Women's UV-protective short sleeve T-shirt surf top 500 black and floral PARROT

How to choose your UV protection T-shirt (Part 1)

All of our UV-resistant T-shirts are UPF 50+, i.e. they have the maximum level of sun protection. The choice between them will therefore be made based on the length of the sleeves and will depend on what it will be used for. The constraints are greatest for surfing so we decided to build our range primarily for surfing.

For surfing, the choice will be made according to the duration of your sessions: 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours.

How to choose your UV protection T-shirt (Part 2: According to the duration of the session)

1 hour: Occasional practice. You can choose between a loose fit (priority to ease of dressing and comfort when dry) or a fitted cut (priority to comfort when wet). A loop system to connect it to the shorts ensures the stability of the product.

2 hours: Regular practice. Comfort when wet is enhanced by the seamless panels under the arms and the drawstring which further increases stability.

3 hours: Intensive practice. Additional warmth to help you stay in the water for longer.

YOU ARE AN INTERMEDIATE SURFER

You regularly go surfing. During your sessions, you paddle out to the line-up, duck dive under the breaking waves if you are on a shortboard, or turtle roll if you are on a longboard, then surf waves of less than one metre. You often fall and are used to being shaken about underwater. Your swimsuit must meet the requirements of your activity and stay in place for each of your movements. We have designed a range for you that is suited to regular activity and your body shape.

What does UPF 50+ mean?

UPF is a sun protection factor (Ultra Violet Protection Factor) and is standardised worldwide. It defines the protection level of a fabric and more precisely the proportion of UV rays it lets through. To meet the standards, it must block at least 95 % of UV rays. UPF 50+ means that the fabric blocks at least 95% of UVA and 98% of UVB rays.

UV protection even when wet

The fabric of this OLAIAN anti-UV product blocks at least 98% of UVB radiation and 95% of UVA (UPF 50+). This guarantees effective protection from the sun. It can be used both in and out of the water, for water or nautical sports. The density of the textile fibres filters out UV rays, for long-lasting protection, even after washing. Warning: the elastane in the fibres may deteriorate in chlorinated water.

Support and stability in the waves

This OLAIAN anti-UV top has two drawstrings on the hips to attach the sides of the top to the swimsuit bottoms for greater stability in waves. A loop at the base of the top can be used to attach it to the shorts.

Multi watersports UV protection T-shirt

Our UV tops are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding surfers. Our design choices also make them compatible with other watersports such as swimming, kite surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, sea wading or SUP (stand up paddle boarding).

Behaviour when in the sun

Although this T-shirt provides protection from the sun, phenomena such as reflections (from the water, sand, etc.), heat, time of day, etc., must be taken into account. Wearing this T-shirt does not exempt the wearer from adopting suitable behaviour: wear sunglasses, wear a hat or cap, regularly apply an appropriate sun cream, drink regularly, etc.

OLAIAN, DECATHLON'S SURF BRAND

Based in Hendaye, in south-west France, OLAIAN is Decathlon's new surfing and bodyboarding brand. In our offices at the water's edge, we can design a swimsuit or wetsuit and then on the same day test it directly in the sea to check it stays in place in the waves.