U.S. UPF Sun Protective Clothing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Hats & Caps, Shirts, T-shirts, Jacket, & Hoodies, Pants & Shorts, Swimwear), By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027

Report Overview

The U.S. UPF sun protective clothing market size was valued at USD 590.5 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2020 to 2027. Rising awareness among the consumers regarding UV resistance provided by sun protective clothing and in the prevention of skin diseases is expected to drive demand.

Sun protective clothing adheres to specific design parameters such as styling suited to cover the entire skin, which is susceptible to damage from UV radiation. The conventional designs used to provide protection from the sun include collars, knee-to-floor length dresses, skirts, ankle-length trousers, and long sleeves.

Around 3 million people in the U.S. are affected by skin cancer every year. Squamous and basal cell cancers are the most common types of skin cancers caused by UV radiation. They accounted for around 90% of the total skin cancers and are likely to be seen on the neck and head of a human body. In order to protect a person from skin cancer, UPF UV protective clothing such as hats are used for safeguarding the neck, scalp, and face.

Increasing awareness regarding the harmful effects of chemicals used in sunscreen is likely to augment the demand for UV protective clothing. Furthermore, favorable government regulations in the country for reducing plastic waste are expected to minimize sunscreen lotion usage, thereby boosting sun-protective clothing demand over the forecast period.

Key market players are entering into agreements with other companies to expand their distribution capacities and increase their products' market reach. Furthermore, e-commerce is driving the market on account of increased product demand across all end-use segments. As a result, manufacturers are focusing on other efficient and effective distribution channels.

Factors responsible for restricting the growth of sun-protective clothing market in the country include technological advancements in sunscreen products, which has introduced novel techniques for manufacturing sunscreen from natural ingredients as well as increasing their effective duration. Furthermore, the requirement of separate clothing for face, neck, and eye protection is anticipated to impact market growth negatively.

U.S. UPF Sun Protective Clothing Market Trends

The growth of the UPF sun protective clothing market in the U.S. is driven by the rising prevalence of skin cancer and increasing awareness regarding the benefits of using UPF sun protective clothing for avoiding the harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation is expected to drive the market growth.

The UPF sun protective clothing products are widely available for men, women, as well as kids including

girls, boys, and toddlers. The product market in the U.S. is likely to grow owing to increasing awareness of the harmful effects of sun exposure and the availability of various sun protective garments.

Increasing awareness regarding the harmful effects of chemicals used in sunscreen is likely to augment the demand for UV protective clothing. Additionally, the country's favorable government policies for decreasing plastic waste are anticipated to reduce the need for sunscreen lotion, which would increase demand for sun-protective garments over the forecast period.

Rising standards in various industries pertaining to the mandate of protective clothing for personnel and the rising penetration of protective clothing in medical, pharmaceutical, and oil& gas industries are anticipated to boost the market growth over the forecast period. In addition, increasing investments by manufacturers in research & development activities are anticipated to complement protective clothing market growth.

The cost of sun protective clothing is higher than regular clothing on account of the presence of high

UPF factor in these apparels. Companies engaged in producing sun-protective clothing utilize pretreated fabrics or inherently UV protective materials for manufacturing these garments, resulting in increasing the cost of the clothing, thus lowering the demand for sun-protective clothing.

Several policies such as The American Society for Testing and Materials developed standards for labeling garments as sun protective. The Skin Cancer Foundation's seal of approval requires a UPF of 30 or higher, which increases the demand for garments with a UPF of 30 or higher.

Product Insights

Shirts, t-shirts, jackets, and hoodies led the U.S. UPF sun protective clothing market and accounted for 35.2% of the country’s revenue share in 2019. These products provide high coverage and protection for torso from harmful sun rays. Furthermore, the ability of these products to provide comfort, wearing ease, and additional protection from sun rays during daytime outdoor activities is expected to augment product demand in the U.S. over the forecast period.

UPF sun protective pants and shorts are manufactured using fabric that is non-stretchable, lightweight, moisture-wicking, woven, and wrinkle-free. Furthermore, these products are resistant to chlorine and saltwater and aid in keeping the wearer cool in a hot environment, along with providing effectiveness and comfort when exposed to harmful sun rays.

Swimwear products accounted for around 25.8% in 2019, owing to its availability in various sizes, patterns, prints, and specifications. A majority of swimwear products are made from fabrics such as polyester and nylon due to their superior ability to disrupt harmful ultraviolet sun rays. Rayon, flax, cotton, and hemp fabrics are also used for manufacturing these products.

Hats & caps are used for face and neck protection against harmful sun rays. The availability of these products in various types, such as wide brim hats, visors, everyday hats, explorer hats, traveler hats, and shade caps, and a wide range of sizes, colors, and design specifications are likely to propel the complement demand in the country over the forecast period.

End-use Insights

The adoption of sun-protective clothing by women-led the market and accounted for 41.7% of the revenue in 2019. Various products such as dresses, tops, skirts, tunics, swimwear, scarves, and beach cover-all are specifically designed and developed for women. Apart from the risk of skin cancer, prolonged and frequent exposure to harmful UV rays results in premature skin aging as well as exacerbation of photosensitive illnesses.

The tendency of using sun protective products, such as sunscreen, is less among men. This factor is anticipated to augment the demand for various products, such as shirts, t-shirts, pants, swimwear, as well as accessories, including gloves, arm protectors, neck gaiters, and face masks.

UPF sun protective products, such as sunscreen, usually contain chemicals that can be harmful to the sensitive skin of kids and toddlers. Rising awareness among the parents pertaining to the advantages of using UV protective clothing for kids during outdoor activities, including beachside relaxing, casual outings, traveling, and playing, is anticipated to propel the product demand.

Furthermore, increasing instances of sunburn among children on account of overexposure to harmful UV rays is anticipated to augment the demand for UPF sun protective clothing for kids over the forecast period. Kid's segment caters to products that are widely available for girls, boys as well as babies.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key players offer innovative and diversified product portfolios. Market leaders are engaged in manufacturing products by implementing state-of-the-art technologies and using a wide range of advanced fabrics. They adopt several key strategies, such as acquisition, new product launch, collaboration, and expansion, to maintain their position in the competitive market.

The market is witnessing an increase in the number of new entrants. Emerging players are implementing strategies such as catering to specific UPF sun protective apparel segment. The companies are continuously engaged in expanding their distribution capabilities to position themselves in a highly competitive market. Some of the prominent players in the U.S. UPF sun protective clothing market include:

• Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing

• Summerskin

• Solumbra

• UV Skinz, Inc.

• Solbari Sun Protection

• Cabana Life

• Columbia Sportswear Company

• Little Leaves Clothing Company

• IBKUL

• Nozone Clothing US

U.S. UPF Sun Protective Clothing Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2027. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. UPF sun protective clothing market report on the basis of product and end use:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Hats and Caps

  • Shirts, T-shirts, Jacket, and Hoodies

  • Pants & Shorts

  • Swimwear

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Men

  • Women

  • Kids