I am looking to purchase long sleeve shirts to wear before and after diving that provide UV protection (UPF 50+) and are breathable so they are comfortable for use on Bonaire. Found quite a few on the web containing variations of the name "Rash Guard", all of which seem to provide UV and rash protection while in the water (surfing, water polo, water skiing, etc.) but few seem to say that they are breathable (except at the seams) for extended use out of the water. Recommendations of specific brands are appreciated.

Dr. Director -

There are two long-sleeve products that provide UPF protection we use that you might wish to investigate.

SolarVeil (http://www.solarveil.com/) is by far the coolest and easiest to care for. It is a net material that achieves UPF by the weave, hence the protection theoretically will last as long as the material. It is see-through, so if you want a slightly more dressy version, look at the long-sleeve pull over. We've been using SolarVeil in Texas and Bonaire for about 5 years and we've never had a trace of sunburn and no skin cancer.

SunPrecautions (http://www.sunprecautions.com/cgi-bin/sgdynamo.exe?HTNAME=_home.htm) is the other UPF clothing product we use. They were among the first, if not the first, to offer UPF clothing on a significant scale in the U.S.

The advantages of their products are they come in a fair variety and they are decidedly dressier than SolarVeil. The drawbacks are that they are a bit warmer (still lightweight enough for normal wear in Bonaire), require some care in washing (mild detergent specifically not Woolite), and the UPF is supposed to have a life of about 300 washings.

We've been using SunPrecautions products for about 7 years in Texas and Bonaire and are quite satisfied. No sunburn, no skin cancer.

These are the UPF clothing products with which we have experience. More and more such products are cropping up in popular clothing catalogs and online.

Hope this helps.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

We carry the ones from Reef but they do not say anything about being breathable. If anyone has a suggestion I will try to find them for stock.

Charles, the link to Solarveil did not work

I looked at the other one, and you said:

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quote:

The drawbacks are that they are a bit warmer (still lightweight enough for normal wear in Bonaire)

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Cynde the link works for me try this
http://www.solarveil.com/ instead of the link...

Chapulín -

I am sorry the SolarVeil link did not work for you. I just clicked on the link, as posted in my message, and it worked.

Regardless, I'm sure you can find the sight and their products may be something you would really like. It truly is about as cool as you can get and still have on a shirt.

Yes, the Sun Precautions is warmer and if I have a choice, I wear SolarVeil. I have the long sleeve shirt with the double fabric on the top for lunch, etc. and to me it is just as cool as the single mesh.

I, too, have had serious skin cancer, hence the adoption of the UPF materials.

We have used the SolarVeil while snorkeling and it is as effective wet as dry (dries in a flash). I wear the Solar Veil bicycling year-round in Dallas and it has never failed me. And though with vigor (melanoma has that effect on folks) I apply sunscreen on all exposed parts of my body, I do not put it on under the Solar Veil. I have had no problems with that approach and it does save a lot of sunscreen and time. (My sunscreen choice is another story, but I don't want to drift too far off-message.)

Hope this helps not only you, but also our original questioner, Dr. Director.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

How weird, now the link works! Thanks for the site Charles.

Cynde

Thank you Charles for the info. Checked out both sites (and they both worked fine). Solaveil looks like the better choice from a comfort and cost standpoint, even though they have fewer alternatives. They do seem to have some basic t-shirts which is really what I was looking for.

Dr. Director -

Bueno, I am happy that the information was of interest.

We have no proprietary position in either product, but we are pleased that others may benefit as have we.

The basic tee shirt is what I wear, under a regular cycling jersey for visibility in traffic, year-around for bicycling in Texas and it is what we have used when snorkeling in Bonaire. I think it would serve you well.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Charles.... do you have a trip coming up soon?? I've seen you posting more lately... ;)

Kelly -

We do not have anything planned, but we are always ready to plan.

In the meantime, if we can be of some small help to others, it is our way of repaying all those who have helped us and of staying in touch with one of our favorite parts of the world.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

I believe Patagonia makes a few different kinds plus they are eco-friendly in the manufacturing process!!

www.patagonia.com

-Jennifer