought. We’re going to be explaining why UPF sportswear matters so much in Australian conditions and how products like rashies, sleeved swimsuits, long sleeve cycle jerseys, long sleeve run shirts and sun sleeves can help athletes to stay safe whilst training all year round.

Understanding UV Exposure in Australia

Australia’s UV index regularly reaches levels considered extreme, even outside of the peak summer months. UV radiation is usually strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, which is often a common training window for cyclists, triathletes and swimmers.

Some of the biggest key factors that increase UV exposure for athletes include:

●     Long training durations

●     Reflection from water, roads and sand

●     Reduced sunscreen effectiveness due to sweat and water

●     Repeated exposure over the years of training

Not everyone understands that skin damage from UV exposure is actually cumulative, and even the mildest of sunburns can increase your long term risk. Preventing that exposure is so much easier than treating damage later, which is why UPF in clothing is so important for athletes.

What Is UPF and Why It Matters in Sportswear

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and it measures how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach the skin. To give you an idea of your protection levels, here are some common UPF measurements and how much UV radiation they allow to reach the skin:

●     UPF 15 allows 1/15th of UV radiation through

●     UPF 30 allows 1/30th

●     UPF 50+ allows less than 1/50th

One of the biggest issues with using sunscreen alone is that it can wash off, sweat off, or simply degrade over longer training sessions. UPF allows you to enjoy consistent coverage for all the areas it covers without any reapplication necessary. This is what makes UPF sportswear so reliable for endurance athletes in Australian summer conditions.

Why Regular Clothing Is Not Enough

Not all fabrics offer sun protection; only those that have a UPF rating. Lightweight cotton, mesh materials and heavily stretched fabrics can allow significant UV penetration when compared to UPF fabrics.

Darker colours and tighter weaves can help, but without tested UPF ratings, your sun protection cannot be guaranteed. You need to shop for performance sportswear designed for Australian conditions that balances:

●     Breathability

●     Cooling

●     Stretch

●     Verified UPF protection

Of course, this is even more important for garments worn for hours at a time.

Rashies: Essential Protection for Swim and Open Water Training

Rash vests or rashies are one of our most effective sun protective garments for water sports. However, they are just as good for family beach days, school sports events, or covering up at the pool.

Our SCODY rashies are designed for:

●     Open water swimming

●     Surf swim sessions

●     Paddle and ocean training

●     Post swim and beach recovery

We’ve designed our rashies to be protective yet functional, with designs to help you remain just as stylish as you are sun safe. Some of the biggest benefits include:

●     High UPF protection for torso and arms

●     Chlorine and salt resistant fabrics

●     Quick dry performance

●     Reduced reliance on sunscreen in water

If you train or race in open water, you’ll already know that UV reflection from the surface increases exposure to the neck, shoulders, and arms. We’ve designed our rashies to significantly reduce the risk in these high exposure zones.

Sleeved Swimsuits: Sun Safety Without Compromising Performance

Sleeved swimsuits are becoming more and more popular for both training and racing here in Australia. You can enjoy the additional coverage offered by the sleeves whilst maintaining hydrodynamics and comfort.

For triathletes and swimmers, our sleeved swimsuits offer you:

●     UPF protection across the shoulders and upper arms

●     Reduced sunburn during long swims

●     Thermal balance in cooler water conditions

●     Less sunscreen is required before sessions

We offer sleeved swim and tri suits, which are designed to integrate sun protection without restricting movement or performance. If you prefer a sleeveless tri suit, you might want to check out our next accessory.

Long Sleeve Cycle Jerseys and Running Shirts

Long sleeve cycle jerseys and long sleeve running shirts for training are an easy way to increase sun protection. You can enjoy the additional coverage offered by the sleeves whilst maintaining comfort.

We offer both long sleeve running shirts and cycle jerseys in light weight breathable fabric.

Sun Sleeves: Flexible Protection for Cycling and Multi-Sport Training

For those athletes who prefer adaptable sun protection, they can use it during running, biking, or even just when recovering outdoors. Our SCODY sun sleeves are the way forward.

Our sun sleeves are ideal for:

●     Cycling in hot conditions

●     Long road rides with high UV exposure

●     Brick sessions and multi sport training

●     Athletes who want coverage without extra layers

Customers who wear our sun sleeves can enjoy benefits such as:

●     High UPF protection for arms

●     Lightweight and breathable fabrics

●     Easy removal if conditions change

●     Consistent coverage where sunburn risk is highest

For our cyclists, the arms are one of the most exposed areas during longer rides, and sun sleeves can provide that protection without adding any extra heat or bulk.

Made in Australia for Australian Conditions

All of our kit is designed and manufactured right here in Australia. We test our garments on a variety of elite and recreational athletes in a real Aussie training environments, so we know they’ll take care of you.

We like to use this local approach to make sure fabrics and fits are suited to the Australian heat, humidity and UV levels whilst fitting a variety of body types.

We always consider sun protection alongside other factors like:

●     Moisture management

●     Cooling efficiency

●     Fabric durability

●     Comfort over long durations

This design philosophy has helped us to ensure SCODY athletes are protected without compromising their performance or comfort.

Sun Safety Is Part of Performance

It’s not just skin health that is affected by sun damage. Dehydration, overheating and fatigue are all worsened by excessive sun exposure. Wearing the correct protective clothing helps regulate body temperature and can even reduce stress on the body during training.

When you combine UPF sportswear with smart habits such as sunscreen use, hydration, and training time awareness, you can create a complete sun safety strategy to perform at your best this summer season.

Choosing the Right Sun Protective Gear

When you start shopping for sun safe sportswear, all athletes should be on the lookout for:

●     Verified UPF ratings

●     Coverage in high exposure areas

●     Sport specific fit and movement

●     Breathable, cooling fabrics

●     Durability for repeated use

Whilst rashies, sleeved swimsuits and sun sleeves all serve different purposes, they do share one goal: protecting athletes so they can maintain consistent training and safety.

Training Smarter Under the Australian Sun

Sun exposure is part of outdoor sport in Australia, but damage does not have to be. UPF rated sportswear provides reliable, long lasting protection that supports both health and performance.

Shop our full range of SCODY products with sun protection built into the fabric, the fit, and the design process this summer.

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