06/02/2026
Why Arizona Needs UV-Protective Shirts (And Your Regular Cotton Won't Cut It)
Arizona gets 286 days of sunshine per year. Summer UV Index regularly hits 10-11 (extreme). Average July high = 104°F.
Your regular cotton t-shirt? UPF 5. Blocks 80% of UV. Meaning 20% gets through.
A UV-protective shirt? UPF 50. Blocks 98% of UV.
That's nearly 5x better protection.
Here's what you need to know:
UPF Ratings (What They Mean):
• UPF 15-24 = Good (93-96% UV blocked)
• UPF 25-39 = Very Good (96-97.5% UV blocked)
• UPF 40-50+ = Excellent (97.5-98% UV blocked)
Arizona Recommendation: UPF 40-50, light color (white/light gray), moisture-wicking fabric.
Why Light Color?
Dark fabrics absorb heat. In Arizona summer, light UV shirts stay 5-10°F cooler than dark cotton. Plus they're moisture-wicking, so you're not soaking through your shirt by 10am.
Common Fabrics:
→ Polyester blend (50/50) = UPF 25-40, affordable
→ Nylon = UPF 40-50+, quick-drying
→ Merino wool = UPF 40-50+, premium
→ Technical fabrics = UPF 30-50+, designed for heat
Cost: $15-35 per shirt vs $5-10 for regular cotton.
Is it worth it?
Arizona has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the US. Melanoma is preventable. UV protection saves your skin—literally.
If you're outdoors 2+ hours daily, UV protection isn't a luxury. It's essential.
Ready to add UV apparel to your lineup? Call us. We handle custom printing on protective fabrics.
https://www.little6llc.com/2026/06/01/uv-protective-apparel-guide-upf-ratings-fabrics-and-custom-printing-little-6-industries/