SUN. IT'S NO JOKE.
What you need to know about UV, UPF, and keeping little ones safe outside.
Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. Kids are known to spend more time outside than adults. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive to UV damage. And most sun damage happens before the age of 18.
The good news? It’s almost entirely preventable.
Sun protection
WHAT DOES UPF 50+ ACTUALLY MEAN?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor - the fabric equivalent of SPF. A rating of UPF 50+ means the material blocks more than 98% of UV radiation from reaching skin.
That’s the gold standard. For reference, a regular cotton t-shirt typically has a UPF of around 5. Not quite the same thing.
UV index
KNOW YOUR UV NUMBER.
The UV Index measures the intensity of UV radiation on a scale from 0 to 11+. In Australia, summer UV regularly hits 11+ - classed as Extreme.
At UV 3 or above, sun protection is recommended. At UV 6+, it’s essential. At UV 11+, unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. Check your local UV before heading out - and if it’s above 3, the hat goes on.
Why hats?
HATS BEAT SUNSCREEN ALONE.
Sunscreen needs to be applied correctly, reapplied every two hours, and it doesn’t protect the eyes or scalp at all.
A wide-brimmed hat provides consistent, immediate protection the moment it goes on. No rubbing in. No waiting. No reapplying. For kids especially, a hat that stays on is the most reliable form of sun protection there is.
THE BEST PROTECTION IS THE HAT THEY ACTUALLY WEAR.
Every Luma hat is rated UPF 50+, designed to stay on, and built for real Aussie adventures.
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