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Your Story Series: Brianna
Brianna shares her journey through multiple melanomas, and not just surviving but thriving.
Your Story Series: Brianna
Brianna shares her journey through multiple melanomas, and not just surviving but thriving.
How to choose your perfect UPF 50+ sun hat
At Solbari, we believe that style and comfort should never come at the expense of sun safety. Every Solbari sun hat is crafted with UPF 50+ fabric, blocking at least...
How to choose your perfect UPF 50+ sun hat
At Solbari, we believe that style and comfort should never come at the expense of sun safety. Every Solbari sun hat is crafted with UPF 50+ fabric, blocking at least 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Designed in Australia and tested under some of the world’s harshest UV conditions, our hats are built for all day wear and maximum protection.
Tax time: Did you know your sun protective clothing may be be tax deductible?
If you work outdoors, protecting your skin isn’t just smart, it might also be tax-deductible. In both Australia and New Zealand, certain sun protective clothing and accessories can be claimed...
Tax time: Did you know your sun protective clothing may be be tax deductible?
If you work outdoors, protecting your skin isn’t just smart, it might also be tax-deductible. In both Australia and New Zealand, certain sun protective clothing and accessories can be claimed as work-related expenses. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Inland Revenue (IRD) recognise that outdoor workers face genuine risks, including sun exposure, and allow deductions for protective gear worn as part of your job. Who is eligible? You may be able to claim sun protective clothing if your work regularly requires you to be in the sun. Common occupations include: Builders and tradespeople Farmers and agricultural workers Couriers and delivery drivers Fishermen Sports professionals, coaches and trainers Outdoor recreation staff and PE teachers Landscape gardeners, landscapers and foresters To qualify, the clothing must be purpose-built to protect against sun exposure and directly related to your work duties. Everyday clothing or casual sun hats generally won’t be accepted. Solbari’s UPF 50+ range is designed specifically for sun protection, so your purchases may be eligible. We are able to provide a tax invoice with your order, which can be used as written evidence should you need to make a claim. For more detailed information, visit the ATO website (Australia) or the IRD website (New Zealand). Disclaimer: Solbari does not provide tax advice and you should consult with your tax advisor directly as to the eligibility of any tax deduction claim.
Your Story Series: Amy Schmidt
After beating skin cancer multiple times, Amy is now empowering others to embrace a sun-smart life.
Your Story Series: Amy Schmidt
After beating skin cancer multiple times, Amy is now empowering others to embrace a sun-smart life.
What fabrics are good for sensitive skin?
Discover the top fabrics to keep sensitive skin cool and irritation-free.
What fabrics are good for sensitive skin?
Discover the top fabrics to keep sensitive skin cool and irritation-free.
Your Story Series: Tamara Dawson
From diagnosis to advocacy, Tamara’s story is a powerful reminder of why early detection and sun protection matter.
Your Story Series: Tamara Dawson
From diagnosis to advocacy, Tamara’s story is a powerful reminder of why early detection and sun protection matter.
Your Story Series: Emma
Diagnosed with melanoma at 18, Emma shares how it changed her life, and why sun protection is now non-negotiable.
Your Story Series: Emma
Diagnosed with melanoma at 18, Emma shares how it changed her life, and why sun protection is now non-negotiable.
The A B C D E of skin checking
It is very difficult to the untrained eye to identify melanomas and skin cancers because they can come in many different shapes and sizes. As Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon from...
The A B C D E of skin checking
It is very difficult to the untrained eye to identify melanomas and skin cancers because they can come in many different shapes and sizes. As Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon from the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc. says, "the earlier a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better the chance of avoiding surgery, or in the case of a serious melanoma or skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death."
Why you need to know about intermittent sun exposure
Uncover intermittent sun exposure risks and how to protect yourself.
Why you need to know about intermittent sun exposure
Uncover intermittent sun exposure risks and how to protect yourself.
Your Story Series: International Women's Day - Inspiring Women
Inspiring women share skin health journeys and staying confidently protected.
Your Story Series: International Women's Day - Inspiring Women
Inspiring women share skin health journeys and staying confidently protected.
Protecting your skin with Dr Priska McDonald
Dr Priska McDonald is a consultant dermatologist with expertise in skin cancer, including melanoma, holding appointments at The Alfred Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. We're excited to welcome Dr...
Protecting your skin with Dr Priska McDonald
Dr Priska McDonald is a consultant dermatologist with expertise in skin cancer, including melanoma, holding appointments at The Alfred Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. We're excited to welcome Dr Priska McDonald to our Expert Medical Panel, bringing her expertise to our Solbari community. Read more about our Expert Medical Panel here. What makes UV exposure particularly dangerous? Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and UV exposure can reach extreme levels, making skin protection critical. Here's why: Extreme UV levels: UV radiation levels of 3 or above require sun protection. In an Australian summer, UV levels often exceed 11—classified as "extreme." At this level, sunburns can occur within minutes. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation remains high, which can be particularly dangerous because people often underestimate their need for sun protection. Even in colder months, UV levels can remain at 3 or above. There’s no such thing as a 'healthy tan': A tan is not a sign of good health. It indicates that your skin's DNA has been damaged, prompting the release of pigment for protection. This DNA damage can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma. The impact of a single sunburn: It only takes one sunburn to trigger DNA damage that may result in skin cancer. The risk is cumulative, but every instance of sunburns increases your risk. It’s important that we protect ourselves all year not just in the summer months. Long-term consequences of UV exposure: Consistent UV exposure not only increases the risk of skin cancer but also causes other skin concerns like pigmentary disorders (e.g., melasma) and accelerates premature ageing, including wrinkles, sunspots and loss of skin elasticity. What’s your advice for selecting UPF 50+ clothing and accessories? Choosing the right UPF 50+ clothing and accessories is a great way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Here’s what to consider: Match clothing to your activities: Think about how and where you spend time in the sun—whether it’s leisure activities, like playing golf or walking the dog, or day-to-day activities UPF 50+ sun hats, clothing and accessories that suit those activities will ensure effective protection is provided as the fabrics block at least 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget accessories: If you spend time driving or walking with a pram, gloves are important to protect your hands, which are often exposed to UV rays. In fact, while car windshields block about 96% of UV radiation, side windows only block around 71% of damaging rays. To stay protected, wear protective apparel like a hat and driving gloves. These can help shield you from harmful UV rays that glass windows cannot completely block. Pick the right hat: A wide-brim hat is an excellent solution to shield your face, ears and neck from the sun. Focus on fabric weight and breathability: When you’re out in the heat, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics to stay cool while maintaining protection. Protect hard-to-reach areas: Consider parts of your body where reapplying sunscreen can be difficult, such as your back, shoulders or arms. Choosing UPF 50+ clothing and accessories can ensure those areas stay protected throughout the day. Do your research: Make sure the clothing and accessories you choose are tried and tested under Australian conditions and are approved by government agencies. Brands that meet these standards give you peace of mind that you’re getting reliable, high-quality sun protection. What advice do you give to skin cancer patients and survivors faced with “sun anxiety” but equally want to embrace the outdoors? How can UPF 50+ clothing and accessories from Solbari empower them? Although protecting ourselves from the sun is important, we cannot hide indoors and we don’t have to. Those affected by skin cancer or at risk of skin cancers can still enjoy the outdoors safely all year round. When wearing protective clothing with a UPF 50+ rating, you can be reassured that at least 98% of harmful UV rays are being blocked. Clothing takes the stress out of constantly needing to reapply sunscreen. UPF 50+ clothing and accessories give skin cancer survivors the confidence to enjoy the outdoors. How does proper skin protection support in maintaining healthy and youthful skin by reducing age spots and other UV-related damage? Proper skin protection is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin, as UV exposure is the primary cause of skin ageing. Many people underestimate UV damage, not realising it can occur even when they feel protected—such as driving a car, where UV radiation penetrates through windows, or wearing hats with holes or insufficient coverage. Premature ageing, including wrinkles, age spots, broken blood vessels, and pigmentary disorders like melasma, commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest and hands. Contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing “healthy” about a tan; it’s a sign of DNA damage that accelerates ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer. The good news is that sun protection is the most effective anti-ageing measure. This includes combining the use of sunscreen, UPF 50+ clothing, wide-brim hats, sunglasses and shade. By consistently reducing cumulative UV exposure, we not only slow down the visible signs of ageing but also lower the risk of skin cancer. Protecting your skin isn’t just about anti-ageing—it’s about long-term skin health. By combining these protective measures — sunscreen, UPF 50+ clothing and access to shade — you can confidently embrace your outdoor adventures while keeping your skin protected.
Skin cancer prevention with Dr Ryan De Cruz
Dr Ryan De Cruz is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Founder of Southern Dermatology, and a Consultant at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Skin Health Institute. We're...
Skin cancer prevention with Dr Ryan De Cruz
Dr Ryan De Cruz is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Founder of Southern Dermatology, and a Consultant at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Skin Health Institute. We're excited to introduce Dr Ryan De Cruz to our Expert Medical Panel, bringing her expertise to our Solbari community. Read more about our Expert Medical Panel here. 95% of melanomas are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Why is prioritising prevention so crucial in addressing these alarming statistics? Australia has some of the most devastating skin cancer rates in the world, with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with the disease by the time they’re 70. When it comes to skin cancer, prevention is definitely better than cure. While detection and treatment are crucial in our fight against skin cancer, the majority of skin cancers can be prevented by properly protecting your skin. Your skin will remember how much UV exposure you’ve had, even the mildest of sunburns, which increases your long-term risk of skin cancer. We know that even thin melanomas (less than 1mm thick) reduce life expectancy, and therefore the goal must be to prevent melanoma development in the first place. Can you explain the difference between UPF ratings for clothing and accessories and SPF ratings for sunscreen? There are two differences. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation (both UVA and UVB rays) can penetrate fabric and reach your skin. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is based on the time it takes for UV-exposed skin to redden. UPF measures both UVB and UVA rays, while SPF measures only UVB.This important difference means that we are protecting ourselves against all the spectra of ultraviolet radiation that contributes to skin cancer and photo-ageing. Why do you recommend UPF 50+ clothing like Solbari as a more effective long-term solution to overall skin health compared to sunscreen alone? Sunscreen is not commonly applied adequately or frequently enough to provide true 50+ coverage. UPF 50+ clothing, on the other hand, guarantees consistent and reliable protection without the worry of missing spots or losing coverage throughout the day. Once UV damage has occurred, it cannot be fully reversed—anti-aging products, prescription treatments and laser therapies can only minimise visible signs like wrinkles and pigmentation. But nothing will undo the cellular damage caused by unprotected UV exposure. Investing in UPF 50+ clothing is a proactive and effective way to safeguard your skin for the long term, preserving its health and vitality while reducing the risk of skin cancers and premature ageing. Why are UPF 50+ clothing and accessories a smarter long-term investment for youthful skin than relying solely on expensive serums and treatments? The best skincare investment you can make is prevention—and that starts with shielding your skin from UV exposure. UPF 50+ clothing and accessories provide unparalleled protection, blocking at least 98% of harmful UV rays while eliminating the inconsistency of sunscreen application. Over time, unprotected sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, pigmentation and sagging skin, while also increasing the risk of skin cancer. Though serums, treatments and resurfacing lasers can improve the appearance of damage, they cannot reverse the underlying cellular harm caused by years of UV exposure. Combining UPF 50+ clothing and accessories with SPF50+ sunscreen offers a reliable, cost-effective, long-term solution for maintaining smooth, healthy and youthful skin. Prevention is not only easier—it’s far more effective.
Skin cancer: the basics
Learn more about skin cancer, and why early protection matters.
Skin cancer: the basics
Learn more about skin cancer, and why early protection matters.
5 sun protection tips for this summer
All the sun protection tips you need for summer are right here.
5 sun protection tips for this summer
All the sun protection tips you need for summer are right here.
Can skin damage caused by the sun be repaired or even reversed?
Learn how your skin repairs sun damage and how to support its recovery.
Can skin damage caused by the sun be repaired or even reversed?
Learn how your skin repairs sun damage and how to support its recovery.