The history of sunscreen : how Victorian parasols and sun protection clothing became SPF 50

Sunblock is a summer essential, but historical fashion had to rely on sun protection clothing rather than SPF. Break out the parasols, it's SPF history time! Thank you Birch Living for sponsoring! Click here https://birchliving.com/SnappyDragon to get 20% off your Birch mattress (plus two free Eco-Rest pillows!) during their Labor Day Early Access Sale. Offers are subject to change. #birchliving A Victorian parasol or hat isn't just about cute historical accessories, these were essential parts of the history of sunscreen! For much of fashion history before modern sunblock and SPF was invented, people had to rely on sun protection clothing to protect them from sunburn and skin cancer. Sun safety is just as important today, so let's learn about how people throughout history and across the world have used fashion, accessories, and skincare to protect themselves from sun damage. Sun protection clothing was the first line of defense in Western fashion, and it's still incredibly useful! Victorian modesty norms involved wearing long sleeves and high collars during the day, even though it was appropriate to wear short sleeves and very low necklines in the evening. A little further back, the long sleeves and collars or partlets of Renassiance fashion can be super useful when at the ren faire! Renaissance fair participants often find wearing long sleeves and higher necklines keeps them cooler, and I would love to hear how it works to prevent sunburn at the renfaire as well. Light-col