Plenty of beach products mention UPF on the label, and not many people stop to ask what it means. If you are buying a shade to sit under for hours at a time, it is worth knowing what the rating tells you and what it leaves out.
This is a plain guide to UPF 50+ on a beach shade, and how the Swim Shady solo beach shade fits into a sensible day in the Australian sun.
The short version: UPF measures how much ultraviolet radiation a fabric lets through, and 50+ is the top rating. It makes a good canopy, but shade is one layer of protection. Keep your hat, sunglasses, clothing and sunscreen on as well.
What UPF actually means
UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor. It describes how well a fabric blocks UV radiation from reaching your skin. The higher the number, the less gets through. Under the Australian and New Zealand standard for sun protective clothing, 50+ is the highest category, which is why you see it on swimwear, hats and shade products.
The canopy on the Swim Shady solo beach shade carries UPF 50+ protection.
What shade cannot do on its own
Sitting under a good canopy cuts down the direct sun on you, but it does not remove UV altogether. Sand, water and light-coloured surfaces reflect UV back up from below, and some light reaches you from the open sides. That is the reason sun safety guidance asks for more than one layer.
Cancer Council Australia's well-known Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide routine covers it: cover up with clothing, apply sunscreen, wear a hat, seek shade and put on sunglasses. A beach shade takes care of the 'seek shade' part, and it makes the other parts easier because you are not squinting and baking while you do them.
Making the shade work harder
- Rotate the canopy through the day. The sun moves, and the Swim Shady solo beach shade has a rotating hinge so you can change the direction and angle without getting up.
- Take extra care through the middle of the day, when the sun is strongest.
- Reapply sunscreen on the schedule on the bottle, even if you have been in the shade the whole time.
- Keep a hat and sunglasses within reach for walks to the water.
A shade you will actually use
The best sun protection is the kind you carry to the beach. The Swim Shady solo beach shade weighs 1.8kg, folds to 58cm and anchors with an integrated sand screw, so there are no pegs, ropes or sandbags to deal with. It is designed for one person, which keeps it light and quick to set up. If you are going with family or friends, each person can bring their own shade.
Add a Luxury Beach Towel for the sand and a reversible beach bag, our Swim Bag, to carry the sunscreen and hat, and the set is done.
Frequently asked questions
What does UPF 50+ mean?
UPF is a rating for how much UV a fabric blocks. 50+ is the highest category under the Australian and New Zealand standard.
Is a UPF 50+ beach shade enough sun protection?
No single product is. Use shade together with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing.
Does the Swim Shady solo beach shade have a UPF 50+ canopy?
Yes. The canopy carries UPF 50+ protection.
Is the Swim Shady solo beach shade for one person?
Yes, it is designed for one person.