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Conversational Threads

sun resistant material

Ralphetta | Posted in Fabric and Trim on

I have a friend who recently went through radiation for breast cancer. We have been walking every evening. As days have gotten longer we are walking in sunlight and she said that it is very hot and uncomfortable when the sun hits that part of her body. I was joking and suggested I make her a bib of kryptonite to cover her breast. Since it isn’t the heat but the actual sun’s rays that bother her, is there any reflective substance that might help? (Lotions, creams, etc., don’t make any difference.)

The discussions at this site go off in many directions because of the diverse group of participants. I thought someone might have an idea. Thanks.

Replies

  1. starzoe | | #1

    There is such a thing as sun-resistant fabric. I know at least one of this type is very plastic-y, it's a mesh of sorts. A friend who is allergic to the sun bought a shirt (v. expensive) but couldn't wear it because it was so hot.Have you googled for sun-resistant fabric? I have seen some advertised, made in Australia. My grandgirls had swimsuits (long sleeved and pedal-pusher length) which were to avoid sunburn. The fabric was stretchy, shiny, tightfitting.

    1. Ralphetta | | #2

      I was thinking of something that could be fastened to her bra and worn under her clothing...sort of like dress shields or as I joked, a bib. Does anyone have any experience with this specific problem and would the sun resistant fabric actually keep the damaged area of her skin cool?

      1. starzoe | | #3

        Does your friend have contact with a support group? It's probably a sure thing that someone else has this problem; perhaps someone has come up with a solution.

  2. jane4878 | | #4

    There's a product from Rit (Sun Guard) that you add to you wash load. I'm not sure how safe the chemicals would be on her tender skin. I've used it in the summer camping and it seems to work. Tilley's clothing is UVF blocking--the website, http://tilley.com/ has a lot of info on the rankings of each of their clothing items and what they're made off. Expensive clothes, but the utmost in quality and durability. Hope this helps.Jane

    1. Ralphetta | | #5

      It may be that she just hasn't asked the right person yet.I'm going to check about the Rit stuff because it would be cheap and I could just use it on something she has. We just wear old, but cool things and I doubt she would want to spend money if she could avoid it. If the product was on a loose top worn over a bra there shouldn't be much contact, but I will check. These are great ideas, thanks.

  3. cafms | | #6

    I was reading a sewing blog and remembered your request for sun protective fabric for your friend.  Here is a link to the blog http://coudremode.com/?p=1888 As you read on down through you will see where she mentions Solarweave which is a nylon supplex sun protective fabric with SPF +50.  When you click on the link there is more information on the fabric and costs, etc.    http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Hardware-Patterns-Kits/Sun-Protective-Fabrics/Solarweave-Supplex-Nylon-Fabric  Looks like they are located in Loveland, CO.  

    1. Ralphetta | | #7

      Thank you so much! I will check on that.

  4. Teaf5 | | #8

    How about a beautiful parasol?  Many of us can't have any sun hitting anywhere, and a lightweight umbrella works well.

    Another possibility is the sunproof drapery lining fabric.  It has a nice hand to it and holds up to years of direct sun exposure in south-facing windows.  Instead of a bib, you could make a tabard that ties on the side and has pockets for tissues, a cellphone, etc.

    There are many beautiful apron patterns that will cover the upper front, too.  You could use a beautiful fashion fabric and line it with the sunproof lining.

    1. Ralphetta | | #9

      Those are great ideas. She's doing okay so far, because we're able to walk at dusk...but the days are getting longer. Her discomfort is due to the heat to the area, not the actual sun on her skin, so I want to be sure that i don't concoct something that traps hot air. Your idea of a parasol would be fast and easy to deal with. I'll mention it to her. That would let cool air circulate. She's fun and would be quite willing to try that or a tabard.

      1. Sancin | | #10

        Have you or she thought about those cooling scarves with expanding gel crystals in them. The instructions are found on 'help our servicemen' sort of sites. If you can find the expanding crystals (found in garden shops) you could, in fact, make her a tabard of small cells filled with very few crystals per cell and she could soak it before you walk. There is the possibility that it may be a little heavy when filled with water but it would depend on how many crystals and her tolerance. As I can't tolerate heat at the best of times I find the scarves wonderful. The fabric is not wet, but comfortably damp and as the gels, expanded after soaking in water, warm to body temperature the water evaporates, cooling the body temperature. But don't do what I did and use coloured gel crystals used to make candles - the colour colours everything and hard to get off!!If you or she are interested, I use disposable diapers in my plant pots. I take off the inner and outer wrappings and put ONLY A BIT of the fluffy lining in each plant pot. The plants draw water only if they need it and don't have to be watered as often. If anyone has changed diapers lately, those things hold a lot of water but the outer plastic keeps the diaper wearers warm!

        1. Ralphetta | | #11

          I'll check the scarves. Thank you very much.

  5. lindalouise | | #12

    Hi Ralphella,I do not know if you are interested but I know of this site that sell sun protective clothing.http://www.sunprecautions.com/home.asp

    1. Ralphetta | | #13

      Thank you.So far we've avoided spending money.. by walking at dusk!

      1. lindalouise | | #14

        You are welcome, at least you know it's available. Best wishes.

  6. lindalouise | | #15

    I was reading this article & I remembered your post. If you read to the end the article mentions a laundry additive called Sun Guard that adds sun protection to garments. It is a good article.http://www.skincancer.org/sun-protective-clothing.html

    1. Ralphetta | | #16

      Yes, thank you, I found that and passed the word to my friend. She's doing fine and discussed the problem with her doctor, so I've sort of left it up to her.This product is much less expensive than buying fabric or RTW that's been treated. I haven't heard first-hand from anyone who's used it.

      1. lindalouise | | #17

        Yes, I noticed it would be much more cost effective to use the fabric conditioner, also the selection of clothing one chooses while in the sun. I checked the rating of the site I originally posted are their rating was low.Just goes to show how effective research is.

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