Jerseys with UV protection

scapaslow
scapaslow Posts: 305
edited June 2009 in Road buying advice
Does any one know where such jerseys are available? I burn very easily and would like a mens lightweight l/s jersey with SPF/UV protection in the fabric.

The only things i could find were some MTB jerseys that looked less than lightweight with no zipper.

Comments

  • Not Another Hill
    Not Another Hill Posts: 382
    I use a Nike sleevless Dri-fit vest under my cycling shirts even in the height of summer. Helps wick sweat and also prevents any chance of UV penetration. Factor 50/30 waterproof suncream for everywhere else that's exposed.
  • pottssteve
    pottssteve Posts: 4,069
    scapaslow,
    I have one of these:

    http://www.flyingball.com/clothings.html

    Scroll down to just below the Cannondale team kit - sorry, I don't know how to import photos). Made by Cannondale. Nice fit, 3 back pockets, one small zippered pocket. Three quarter zip. Maybe you can get them where you are? Short sleeve only, so you'll still need the sun creme!
    Steve
    Head Hands Heart Lungs Legs
  • scapaslow
    scapaslow Posts: 305
    Thanks for the replies.

    Steve, the Cannondale jersey looks good but unfortunately i can't find a stockist in the UK that sells it.

    I have now found something similar - a Specialized Solar Jet s/s jersey with SPF 50 protection. Also, Assos do white UV arm protectors with SPF 50 so that might be an alternative to the sun screen.

    It also seems that merino wool blends have some natural UV protection (how much i don't know) which is what i have been wearing anyway.
  • FatLarry
    FatLarry Posts: 209
    Also worth looking at the Demarchi Countour Evolution Jersey. Probably more expensive that the Specialized but an alternative colour choice

    http://www.slanecycles.co.uk/productdetail.aspx?id=2098&subid=311&catid=69
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    These UV jerseys / clothes have gotten my curiosity up. Now, I sunburn like most people
    although I don't consider my skin overly sensitive. Long story short, I don't ever remember
    getting burned through clothing. Well, maybe a mesh type shirt but that's it. My wife has
    sun sensitive skin(blond) and burns fairly easily but even she doesn't get burned through clothing. I guess I'm not following the theory behind these garments. Anyone???
  • FatLarry
    FatLarry Posts: 209
    My opinion is that it's all about a good marketing message, playing on heightened awareness of skin cancer risks...

    That said, if clothing has a SPF (or is it UPF these days?) then it means it's been laboratory tested in a regulated environment and scientifically proven to achieve results within a certain threshold. So, the "real value" comes in terms of guaranteed peace of mind for those who are particularly concerned about the risk that know they're wearing something that gives them SPF50...

    ...but in reality, most clothing provides a degree of sun protection, it just varies according the the material and you don't know how good or bad it is - as it isn't always obvious. Density is usually the most obvious indicator, but there are all sorts of factors (weave, colour, etc) that will affect how protective a material is.
  • LittleB0b
    LittleB0b Posts: 416
    That said, if clothing has a SPF .

    All clothing has a SPF - it just hasn't been tested, to get an official one.

    there's some info here(and undubtably in numerous other places on the web - this was just the first i found) about the SPF of clothes.
    blog: bellevedere
  • scapaslow
    scapaslow Posts: 305
    I've not been burned under clothes either but then i don't tend to go out in hot sun for 6/7 hours in the way i do when on a long cycle.

    I'd like to know what degree of protection the garment is offering in advance. For someone with type 1 skin it seems to me a sensible precaution. Some pro riders like Thor Hushovd take it seriously as they are out day after day in such conditions. I think he has to get his stuff specially manufactured.

    Some of the more dense garments which offer most uv protection are not what you want to wear on a hot sunny day on a bike.

    I'm surprised that so few SPF treated cycling garments are available given the rising incidence of skin cancer in the UK.

    There seems to be much more available in the US and for women in general.
  • Blonde
    Blonde Posts: 3,188
    If you wear a completely white jersey, you can treat it with a whites UV protector laundry powder that goes in the washing machine (or can be used when washing by hand). Just look in the laundry section (with the stain removers and special treatments) at any supermarket - sold in small boxes of 5 sachets. It boosts the SPF of white clothing. In general darker colours should provide a bit more sun protection anyway.
  • A Load Of Bull
    A Load Of Bull Posts: 29
    How exciting...

    http://www.sunguardsunprotection.com/home.lasso

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