No. It is a light, breathable 4-way stretch fabric with a close athletic cut, more like a sports top than a wetsuit. Snug enough not to ride up in the water, but not compression-tight, and comfortable to wear all day.

Yes, it is made for the water: swimming, surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding. The fabric resists chlorine and saltwater, keeps its full UPF 50+ rating when wet, and dries quickly.

An ordinary white cotton t-shirt has around UPF 5, the equivalent of SPF 5 suncream, and less when wet. It also goes heavy and cold, dries slowly and drags in the water. A rash vest, also called a rash guard or swim shirt, is certified UPF 50+, cut for swimming, and keeps its rating wet or dry.

Yes, on the skin the sun shirt does not cover: face, ears, forearms, hands and legs. Reapply after swimming. A UPF 50+ sun hat covers the head and ears, and UV swim shorts or leggings cover the legs.

It shades the skin instead of leaving it in full sun, and the fabric is thin and breathable, so most people find it more comfortable than bare skin over a long day out. What it certainly does is stop the burn that ends the day early.

No. It comes from the fibres and the density of the weave, not a chemical coating, so there is nothing to wash out or wear off. Rinse in fresh water after swimming, wash cold with a mild detergent, and hang to dry in the shade.

Yes. Certified UPF 50+ cover is often recommended after skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, and for autoimmune conditions such as lupus, scleroderma and dermatomyositis, photosensitivity conditions such as actinic keratosis and vitiligo, genetic conditions such as EPP, ichthyoses and Bloom syndrome, and during chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment. We cannot give medical advice, so follow your dermatologist or consultant on how much cover you need.