BloqUV
By Contributor Jen Shragge 

The snow has finally melted and the sun is out and shining. Along with the sun comes the need for skin protection and May is Melanoma Awareness Month.

According to the National Cancer Institute and the Centres for Disease Control, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.While melanoma only represents 4% of skin cancers in the United States, it results in 75% of all skin cancer-related deaths.

There are some basics that everybody should follow when exposing themselves to sunlight:

  • Avoid the sun from 10 a.m to 4 p.m when the sun is at its strongest and remember UV rays are just as strong on cloudy days.
  • Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your face and neck.
  • Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SFP of 15 or higher every day. Ensure you use the correct amount (approximately a shot glass full for the average adult) and apply 20-30 minutes before exposure.
  • Wear UV protective clothing when possible.

There are not a great deal of options out there these days for adult UV protective clothing and even fewer that are stylish and functional. Enter BloqUV clothing, designed by Corina Biton. BloqUV is designed for both men and women who have active outdoor lifestyles, but incorporates the features and functions of traditional sports gear such as runner’s thumb holes in sleeves, flat seams to prevent chafing and moisture wicking technology to keep you dry. All BloqUV clothing provides a UPF of 50 and blocks 98% of the suns harmful rays. Plus they are available in a variety of fun styles and colours and are designed in the United States.

BloqUV

I selected the Crop Top (MSRP: $60) to review and was really happy with the quality of the fabric and the length of the sleeves. I could see myself throwing this over a tank top for a run on a cool day or when I’m on my way to a hot yoga class for a bit more coverage. I love the idea of the UV protection and found the top to be very comfortable. I do wish the sizing was closer to average as I ordered a medium (I usually wear a size 6 but thought a little bigger in this style would be fine) and I it fit quite small. If I had tried it on prior to receiving it I may have actually ordered a large, which is not what their sizing chart indicates I need based on my usual size.

Other than that, I think the styles are very fun and cute and I would consider them for my next running wear purchase, as the price points are right on par with most athletic clothing companies. All the styles and more information on the company can be found on their website at www.bloquv.com.

Disclosure: I received a sample of a product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided and all views and opinions stated on this post are 100% my own.

Jen Shragge lives just south of Vancouver, BC with her Kid, Hubby and Doggie. When she’s not trying to make the world greener she is trying to get her family to eat more greens. She writes about her attempts and includes her recipes at cookingforthecarnivore.