Balancing Sun Safety and Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall wellness, and the sun is a primary source of it. However, determining how much sun exposure leads to excessive vitamin D is tricky because the body regulates vitamin D production naturally.

Key Points:

• The body self-regulates vitamin D: When you're exposed to sunlight, your skin synthesizes vitamin D, but the body has a mechanism to prevent overproduction. Therefore, it's unlikely you will get too much vitamin D from sun exposure alone.

• Recommended Sun Exposure: For most people, 10 to 30 minutes of midday sun a few times per week is sufficient to produce enough vitamin D. The exact time depends on factors like skin type, location, and time of year. Darker skin may need more time in the sun, while lighter skin may need less.

• Risk of Sun Damage: While overexposure to the sun may not result in vitamin D toxicity, it increases the risk of skin damage (such as sunburn) and long-term risks like skin cancer. To avoid sun damage, it's best to limit exposure during peak UV hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and use sunscreen and UPF+50 sun protection shirts and apparel after your short vitamin D exposure window.

Vitamin D Toxicity:

• Vitamin D toxicity typically results from excessive supplements, not sun exposure. Taking more than 4,000 IU/day of vitamin D over long periods can lead to toxicity, causing issues like hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood), which can harm the kidneys, heart, and bones.

Conclusion:

While your body won't produce too much vitamin D from sunlight alone, too much sun exposure can lead to skin damage. To balance it, enjoy 10-30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure and then apply sunscreen or wear UPF+50 sun shirts to prevent harm from UV rays.

Tips to Keep Your Sun Protection Apparel Effective

 

1. Follow Washing Instructions

• Gentle Washing: Use cold water and mild detergents specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
• Avoid Bleach: Bleach and other harsh chemicals can damage fibers and reduce UV protection.
• Skip Fabric Softeners: Softeners can coat the fabric and reduce its breathability and sun protection capabilities. Fabric softeners will leave a waxy residue on clothing fibers. This coating can trap sweat and bacteria, leading to odors that are difficult to remove.

2. Air Dry

• Avoid High Heat: Drying clothes in the sun or using a high-heat dryer can degrade the fabric. Air-drying in the shade is the best option to preserve its UPF rating.

3. Limit Chlorine Exposure

• Rinse your clothing immediately after swimming in chlorinated pools to prevent the chemicals from weakening the fibers. This suggestion should be followed even in salt water pools and when swimming in the ocean.

4. Handle with Care

• Prevent Snags and Tears: Avoid rubbing or scraping your sun apparel on rough surfaces. Torn or stretched fabric won’t provide the same level of protection.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your sun protection apparel retains its UPF rating and effectiveness for as long as possible.

Why Sun Shirts Are Perfect Base Layers for Active Adventures

 🧗‍♂️ Why Sun Shirts Are Perfect Base Layers for Active Adventures 🧗‍♀️

1. Moisture-Wicking Technology: Sun shirts are designed to pull moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable during intense physical activities.

2. Breathability: Made from lightweight, breathable materials, sun shirts allow air to flow freely, helping to regulate body temperature when you're on the move.

3. Sun Protection: With UPF 50+ fabric, sun shirts offer an extra layer of defense against harmful UV rays, protecting your skin even when you're out for hours.

4. Layering Friendly: Sun shirts are slim and non-bulky, making them easy to layer under jackets or other gear without restricting movement, perfect for hiking, cycling, or skiing.

5. Quick-Drying: These shirts dry quickly, meaning that even after a strenuous workout or wet conditions, you’ll stay fresh and ready to go.

6. Odor Control: Many sun shirts feature anti-odor technology, keeping you smelling fresh even after a long, active day outdoors.

Whether you’re hitting the trails, heading out for a run, or just spending the day outdoors, sun shirts are the ultimate base layer for staying comfortable, dry, and protected.

BLTees Custom Printed +50 UPF Sun Shirt

It's so easy to design your custom printed 50+ UPF sun shirts online. If you need to add sun protection for your family vacation or need to find a cool uniform for your employees. Our sun shirts are cool and made of moisture wicking materials that look and feel great.

Visit our website or call us for more information.

The Essence of Sustainability in Clothing: Redefining Fashion for a Better Future

In an era characterized by heightened environmental awareness and a growing concern for ethical practices, the fashion industry finds itself under scrutiny like never before. With a global shift towards sustainability, consumers are increasingly demanding transparency and responsibility from the brands they support. This paradigm shift has given rise to the concept of sustainable clothing brands, which are not just a passing trend but a crucial component of a more conscientious and eco-friendly fashion landscape.We have even added custom printed sun shirts made with recycled material to our catalog.

Defining Sustainable Clothing Brands

At its core, a sustainable clothing brand prioritizes environmental and social responsibility throughout its entire supply chain. This entails a commitment to minimizing harm to the planet, conserving resources, and ensuring fair treatment of workers. Sustainable brands take a holistic approach to production, considering factors such as material sourcing, manufacturing processes, labor practices, and the longevity of their products.

Key Principles of Sustainability

1. Ethical Sourcing: Sustainable clothing brands prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and recycled fibers. They also ensure that these materials are sourced responsibly, with minimal impact on ecosystems and local communities.

2. Fair Labor Practices: From the farmers cultivating raw materials to the garment workers stitching the final product, ethical treatment of workers is paramount for sustainable brands. This includes providing safe working conditions, fair wages, and opportunities for growth and development.

3. Reduced Environmental Impact: Sustainable brands strive to minimize their carbon footprint by adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes, reducing energy consumption, and implementing waste reduction strategies. They also prioritize biodegradable materials and seek to minimize water usage and pollution.

4. Transparency and Accountability: Transparency is a cornerstone of sustainable fashion, with brands openly sharing information about their supply chain, sourcing practices, and environmental impact. Accountability involves setting measurable goals and regularly assessing and improving performance.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the shift towards sustainability in fashion is encouraging, it is not without its challenges. One major obstacle is the perception that sustainable clothing is expensive and inaccessible. However, as consumer demand for ethical fashion grows, more brands are finding innovative ways to offer sustainable options at competitive prices. We make sure our eco friendly sun shirts are available at a very competitive price.

Another challenge is the complex nature of global supply chains, which can make it difficult for brands to trace the origins of their materials and ensure ethical practices at every stage of production. However, advancements in technology, such as blockchain and supply chain transparency platforms, are helping to address this issue by providing greater visibility and accountability.

Despite these challenges, the rise of sustainable clothing brands presents significant opportunities for positive change. By challenging the status quo and promoting a more mindful approach to fashion consumption, these brands are reshaping the industry and inspiring others to follow suit. Moreover, they are fostering a deeper connection between consumers and the clothes they wear, encouraging people to make more conscious purchasing decisions that align with their values.

The Future of Fashion

As we look towards the future, the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry cannot be overstated. Sustainable clothing brands are not just a niche market; they are driving forces of change that are reshaping the entire fashion landscape. By prioritizing ethical practices, environmental stewardship, and transparency, these brands are not only creating beautiful and innovative clothing but also paving the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future for fashion and the planet as a whole.

The Sustainable Advantage: Why Eco-Friendly Practices in Business Attract Customers

In today's world, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact their purchasing decisions have on the planet. As environmental concerns continue to rise, businesses that prioritize sustainability are finding themselves with a significant competitive advantage. In this blog post, we'll explore why sustainable practices in business not only benefit the planet but also attract a growing number of environmentally-conscious customers.

1. Meeting Consumer Expectations:

   Modern consumers are more informed and socially aware than ever before. They actively seek out products and services from companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. By integrating eco-friendly practices into your business model, you align with the values of these consumers, thereby increasing your appeal and relevance in the marketplace. Because our custom printed sun shirts are geared towards outdoor inthusists, most of our customers are envirometally concience.

2. Building Trust and Loyalty:

   Sustainability initiatives demonstrate a genuine concern for the well-being of both the planet and future generations. When customers see that a business is taking tangible steps to reduce its environmental footprint, they are more likely to trust that business and develop a sense of loyalty. By fostering this trust, businesses can cultivate long-term relationships with their customers, resulting in repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

3. Standing Out in the Market:

   In today's crowded marketplace, differentiation is key to success. By embracing sustainability, businesses can distinguish themselves from competitors who have yet to prioritize environmental responsibility. Sustainable practices become a unique selling point that sets your brand apart and captures the attention of consumers seeking ethical alternatives. We make sure our suns shirts are from ethical sources and our prints are from eco friendly inks.

4. Appealing to Millennials and Gen Z:

   Millennials and Gen Z consumers, in particular, are driving the demand for sustainable products and services. These demographics place a high value on environmental stewardship and social responsibility when making purchasing decisions. By catering to their preferences, businesses can tap into a significant and influential consumer base, ensuring continued growth and relevance in the market.

5. Cost Savings and Efficiency:

   Contrary to popular belief, implementing sustainable practices can often lead to cost savings in the long run. Energy-efficient operations, waste reduction strategies, and sustainable sourcing practices can lower operational expenses and increase efficiency. These cost savings can then be passed on to customers in the form of competitive pricing or reinvested into further sustainability initiatives.

In conclusion, embracing sustainable practices in business is not only beneficial for the environment but also for attracting and retaining customers. By aligning with the values and preferences of today's socially conscious consumers, businesses can gain a competitive edge, foster trust and loyalty, and drive long-term success in the marketplace. The sustainable advantage is clear – it's time for businesses to embrace it wholeheartedly.

Get Noticed With Our Safety Colored Sun Shirts

Investing in safety-colored sun shirts for your business can offer numerous benefits, particularly if your work environment involves outdoor activities or exposure to sunlight. Here are several reasons why purchasing safety-colored sun shirts may be advantageous for your business:

1. Increased Visibility: Safety-colored shirts, especially those in bright hues like neon yellow or orange, enhance visibility, making it easier for your employees to be seen, particularly in low-light conditions or areas with high traffic.

2. Safety Compliance: Depending on your industry, there may be regulations or standards regarding high-visibility clothing to ensure worker safety. Utilizing safety-colored sun shirts can help your business comply with these requirements and avoid potential fines or penalties.

3. Reduced Risk of Accidents: Enhanced visibility can reduce the risk of accidents, such as collisions or being struck by moving vehicles or equipment, by improving the ability of others to see your workers, especially in environments with heavy machinery or vehicular traffic.

4. Protection from UV Radiation: Sun shirts designed specifically for sun protection offer +50 UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, shielding your employees from harmful UV radiation exposure. This can help reduce the risk of sunburns, skin damage, and long-term health issues such as skin cancer. Increase your protection with hooded sun shirts.

5. Comfort and Performance: Quality safety-colored sun shirts are typically designed with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that keep workers cool, dry, and comfortable, even in hot and humid conditions. This can enhance employee morale and productivity by ensuring they remain focused and perform their tasks effectively.

6. Professional Image: Providing safety-colored sun shirts for your employees demonstrates your commitment to their safety and well-being, fostering a positive company culture and enhancing your business's reputation both internally and externally.

7. Brand Visibility: Customizing sun shirts with your company logo or branding elements can serve as a form of free advertising, increasing brand visibility and recognition among clients, customers, and the general public.

8. Cost Savings: While there may be an initial investment in purchasing safety-colored sun shirts, the long-term benefits, such as reduced accident rates, lower healthcare costs due to fewer sun-related illnesses or injuries, and improved employee retention, can result in significant cost savings for your business over time.

Overall, investing in safety-colored sun shirts for your business can contribute to a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment while also aligning with regulatory requirements and enhancing your brand image.

Sun Protection Mistakes

People often make mistakes when it comes to sun protection. Here are some common errors:

1. Not Applying Enough Sunscreen: Many people underestimate the amount of sunscreen needed for effective protection. Applying too little reduces its effectiveness.

2. Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy Days: UV rays can penetrate clouds, so even on cloudy days, it's important to wear sunscreen.

3. Forgetting to Reapply: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating. People often forget to reapply, diminishing its effectiveness.

4. Neglecting Certain Areas: People may forget to apply sunscreen to commonly overlooked areas such as the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.

5. Using Expired Sunscreen: Sunscreen has an expiration date. Using expired sunscreen may result in reduced effectiveness.

6. Relying Solely on Sunscreen: Sunscreen is just one part of sun protection. Wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and wearing sunglasses are also important.

7. Not Applying Sunscreen Before Sun Exposure: Sunscreen should be applied at least 15-30 minutes before going outdoors to allow it to be absorbed by the skin.

8. Ignoring UV Index: The UV Index indicates the strength of UV radiation. Ignoring it can lead to inadequate sun protection on days when UV levels are high.

9. Thinking Water Offers Complete Protection: Being in the water doesn't fully protect against UV rays. Water can reflect and intensify UV radiation, increasing the risk of sunburn.

10. Not Considering Medication Interactions: Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. People taking such medications should take extra precautions.

It's important to be aware of these common mistakes and practice comprehensive sun protection for overall skin health.

Brief Explanation of What Dye Sublimation Printing Is

Dye sublimation prints have distinct characteristics that make them unique and visually appealing:

Vibrant Colors:  Dye sublimation produces prints with vibrant and intense colors. The process allows for a wide color gamut, resulting in rich and saturated hues. This is particularly effective for reproducing intricate designs and photographs.

High Resolution:  Dye sublimation is capable of achieving high-resolution prints with sharp details and smooth gradients. The prints can capture fine lines and intricate patterns accurately.

Permanent and Fade-Resistant: The sublimation process embeds the dye particles into the fibers of the substrate, making the colors permanent and resistant to fading. This results in long-lasting prints that retain their vibrancy over time.

Smooth and Soft Finish: Dye sublimation prints have a smooth and soft finish because the dye becomes part of the material rather than sitting on top of it. This creates a comfortable feel, especially when applied to fabrics.

Photo-Realistic Quality:  The process excels at reproducing photo-realistic images. Dye sublimation is often used for printing high-quality photographs on various products, including apparel, home decor items, and promotional goods.

Common applications of dye sublimation printing include personalized apparel (such as sun shirts and T-shirts), promotional products, banners, flags, home decor items (like pillows and blankets), and more. The visual impact and durability of dye sublimation prints make them a popular choice for a wide range of products in the printing and customization industry.

MOTIVATION OFTEN COMES AFTER STARING...NOT BEFORE.

 MOTIVATION OFTEN COMES AFTER STARING...NOT BEFORE.

Nearly any habit can be started in under two minutes. If you take exercise for example, when you get home from a long day of work and you say, “Eh, I’m too exhausted to go for a run or exercise.” When you look for excuses, you’ll find them and never get around to doing it because you think about the long distance you plan on running. This task just seems overwhelming at this point. Rather than focus on the whole thing that you need to do, I would encourage you to think of just the first two minutes. I put my running shoes on, I get out the door and I lock the door behind me. If you do just then, it doesn’t matter if you take another step. What you find is that motivation often comes after starting, not before.

We often think that motivation is something that we’re supposed to have before we do the work. Motivation will come as a result of doing some small amount of work. Then we can trust that the rest of the process will flow easily. My point is that the motivation needed to complete a habit is at its peak at the beginning of a behavior. The greatest amount of friction is in the beginning. The key is to make it so easy that you can’t say no.

How Not To Ruin Your Sun Shirts In The Wash

 

I decided to write this post after listening to my brother complain about his kid's dri-fit uniforms. He was complaining that even after washing with detergent and softener, the shirts still smelled awful. He also complained of massive amounts static cling, the shirts would attract any sock or animal fur within 10 feet. Additionally he griped about the fabric becoming weak and coming out of the dryer with holes. I asked him if he was washing them like the instructions on the tag suggested,  his look suggested to me that was a "no". After I explained some things to him, laundry day has been a lot more pleasant. 

Below are some tips on caring for your UPF Sun Shirts, Dri-Fit, Rashguards, or any other quick dry, moisture wicking polyester apparel. 

Washing instructions for sun protection clothing, often made from UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabrics, can vary slightly depending on the specific garment and material. However, here are some general guidelines:

1. Check the Care Label: Always refer to the care label on the garment for manufacturer-specific instructions.

2. Use Mild Detergent: Wash your sun protection clothing with a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, or products with enzymes, as they may damage the fabric's anti-microbial and other protective properties.

3. Hand Wash or Gentle Cycle: If possible, hand wash your sun protection clothing. If using a washing machine, select the gentle cycle to minimize wear and tear on the fabric. The sun protection comes from the tightness of the weave. The more the fabric is stretched and twisted, the more the sun protection can be compromised.

4. Cold Water: Use cold water for washing. Hot water can damage the fabric and may reduce its effectiveness in providing sun protection.

5. Avoid Wringing: After washing, avoid wringing out the clothing, as this can damage the fibers. Instead, gently press out excess water. You can even set them outside and they'll be dry in about 20 minutes.

6. Skip the Dryer: It's generally recommended to air-dry sun protection clothing. High heat from the dryer can damage the fabric and compromise its UV protection. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting. This will also cause colossal supply of static cling

7. Store Properly: Store your sun protection clothing in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods, (days) as this can degrade the fabric over time.

Using these simple tips will help keep your UPF+50 sun shirts protecting your skin and looking great.

.

Customizable Fishing Templates

Custom artwork can be a long and tedious process... not to mention expensive. B.L. Tees has come up with a solution, customizable templates. Our catalog includes artwork featuring saltwater and freshwater fish in nautical settings. We simply add your text and print the design on your choice of sun shirts. It's perfect for marinas, fishing charters, hotels, and fishing tournaments. Best of all it's a free service when used with B.L. Tees printing services. 

Some examples of the water color artwork is below.

Our catalog is growing larger each day, check it out.

If you've ever participated in a fishing contest or fun run, there's usually a team shirt involved. If you have 5 team members you'll have 5 opinions on how much you should be spending. Listen, we all want to save money but be aware of extra charges when cost cutting. You might save a little money on the cotton tee itself but after you add the set up costs of each color screen and cost per print, you might actually be spending more. No, I'm not putting down cotton shirts at all, I'm just saying that dri-fit sun shirts are better for active, outdoor events and are not going to empty your wallet. Make sure you are getting a quality sun shirt  that is rated UPF+50.

Screen printing is more cost-effective for larger quantities of shirts with simple designs and fewer colors. The initial set-up costs for screen printing can be higher than dye sublimation, but the cost per shirt decreases with larger quantities.

Dye sublimation, on the other hand, is better suited for smaller quantities of shirts with complex designs and many colors. We do not charge set up fees for dye sublimation but the cost for each print can be slightly higher.

In short, browse our website or contact us and we'll steer you in the right direction for all your apparel printing needs.

Some Ways You May or May Not Know About Avoiding Sun Burns

 Sun protection clothing is important in protecting us from skin cancer because it helps to block the harmful UV rays of the sun from reaching our skin. UV radiation is a known risk factor for skin cancer, and repeated exposure to UV rays can damage the DNA in our skin cells, leading to mutations and potentially cancerous growths.

Sun protection clothing is specially designed to provide a physical barrier between our skin and the sun's harmful UV rays. The fabric used in sun protection clothing is often tightly woven and contains special UV-absorbing compounds that can block out a significant portion of the UV radiation. Additionally, many sun protection clothing items are also designed with features such as long sleeves and hooded sun shirts that provide extra coverage and protection.

While cotton shirts can provide some level of protection against UV rays, they do not offer as much protection as specially designed sun protection clothing.

The extent to which a cotton shirt can protect you from UV rays depends on several factors, including the thickness of the fabric, the color of the fabric, and how tightly the fabric is woven. Generally, darker and thicker cotton fabrics tend to provide more UV protection than lighter and thinner fabrics. However, even a thick cotton shirt can only block out a certain percentage of UV radiation, and some UV rays can still penetrate the fabric and reach your skin. It is worth noting that wet cotton shirts provide even less UV protection than dry ones, as the moisture in the fabric can make it easier for UV rays to penetrate through.

Moisture wicking shirts are designed to help manage sweat and moisture by pulling moisture away from the skin and allowing it to evaporate quickly. This can help keep you cool and dry, which is especially important during physical activities such as sports or exercise. However, moisture-wicking shirts are not necessarily designed to provide UV protection.

UPF 50 shirts, on the other hand, are specially designed to provide protection against UV radiation. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it measures how much UV radiation can penetrate the fabric. A UPF rating of 50 means that only 1/50th of the UV radiation can pass through the fabric, providing excellent protection for your skin.

While some UPF shirts may also be moisture-wicking, it's important to note that not all moisture-wicking shirts offer UPF protection. So, if you're looking for a shirt that will protect you from the sun's harmful rays, make sure to look for one that is specifically designed with a UPF rating.

Using sun protection clothing along with other sun protection measures such as sunscreen, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. It is especially important to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays if you have fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.

Follow these tips to help avoid sun burns and spoiling your fun in the sun.