According to the American Cancer Society skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more new cases of skin cancer each year than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.  With summer around the corner, branded sun-safe apparel for employees and customers is a corporate brand strategy that demonstrates awareness, appreciation and respect for the recipients.

What makes a clothing item sun-safe?  Eric Palefsky,  founder of Ozone Apparel, and a skin cancer survivor, offers the following guidelines:

Consider color: Dark-colored garments offer significantly more protection than light ones.  For instance, a basic dark t-shirt may have 25 UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) vs 10 UPF for a basic white tee.

Know weight and weave:  A denser weave and heavier-weight garment translates to longer-term durability and better protection over mulitple washes and wears.  The type of fiber also matters.  Polyester and nylon fabrics protect better than basic cotton.

Pick a garment pretreated with a special UV-protective wash:  Insist on garments that have been UV tested at an independent laboratory.  It’s good to know what UPF rating the garment offers, and how long that rating will hold up under normal washing.

Sun-safe apparel, along with sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, should all be part of an ongoing healthy lifestyle choice that helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer.  And when a company chooses to put their logo on items that promote healthier habits, customers take notice; employees have fewer medical expenses; and the brand enjoys increased positive exposure. So when the sun comes out tomorrow, be sure you’re ready with the right sunburn fighting arsenal!