[Xela]

I have seen a lot of cycling and outdoor clothing that is advertising SPF built in. What are the major benefits of this? Are that certain UVA/UVB rays that penetrate clothing. Is this just some new marketing campaign to play on our fears of cancer?

[bantam700]

Judging from my tan lines regular jerseys and shorts are the greatest barrier to UV light that mankind has ever invented.

[tool]

I think certain types of fabric depending on the light test (how well you can see through it) will let various wavelengths of light in or out through it more and can possibly be adjusted in a predictable way to be light weight fabric yet also have a certain texture to block light in measurable amounts

[JohnJamis]

Is there a specific brand you are looking at, Xela?

[Doomy]

If you're worried about cancer, make sure the back of your kneck is covered, I don't think most clothing covers that part.....

It seems like it would be the most exposed to the sun out of anything on a person's body.... even with longsleeves..... unless you've got long hair

[Xela]

Not really. I bought a few new jerseys this season. When I was looking around, I noticed several were advertising it, including Hincapie.

Hincapie Sportswear: Men's Cycling Jerseys

[Tarukai]

Originally Posted by Doomy

If you're worried about cancer, make sure the back of your kneck is covered, I don't think most clothing covers that part.....

It seems like it would be the most exposed to the sun out of anything on a person's body.... even with longsleeves..... unless you've got long hair

Way ahead of you.

[Grape Ape]

There are numerous fabrics out there that you can get a sun burn through. Some of the finer lighter weaves, a white t-shirt can be bad if you sweat or get it wet. The problem is that in order to make a shirt comfortable for use outside in the summer they are thin. usually one layer and not tightly woven (lower thread count) and sun can get through them. Like tool said companies are designing clothes to be thin but block sunlight.

One of the worst burns I got was while wearing a white t-shirt and working out in the sun. I was sweating but also poured water over my head and neck getting the shirt wet. I was burned from the bottom of my hairline to the top of my jeans.

[Xela]

Thanks, Grape Ape! Makes a lot more sense now. I've never had an issue with any of the jerseys I have worn, but I can see how what you are saying can happen.

[TxCyclist]

Do they use a chemical to make it SPF rated?

I thought I read some report awhile back that sunscreen is showing to increase cancer risks. Maybe it was a dream though.