Your clothes are your first line of defense against the environment. They protect your skin from the weather, rain, dust, moisture, and sunshine.

But not all clothes are designed to offer protection against harmful UV rays. While all clothes act as a barrier between the sunlight and skin, only sun protection clothing is specifically designed to guard the skin against harmful sun rays.

In this post, we look at the differences between sun protection and regular clothing. Specifically, this blog is targeted towards learning the differences between sun protection vs. regular shorts, as shorts are a summer staple for every woman.

So let’s get started.

Differences Between Sun Protection vs. Regular Shorts

Sun protection shorts, also known as sun shorts or UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) shorts, are specifically designed to offer protection against harmful UV rays.

On the other hand, regular shorts are simply designed as a comfortable outfit with no special consideration for sun protection.

Let's closely examine some differences between sun protection vs. regular shorts.

1. Fabric

Sun protection shorts are made using special fabric with a high UPF rating. The UPF rating of the fabric indicates its ability to block out harmful UV radiations from the sun.

On the other hand, regular shorts can be made using various materials ranging from organic to synthetic materials, but they don't necessarily have specific UV protection features.

2. Sun Protection

As the name suggests, sun protection shorts are designed to offer protection against harmful UV rays. Hence, they provide a barrier between your skin and the sun's radiation that can damage your skin.

Regular shorts offer a certain level of sun protection as they are a physical barrier between your skin and the sun's rays; however, they are not specifically designed to protect your skin against damage from harmful UV rays.

3. Usage

Sun protection shorts are particularly preferred for outdoor adventures during summer as that's when sun exposure is high, and there’s a much higher risk of skin damage due to extensive sun exposure.

However regular shorts are suitable for everyday use throughout the year, but they do not offer the same level of sun protection for outdoor activities during summer.

Now that you know the basic differences between sun protection vs. regular shorts, let's learn why you need sun protection knee-length shorts.

Why Do You Need Sun Protection Knee-Length Shorts?

Sun protection knee-length shorts are perfect for summer as they offer enhanced protection for your legs, especially around your knees and more.

Here are a few reasons why you need sun protection knee-length shorts.

1. Extensive Sun Protection

Sun protection knee-length shorts are made from specialized fabric that offers protection against harmful UV rays by blocking a significant amount of the sun's radiation.

Hence, sun protection knee-length shorts reduce the risk of skin damage due to sun exposure, sunburn, and premature aging.

2. Protect the Sensitive Skin Around the Knee

The skin around the knees is relatively sensitive and hence susceptible to sunburn when exposed to sunlight for extended periods. Moreover, many individuals who spend much time outdoors without covering this area are more prone to developing skin cancer (which typically starts in this region).

Hence, choosing sun protection shorts offers extra coverage for this sensitive area, reducing the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

3. Versatility

Sun protection knee-length shorts are a versatile choice of garments that can be worn for various outdoor activities. Moreover, it also makes a perfect choice for casual, everyday wear.

While sun protection knee-length shorts offer added protection against harmful UV rays, it doesn't eliminate the need for taking other sun protection measures such as wearing sunscreen and a hat.

How to Choose Sun Protection Knee-Length Shorts

When choosing sun protection knee-length shorts, you need to consider several factors to make the right choice.

Here are a few guidelines to help you choose the perfect sun protection knee-length shorts for you.

1. UPF Rating

Choose knee-length sun protection shorts with a higher UPF rating. The rating indicates the level of UV protection offered by the fabric.

A UPF rating of 30 or more protects against harmful UV rays.

2. Fabric

When choosing sun protection knee-length shorts, opting for breathable, lightweight fabric is best.

Sun protection shorts are typically made using synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester.

3. Fit and Design

Choose knee-length sun protection shorts that are comfortable and fit well even if you wear them for longer periods.

Moreover, as you prioritize comfort and fit, don't forget to pay attention to the design elements, such as cutting and stitching.

4. Versatility

Choose sun protection shorts that are versatile and suit your personality and style.

Flyleaf UPF50+ Water-Resistant Bermuda Shorts

For all the outdoorsy women looking for style and comfort this summer, the Flyleaf UPF50+ Water-Resistant Bermuda Shorts make a perfect choice. The classic fit Bermuda shorts are made using moisture-wicking, breathable fabric and offer UPF50+ sun protection, making them ideal for all summer outdoor adventures.

Laureate UPF50+ DWR Shorts

With a classic button closure, the Laureate UPF50+ DWR Shorts are designed to offer extensive protection against the environment.

These water-resistant shorts are made using UPF50+ sun protection fabric which offers extensive protection against the blazing sun.

Moreover, these shorts are breathable and moisture-wicking, which is why they are a perfect choice for all outdoor adventures like hiking, trekking, walking, and boating.

Flyleaf UPF50+ DWR Knee-Length Shorts

For women looking for knee-length shorts which also offer sun protection, the Flyleaf UPF50+ DWR Knee-Length Shorts are a wardrobe essential.

These knee-length shorts are water-resistant, which makes them a perfect choice for all outdoor adventures. Moreover, with UPF50+, these shorts offer extensive sun protection, so it's definitely a wardrobe essential this summer.

Laureate UPF 50+ DWR Capris

Whether you’re heading out for an outdoor adventure or running errands, these Laureate UPF50+ DWR Capris offer the comfort and style you deserve.

These lightweight, breathable capris offer extensive coverage with a skin-friendly feel and straight open bottoms that won’t fit at the knees.

Final Words

There are several differences between sun protection vs. regular shorts. By knowing these differences, you can choose bottoms that make a classic addition to your summer wardrobe.

Learn more about sun protection clothing here.