Umbra is the ultraviolet protection apparel brand.

An umbra is the fully shaded inner region of a shadow cast by an opaque object, especially the area on the earth or moon experiencing the total phase of an eclipse.

Skin Cancer in the U.S.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. An estimated 1 million nonmelanoma cases are diagnosed annually.

The majority of skin cancer cases, up to 90%, are sun-related.

Not all fabrics are created equal

Cotton shirts don’t protect you from ultraviolet rays. Polyester shirts are excellent for giving you the protection you need.

Not all fabrics are equal

Cotton shirts don’t protect you from ultraviolet rays. Polyester shirts are excellent for giving you the protection you need.

Initial sketches

Early concepts explored the potential of having the sun-sensitive ink paired with a scale that shows the UV index and tells the user what do do about it.

Figuring out the System

Here, I explore different ways that UV scale can be communicated.

Evaluation

Aside from being impossible to create this sort of scale with the current photochromic technology, this means the user either has to memorize the scale, have busy graphics on their shirt, or reference a guide that explains what to do. These concepts have featuritis and aren't very compelling.

The New Strategy

The new strategy moving forward was to work within the constraints of the material, and exercise RESTRAINT.

More often than not, when you're outside doing activities, the UV index is going to be high. It’s better to always be prepared for the worst UV exposure:

1) The long sleeve polyester shirt will protect you.
2) The sun sensitive pattern will be a gentle reminder to be aware of UV rays so you can protect the areas of your body not covered by the shirt.
3) Every shirt comes with SPF 50 sunscreen in an easy to carry bottle.
4) The back of the bottle has visual instructions for use.