Clothing and Headwear
The UV protective qualities of clothing are measured through a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) scale.
Most authorities recommend clothing and headwear which offers UPF 50+ to be worn during hot Australian weather. Ever increasing selections of swimwear and summer wear are showing UPF 50+ on their labels. Unlike SPFs, the UPFs in clothing remain constant because they only wash or wear off over months of laundering the material.
A broad brimmed hat is recommended to give a level of protection, especially to the ears and neck, not possible with caps. Legionnaire-style headwear also offers a higher level of protection.
The general rule with clothing is the more skin you cover, the better protected you are likely to be. However if you stand in the sun for instance as long as a cricket umpire it is imperative that everything you wear is UPF 50+.
Sunglasses
For optimum UV protection for the eyes wear large, wrap-around sunglasses with polarised lenses. The glasses should be worn all the time in the sun to protect against a range of short term eye complaints and irritations. Long term exposure to UV radiation can cause permanent eye damage as well as skin cancer of the eyelids and other areas around the eyes.
Shadecloth and Staying in the Shade
The simple rule is to stay out of the sun as much as possible during the daylight saving period of 11am to 3pm and 10am to 2pm for the rest of the year.
Stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest and spread shadecloth over those outdoor areas where the family spends summer leisure time at home.