Dermatologists Keep Saying the Same Thing — And They’re Right

Nov 15, 2025
2 min read

There’s one line dermatologists repeat so often it should be printed on beach towels:

“Appropriate clothing is the most effective way to minimise sun exposure.”

It’s not trendy. It’s not sexy. It’s not sponsored by a sunscreen brand. It’s just the truth.

Here in WA — where the UV index hits “extreme” before you even finish your morning coffee — this message matters even more. Sunscreen helps, absolutely. But SPF alone is the equivalent of drinking one green juice and calling it wellness. It’s a piece of the puzzle… not the whole picture.

Why Clothing Beats Sunscreen (Every Time)

Let’s be real: sunscreen is great until it isn’t.

You sweat.
You swim.
You rub your face.
You forget to reapply at the exact right time (because who actually does?).

Even a high SPF drops dramatically once it’s exposed to heat, friction, or time.Clothing doesn’t.A physical barrier stays where you put it.

That’s why dermatologists prefer protective garments for high-risk areas: shoulders, chest, arms, neck, and the back of the hands. These are the first places people burn and the first places sun damage shows up later in life.

WA’s Sun Hits Harder

We’re blessed with coastline, blue skies, and long summers… but they come with a cost.WA’s UV levels regularly sit higher than the rest of Australia — and Australia already leads the world.

Translation?A 10-minute walk to get coffee can be a day’s worth of damage.

This is why dermatologists in WA are so blunt. They see the aftermath:sunspots, pigmentation, actinic keratoses, premature ageing, and the ever-present risk of skin cancer.

The COVER’D Solution: Protection That Doesn’t Fight Your Lifestyle

Protective clothing shouldn’t feel clinical or awkward — and it definitely shouldn’t mess with your outfit. That’s why COVER’D was created: sun-safe pieces that slip seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe.

Think:

Arm sleeves that look like intentional styling
Neckwear that feels more “effortlessly chic” than “sun shield”
Ponchos that move like real fashion, not equipment
Soft cotton–lycra blends that breathe in the WA heat

Everything is designed to be thrown on without overthinking.Fuss-free. Fashion-forward. Actually protective.

The Expert’s Take

Associate Professor Kurt Gebauer from Fremantle Dermatology says it best:

“Appropriate clothing is the most effective way of minimising sun exposure and reducing the harmful effects of our sun.”

Our products follow that principle — 90% cotton, 10% lycra, made to create a reliable barrier between you and the WA sun. They’re not a replacement for sunscreen, but they’re the foundation of proper protection.

You Only Get One Skin

And it’s the largest organ you’ve got.Protecting it shouldn’t be an afterthought.

If you live in WA, you already know the sun doesn’t negotiate.But your wardrobe can.