Clothing that protects against the sun's rays, but make it fashion

Sun-shielding clothing has been around for years, offering people an alternative to slathering on sunscreen. The designs on offer, however, mostly leaned athletic or sensible. Which is why Claudent, a new Los Angeles-based apparel brand, aims to bring high style to high-performance sun protection.

The label's diminutive introductory collection includes pieces like a long-sleeved polo shirt and a sharply pleated tennis skirt. All garments feature a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+. By comparison, as Claudent explains, the average white t-shirt has a UPF of 5 to 7 when dry and 3 when wet. A UPF of 5 means that a fifth of the sun's rays can penetrate fabric and reach the skin. A UPF 50 fabric blocks 98% of the sun's rays, allowing just 2% (1/50th) through.

Claudent's clothing is handmade by small manufacturers in Los Angeles, which is reflected in its prices: USD 385 for a skirt, for example, and USD 285 for a long-sleeved mock neck shirt.