Melanoma Monday: Stylishly Sun Protected with Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing

I am featuring Coolibar sun protective clothing today in honor of Melanoma Monday.  As a way to raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer, and to encourage early detection through self-exams, the American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May (Skin Cancer Awareness Month) as Melanoma Monday®.

I am very passionate about skin cancer awareness and have chosen it as my charitable platform because I lost my father to Melanoma when he was 45 years old.  This year, it will be 16 years since we lost him and, while I’ve learned to build a wonderful life despite his absence from it, I will never forget the destructive ways Melanoma affected my father, my family and those who cared deeply for my dad.  It is my hope that, through education and awareness, no one will ever have to experience what we went through.

If you think skin cancer isn’t dangerous, please read the facts below, furnished by The Melanoma Research Foundation:

Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the United States and worldwide.

• One-in-50 Americans has a lifetime risk of developing melanoma.
• In 2009 nearly 63,000 were diagnosed with melanoma in the United States, resulting in approximately 8,650 deaths.
• The projected numbers (according to the National Cancer Institute) for 2012 are even higher with 76,250 diagnosis and 9,180 deaths.
• The American Cancer Society estimates that the risk of developing invasive melanoma in the United States is 1 in 41 and 1 in 61 for men and women, respectfully. This averages out to approximately a 1 in 50 chance of developing melanoma throughout your lifetime.
• The incidence of people under 30 developing melanoma is increasing faster than any other demographic group, soaring by 50 percent in young women since 1980.
• Melanoma primarily affects individuals in the prime years of life, is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old.
• Although melanoma is most common in Caucasians, melanoma can strike men and women of all ages, all races and all skin types. The mean age for diagnosis of melanoma is 50, while for many other cancers it is 65-70 years old.

There are many ways to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun.  One way that few know is to do it through your clothing, like Coolibar sun protective clothing.  When I tell people about sun protective clothing, many are confused.  Few understand that your clothing offers minimal sun protection.  In fact (and this is a very scary fact), a regular t-shirt has a SPF rating of about 7, and, worse, when it is wet, that SPF protection goes down to 1.  That’s right,that t-shirt you’ve been grabbing to swim in or when your shoulders get a bit burnt is offering you absolutely no protection.

Are you listening now?

All Coolibar sun protective clothing has a UPF 50+ and 98% UV Protection that doesn’t wash out.  Coolibar’s mission is to develop superior sun protective products that allow people to enjoy life in the sun. They design, manufacture and market a range of quality sun protection products including sun protective clothes, SPF clothing, sun hats, sun protection swimwear, sunglasses, umbrellas, sunscreens and sunscreen for the entire family.

I am proud to be Coolibar’s go-to style expert and in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness month they asked me to feature some of their new products.  Check out some of my favorites, some featuring their  newest Vera SUNTECT®: Modal/Spandex fabric.

Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing: All Wrapped Up

Coolibar Vera Coastal Wrap by bridgetteraes featuring nine west

Who doesn’t love an easy cardigan? Well, this Vera Coastal Wrap, featuring Coolibar’s vera SUNTECT®: Modal/Spandex, will also give you peace of mind.  Here I paired the Vera Coastal Wrap with a pair of white cropped jeans, versatile metallic sandals and a pop of pink accessories for an easy dressy-casual weekend summer look.

Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing: Resort Elegance

Coolibar Wide Leg Pant by bridgetteraes featuring a rubber braceletFor beyond comfortable elegance, Coolibar’s Wide Leg Pant offers an ease that still looks polished.  For a dramatic look, I paired the pants with a red halter top and Coolibar’s eye-catching wide brimmed Beach Sun Hat.  For extra shoulder protection, I added their Aire Sun Shawl.

Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing: For Casual

Coolibar: Vera Ruched Hoodie by bridgetteraes featuring kenneth jay lane jewelry

We think most about sun protection when we head to the beach or the pool.  But, what about protecting yourself even on the most casual of days?  Sun damage is cumulative making those quick errands, weekend walks in the park or brunches al fresco just as dangerous.   For those easy days, I love Coolibar’s Vera Ruched Hoodie that can convert from shirt to tunic length.  Here I chose the Fig shade and popped it with bright yellow accessories and easy cropped jeans.

Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing: For Swim

Coolibar Ruche Swimshirt by bridgetteraes featuring one piece swimsuits

The second we step into the water we expose most of our skin.  Sunscreen will obviously help keep you protected, but, for more coverage you can choose one of Coolibar’s swim shirts.  Here I chose their Ruche Swim Shirt that allows you to wear it shorter or like a tunic.  The fabric is saltwater- and chlorine-resistant and is quick drying and breathable.  Together with the swim shirt, if you’re looking for a hat you can swim in, Coolibar’s Swim Visor is perfect.

Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing: For Fitness

Coolibar Quarter Zip Long Sleeve Fitness Pullover by bridgetteraes featuring nike activewear

With warmer weather, many of us going outdoors to do our workouts.  For fitness, Coolibar offers many great items, including their Quarter Zip Long Sleeve Fitness Pullover that has a super moisture wicking grid texture that also vents body heat.  For extra coverage while working out, their Zip Off Sun Visor is really cool because it has a zip-off crown that turns the hat into a visor.

Remember, Coolibar’s Sun Protective clothing should never be a replacement for sunscreen or any other preventative measures that you take to protect yourself from the sun.  However, with Coolibar along with these measures, you’ll be able to get out and enjoy the sunshine with style and protection.