Why the long sleeve polo shirt for men is the unsung hero of sun protection
Next time you are at the park, your local golf club or strolling around town on a summers day have a look around and observe how many people are wearing a long sleeve polo shirt. I would hazard a guess surprisingly few.
During sunnier and warmer times of the year, people are more inclined to strip off the layers to combat the heat. Short sleeves reign supreme.
So, why do not more men consider long sleeve polo shirts as part of their summer wardrobe?
It may seem counter-intuitive to wear a long sleeve polo in the summer but there are many reasons to reconsider this. We see long sleeve polo shirts as an essential part of your wardrobe as it is a great way to protect yourself from the sun at the same time.
Style
The long sleeve polo for men has a great style heritage, if you look at photos of style icons like Steve McQueen and JFK, they both wore long sleeve polo shirts regularly. Both had fair coloured skin so would have been more susceptible to sunburn which may explain part of the reason why it was a go-to garment for them. JFK enjoyed a round of golf and sailing, Steve was an all-action hero often out on a motorcycle or open-top sports car.
Versatility
The world has changed pretty dramatically due to the Covid pandemic. Many men are working from home a lot more. The formality of a suit still has relevance in a post-Covid world but this is where the long sleeve polo has come into its own. It sits perfectly between a formal tailored shirt and a more casual t-shirt. Men can wear a long sleeve polo shirt and a pair of jeans to the supermarket or the Boardroom accompanied with a jacket.
No need for sunscreen
If you are one of the people who either doesn’t enjoy putting on sunscreen or never applies enough, the long sleeve polo shirt is the perfect remedy. Your biceps, forearms and wrists will stay protected from the sun with a long sleeve polo. If your polo also has thumb holes you can also protect the back of your hands. A specialist long sleeve polo with a UPF50+ sun protective rating will give you excellent sun protection piece of mind.
Body temperature regulation
Whether you are in the depths of winter or the heights of summer, a long sleeve polo shirt works incredibly well. Many UPF50+ sun protective long sleeve polos use fabrics that allow you to stay cool in the heat by wicking away any perspiration. By preventing sunburn your skin will not become distressed by overexposure to UV radiation. You will avoid your skin swelling and the burning sensation from sunburn. Conversely, long sleeves in the winter help you retain body heat.
Price
A men's long sleeve polo shirt is also great value for money. There doesn’t tend to be a huge price difference between a long sleeve polo and a short sleeve adaptation. Considering the additional workmanship and fabric it compares favourably on the price front.
Solbari offers a range of UPF50+ sun protective clothing, sun hats, UV arm sleeves, sun umbrellas and sun protective driving gloves. All Solbari fabrics have been independently tested and rated UPF 50+ by the Australian Government. Solbari has loyal customers in over 90 countries.
You can find out more about Solbari's sun protective range by clicking the links below:
Women UPF 50+
Men UPF 50+
Sun Hats UPF 50+
Accessories UPF 50+
SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Skin Check App
