iVillage

6 Ways to Outsmart the Sun

Enjoy summer without the skin damage (7 Photos)

Juhie Bhatia on Jun 7, 2009 at 9:18PM

chime in now

Single View
View All

2 of 7

Michael Jonsson/Nordic Photos/Getty Images

Clothing Counts

Did you know that what you wear is one of the best barriers between you and the sun? A long-sleeved shirt and pants can minimize sun exposure, and while most clothing absorbs or reflects UV rays, different fabrics do it differently. Loose-fitting clothes made with tightly woven fabrics, such as cotton or linen, are best for protecting your skin. Color matters too, as darker shades provide more sun protection than lighter ones, and on the same note, a wet T-shirt offers less protection than a dry one, according to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.