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According to the Cancer Council, 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and 95-99% of skin cancers result from sun exposure. This makes skin cancer the most common type of cancer in Australia and accounts for about 80% of all new cancers diagnosed each year.
The good news is that through simple measures such as wearing sun protective clothing, applying sunscreen and avoiding the sun, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer in Australia.
Redefining the rash vest
It wasn’t until I had children that I started really looking into sun protection. That’s when I learnt the average white cotton t-shirt has only a UPF 5. I was shocked to learn the Cancer Council’s Slip Slop Slap message is not being fulfilled by slipping on clothing of any description. I had been wearing t-shirts, kaftans and sarongs my whole life and unknowingly exposing myself to sun damage.
But the answer is not as simple as telling women to wear a rash vest. Traditional rash vests are unflattering and unfashionable – so this message has not been resonating with women who are body or fashion conscious.
Recognising that sun protective clothing is only helpful if you wear it, I decided to design a fashionable alternative to the rash vest.
Honeybell Waterwear provides a contemporary range of lightweight, breathable and quick-drying sun dresses, shirt dresses, swim t-shirts and tunics – all certified as providing UPF 50+ protection. This is the highest possible protection rating, blocking 98% of the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays.
Designed to be comfortable, feminine and flattering, the end result is a long way from the regular surf branded rashie!