Tpcorr

Due to my being very overweight when I started cycling again a couple of years ago, I used regular t-shirts as my cycling tops. Since dropping a ton or two I treated myself with 2 Pearl Izumi Quest jerseys. This morning my son and I went for a 30 mile ride, we were out for less than 2 hours. I had a bit of a burn on my back from weekend bbqs, but not too bad. When I got home and took off my jersey my wife saw that my back was burned and was covered with small blisters. Even the small of my back was burned, where you would think because the fabric is doubled there, from the pockets, I would be better protected.

I guess I'll have to use sunscreen when I use these jerseys. I'm kind of disappointed in this. Does this not happen with better jerseys?

Thanks

Tom

Elvo

Some jerseys have UPF ratings. The latest Quest jerseys are UPF 40

JerrySTL

After a skin cancer scare a few years ago, I started using spray sunblock in places where I wouldn't reach such as my back.

Elvo's comment on UPF ratings for clothing is spot on also.

RonH

I wear Primal, Canari and a few other brand jerseys and have never had a problem with my back getting sunburned or even pink and I live in sunny Florida.

Tpcorr

Maybe my skin was just more sensitive since it was slightly burned already. The UPF rating of 40 means that the jersey only allows 1/40th of the ultraviolet rays to get through. That makes it sound like I should not have burned. Thanks for the responses and I think I'll use sunscreen under my jersey for a while.

Tom

obed7

I have never burned thru a jersey, but do use sun screen on all exposed areas...I cover my ears with screen too....the helmet does not always protect those...and burned ears aggravates the crap out of me.
Those of us who have dealt with skin cancer might be a bit over protective... but so be it. Don't take protection from the sun for granted, make sure of it.

Cross Creek

Heat and sweat under your jersey, on top of your light weekend sunburn, could have caused you to blister. Sunburn is (short-term) like a burn from any other source of heat. Adding heat to a 1st degree burn begets a worse burn.

big chainring 

+1 - Yes

fietsbob

Dermatology found a Mystery Melanoma spot On my Back, and cut it out.

Hangtownmatt

If you didn't sunburn in regular t-shirts why not go back to them. There's no rule that says cyclists must wear cycling jerseys.

Matt

Tpcorr

I'm definitely not locked into the idea of using cycling jerseys exclusively , it's just that I wanted to try them, now that I don't look like a stuffed sausage in one. Getting the generous semi-form fit Quest jersey helps with that

I'm going to give the jerseys another go. It just doesn't make sense that I would burn in that short a time wearing a fabric with a UPF of 40. I think Cross Creek may be right in that the sweat and heat on top of my existing sunburn caused the blistering. We're heading out this morning for a 50 mile ride, which should translate to about 3 hours of exposure. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for all the advice.

Tom