How Some Sun Started

Around 2007, in my early twenties, my Dad—who had always been careful about sun exposure—was diagnosed with skin cancer. It changed how I thought about sunscreen and UV protection. From then on, I became more intentional about limiting my exposure during long days outdoors.

By 2021, I developed a serious allergy to chemical sunscreens. Suddenly, I was limited to thick, white-cast mineral formulas and relying almost entirely on UPF clothing. I found myself wearing the same basic Amazon UPF hoodie nearly every day... but it didn’t reflect my day to day personal style, and it felt like a compromise to be limited to just activewear. I searched everywhere for sun-protective clothing that met my aesthetic quality expectations—something elevated, thoughtful, and beautifully made.  I didn't find any.

So, I decided to make it myself. With a background in sustainable fashion—and experience leading sustainable product work at Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger—I knew how to build something better. I spent two years researching, testing, and developing: sourcing premium fabrics, lab-certifying them for sun protection, and designing pieces that felt as good as they performed. I sampled our first prototypes in the summer of 2023 (as did my friends and family!), and for the first time in my life, I made it through summer without a single sunburn. 

My days are now filled with being able to share this UPF with others, and hopefully contribute reducing skin cancer prevalence. 

Mary Ellen

The dreaded Amazon UPF jacket I wore everywhere...

 

Summer 2023, testing the first Some Sun sample prototype.