When we started Tied, we were surprised to learn that a lot of the fabrics we wore on sunny days were barely protecting our skin. Linen shirts, cotton coverups, breezy crochet tops, beautiful, yes, but not built to block UV rays. That’s part of what led us to create something better.
If you're wondering what actually protects your skin in the sun (and what doesn’t), here's a breakdown of the fabrics we see everywhere and how they hold up under UV exposure.
Cotton (UPF 5 to 15, Minimal to Fair)
We love a good cotton tee as much as anyone, but it’s one of the least protective fabrics in the sun. It absorbs moisture and stretches out, which can make it even less effective over time. Lightweight cotton, especially when wet, offers very little protection.
Our take: Save it for indoor days or evening walks. Don’t count on it for serious sun exposure.
Linen (UPF 5 to 7, Minimal)
Linen is breathable and beautiful, but it’s also loosely woven. That means more UV rays can pass right through. Just like cotton, it becomes even less protective when damp.
Our take: Great for airflow, not great for sun safety.
Chiffon, Crochet, and Mesh (1 to 5, Very Low)
We’re grouping these together because they share the same issue—gaps in the weave. If you can see your skin through it, the sun can reach it too. Even though they’re popular as swim coverups, they offer very little actual protection.
Our take: Cute layering pieces, but treat them more like an accessory than a safeguard.
What Makes a Fabric Truly Protective?
It’s all in the weave, the fiber, and how the material performs over time. The most protective fabrics are tightly woven and specifically tested for UV performance. Many everyday fabrics, no matter how long the sleeves or how high the neckline, don’t offer much defense.
At Tied, every style is independently tested to meet the highest standard in sun protection. Our fabric is made to protect from the start, not coated or sprayed. And unlike everyday materials, it keeps its performance even when wet.
What We Recommend
If you're spending real time outside, look for clothing that is:
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Tightly woven
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Labeled with a verified UPF rating (50+ is the gold standard)
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Comfortable enough that you’ll actually want to wear it
We designed Tied to check every box. Our styles feel like your favorite ready-to-wear pieces but are engineered to protect your skin and last season after season. And yes, they’re still cute enough for beach days, brunch, and backyard hangs.
Final Thoughts
We’re not here to scare you into ditching your favorite outfits. But we do think sun protection should be something we think about the same way we think about skincare, hydration, or packing sunscreen in our bag. Because what you wear in the sun matters.
Let us know what questions you have about sun-safe fabrics. We’re always up for sharing what we’ve learned along the way.