What is UPF50+ sun protection?
UPF50+ is the highest standard of sun-protective fabric. It blocks at least 98% of the sun's UVA and UVB rays, the rays that cause sunburn and long-term skin damage. A normal cotton t-shirt offers around UPF5 to UPF7. UPF50+ is about ten times that protection.
HIHO has been engineering UPF50+ fabric for the Caribbean sun since the late 1990s. What makes ours unique is the construction: we use a proprietary piqué knit that lets breeze pass straight through the fabric, so it shields you from the sun without holding the heat. Stretch the cloth and you can see the structure, tiny open spaces in the weave that move air. The result is a sun layer you can wear all day on a charter boat, paddleboard or beach without overheating.
The four things to know about HIHO UPF: UPF50+ Protection, Cool & Comfortable (proprietary piqué knit), Lightweight & Quick-Drying, Made to Last.
What should I wear sailing or on a coastal getaway?
For a day on the water you want three things: sun protection, fast-drying fabric, and clothes that look good when you step off the boat for lunch. Whether you're sailing the BVI, hopping over to Martha's Vineyard for the weekend, or staying for the season in Nantucket or Newport, the brief is the same.
HIHO was built for exactly this. Start with a UPF50+ sun shirt in our proprietary piqué knit, the rays are stronger than they feel, especially with the water reflecting them back, and the fabric stays cool while it's protecting you. Pair with quick-drying shorts or a lightweight linen pair. For women, a terry dress packs flat and goes from the boat to the bar without a change. Add a hat, a rashie if you're going in, and you're set.
It's island clothing, not Caribbean-only clothing. The same pieces work in any coastal place where the sun shines and people live in shorts.
What should I pack for a coastal vacation?
Whether you're heading to the British Virgin Islands, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport or any other sun-and-sea destination, the brief is the same. Pack light, pack quick-drying, and pack for the sun.
HIHO's island packing list, written by people who actually live on one: two UPF50+ sun shirts (long sleeve and short, both in the proprietary piqué knit so they stay cool), a pair of swim shorts or a swimsuit, two terry or linen cover-ups, a wide-brim hat, lightweight linen for evenings, a rash guard if you're snorkelling. Skip anything heavy. Coastal places run on linen and terry for a reason.
