Pickleball & Sun Protection: Why UPF Clothing is Your Best Defense on the Court

This week, I finished reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. It's a beautifully written story about the tough times during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. I didn't realize before how the years and years of drought in the middle of the country compounded the devastation of the stock market crash in 1929. I know what you’re thinking, how does this relate to a website selling pickleball clothing? Stay with me though…

The book focuses on one family's struggle to survive in Texas, and one thing that stood out to me was how often the author described the sunburn and peeling skin. People wore hats to protect their sunburned faces. They wore long sleeves to cover up blistered arms. I kept thinking about the painful skin that cracked from too much sun with no protection. For hundreds of years in the U.S.—and thousands around the world—people had no choice but to be in the sun for long hours, especially those without money or power. 

Then, in the 20th century, having a tan began to take on a different meaning. It became a sign of having free time, going on vacations, or living a particular lifestyle. I remember using baby oil to "lie out” in the sun. And when I went skiing, we thought raccoon eyes and sunburned cheeks were signs of a great weekend.

Things are different now. We know a lot more about how too much sun can hurt our skin, even with a single sunburn.  If you play a lot of outdoor pickleball, remember that heading out for the day includes protecting your skin from the sun. That's why it's essential to stay safe with items like UPF-rated pickleball clothing and sun-protective activewear. There are many ways for an athlete to think about UV protection that help keep us safe while we have fun.

The Farmers (Golf, Shoe, Bathing Suit) Tan

We've all probably heard of a "farmer's tan" — that classic look where your arms get sunburned, but your shoulders stay pale thanks to a short-sleeved shirt. That term's been around long before we had special sun-protective fabrics. But it turns out, regular clothes can help block the sun, too! How well they work depends on factors such as the type of fabric, its manufacturing process, and even the color.

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the best first step to protect your skin is clothing. Most athletic apparel, like Saltie Rose's Pickleball Apparel Collection, is designed to be sun-protective activewear. Constructed from synthetic fibers like polyester, activewear effectively blocks and deflects UV rays. The tight weave and texture of these fabrics help keep those harmful rays from reaching your skin.

At Saltie Rose, we are most excited about using Turbo Dry Fabrics. Not only does the fabric structure protect from UV rays, but its design also facilitates the evaporation of moisture—resulting in cooler, comfortable, and sun-protective activewear.

Color can also enhance the UV protection of athletic clothing. Color matters, too, when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun. Dark or bright colors—like black or navy—soak up more UV rays than white or light pastels. The bolder the color, the better it blocks the sun. So next time you head out to the pickleball court, try wearing our Positive Pink or Electric Blue Pickleball Dress. Not only will you look great, but you'll also get extra sun protection while you play!

Protection While You Play: Outdoor Pickleball Safety

Wearing sun-protective clothing is a great start, but it's just one part of staying safe while playing pickleball outside. Sunscreen is still a must! I've learned the hard way—now that I'm older, I can see how too much sun has affected my skin. That's why putting on sunscreen is part of my morning routine. Even though it needs to be reapplied during the day, starting early reminds me of the importance of sun protection. The right gear and habits have the added benefit of keeping our skin healthy and looking good.

When I play outdoor pickleball, I try to find courts that have shady spots nearby. If I'm lucky and get into a fast-moving Open Play, just five minutes in the shade between games gives my skin a chance to rest—and lets me rehydrate. Staying hydrated is also extremely important. It helps your skin stay soft, prevents dryness, and keeps that healthy glow we all want.

Note from the Author:

I also want to share something more personal. A close friend of mine, Ann, passed away from melanoma. It first appeared on her scalp. She was an active golfer, and it's possible all that sun exposure on her head played a part. She loved to win. Check out her story here. Now, I always wear a hat and sunglasses when I play pickleball outdoors. If you prefer wearing a visor to let your head breathe, just be sure to apply sunscreen to your scalp. Trust me, it's worth it.