The Best Ivy Coast Pieces That Make UPF Clothing Chic

You probably know about the importance of using SPF daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but what about clothing? While wearing longer sleeves, hats, and anything else that provides coverage is helpful, UPF clothing is a growing category that keeps sun protection in mind within the fabric construction. This is decidedly a game-changer, but the category is still small and finding options that feel on par with your other favorite fashion brands can be a challenge—which is where Ivy Coast comes in. Launched earlier this year, the label offers a small but growing selection of dresses and sun hats designed for the consumer who wants to balance sun protection with style (definitely a win-win). Ahead, learn all about Ivy Coast and UPF clothing and see six standout pieces to try, complete with insights from founder Nikki Amabile.

Why UPF Clothing Matters

The sun’s UV rays are powerful and can cause serious damage, from accelerated signs of aging to various forms of skin cancer. We can’t over-stress the importance of finding an SPF you like to apply (and reapply) every day, but there are also several other steps you can take to stay protected. One of these is to wear clothing that offers additional coverage, or even pieces in a fabric verified to block out a certain portion of the sun’s rays—and that’s where UPF clothing comes in.

How Does UPF Clothing Work?

Similarly to SPF for your sunscreens, UPF is a number rating system that tells you how well a piece of clothing blocks out the sun’s rays. Essentially, only a fraction of one over that number should get through—so a UPF 50 clothing piece blocks around 98% of UV rays. The Food & Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission determine these ratings, so you can’t find them for just any clothing piece—but for those that do, the Skin Cancer Foundation says that a UPF of 30-49 is very good, while 50+ is excellent.

One notable difference exists between the two rating systems: SPF measures only UVB protection, while UPF factors in UVA rays as well. This means that even if you already have good sunscreen practices, UPF clothing can offer additional protection.

The UPF Clothing Market

Due to the strict standards and the fact that UPF rating systems only started in the 1990s, UPF clothing is a notably limited category compared to the fashion sphere at large. This can lead to frustration for those looking for options that suit their style—especially when personal experience with melanoma or other skin cancers is a factor.

“It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with skin cancer that I truly considered the importance of UPF clothing—it was a major wake-up call for me,” Amabile tells us. “My melanoma diagnosis was a pivotal moment—a complete lifestyle change. It was then that I realized the critical role UPF clothing plays in protecting our skin beyond just sunscreen and hats.”

While Amabile was feeling the pressure to add UPF clothing to her wardrobe, the search turned out to be difficult. “It made me realize that the majority of UPF clothing was limited to swimwear and athleisure—categories that didn’t fully align with my lifestyle of effortlessly enjoying the outdoors,” she says. “I also have a deep love for fashion; my clothes are an expression of who I am. When I couldn’t find anything that met both my need for sun protection and my desire for stylish, everyday wear, I knew it was time to create something new. That’s how Ivy Coast was born—to fill this void in the market and offer women like me a way to stay protected while still feeling confident and fashionable in the sun.”

About Ivy Coast

Once Amabile—who has a professional background in fashion—noticed the state of the UPF clothing market, she began working to create Ivy Coast. The designer spent nearly a year developing a fabric that gives every garment in the nascent collection a UPF 50+ rating without the use of conventional fabrics like polyester and nylon, balancing maximum protection with a high standard for quality. “I wanted something that stayed true to the brand’s aesthetic and values—something that offered creative freedom with prints and fabrics while maintaining a sustainable approach,” she tells us.

But perhaps the best part is the thoughtful design, which is breezy, feminine, and akin to brands like Hill House or Dôen (a.k.a. something you can actually imagine yourself wearing the next time you spend the day in the sun). “The Ivy Coast woman embodies a vibrant and socially active lifestyle. She lives in beautiful coastal towns or suburban cities along the coast, where the allure of the water is never far away,” Amabile explains. “She’s passionate about travel, whether exploring the rich culture of Europe in the summer or escaping to luxury destinations in the winter. This woman has a heightened awareness of sun protection, often due to personal experience with skin cancer or knowing someone who has. She’s familiar with UPF clothing and actively seeks out solutions that align with her lifestyle.”

With this cosmopolitan yet mindful consumer in mind, Ivy Coast has been balancing protection with style in every part of the design process. “Designing for this market feels like creating clothing that truly reflects who I am,” Amabile tells us. “We’re passionate about the timeless appeal of coastal style, and we’ve woven that into many of our silhouettes. As a brand focused on sun protection, it was crucial for us to offer full coverage without sacrificing versatility. Many of our designs feature sleeves that can be cuffed and button-down plackets that can be adjusted to suit personal preference, offering both function and fashion. We’re trendy without being trend-driven. Our silhouettes are timeless, our prints are classic, and our color palettes align with the latest market trends, ensuring our pieces feel both fresh and enduring.”

Ivy Coast launched as a DTC brand, but Amabile is working to build its presence. She showcased the brand at Coterie this past September, is expanding into the wholesale market, and envisions category expansions into men’s and children’s clothing as well as strategic retail placements aligning with the brand’s target consumer. “We truly believe Ivy Coast is a destination brand—best showcased in select boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and specialty boutiques, as it is a resort wear brand dedicated to fitting seamlessly into the lifestyle of its consumers,” she explains. “Our goal is to ensure that every member of the family can enjoy the outdoors with the same level of protection and style that Ivy Coast offers.”

Ready to invest in a UPF clothing piece or two for your next getaway or some additional everyday protection? Look no further—ahead, we’ve rounded up six Ivy Coast pieces to shop now.

The Best Ivy Coast Styles to Shop

Bronte

Timeless yet versatile and available in both ivory and navy, the Bronte mini dress is one of Amabile’s favorites from the collection. “It’s casual enough to throw on over a swimsuit at the pool, yet with the right accessories, it easily elevates to a look that’s perfect for a social event,” she tells us. Think of it as a milkmaid sundress with added protection.

Bridgette

Love nothing more than a puff-sleeved design for a garden party, Palm Beach shopping day, or office look? The Bridgette is your new best friend. It’s comfortable, designed to complement any body type, and keeps you protected while you enjoy whatever plans the day has in store.

Callaway

For those who prefer a more tailored design, the Callaway mini dress features a collared neckline and bias ruffle hem to balance playfulness with sophistication. It’s sort of your favorite button-down and a tennis skirt in one, which makes for the ideal country club outfit.

Blake

This UPF dress feels especially elegant, which makes it an ideal choice for any outdoor parties on your agenda. The flowing silhouette, floral print, and keyhole detail all come together to make you the life of the party in the most subdued way.

Zinnia Sun Hat

In addition to its dresses, Ivy Coast also has several UPF sun hats on offer, providing an easy way to protect your scalp and shade your face without taking away from your overall look. This classic, short-brimmed design travels well and allows for an option that doesn’t feel too beach-specific.

Geranium Sun Hat

Prefer to bring the drama? Look no further than this hat, which feels fashion-oriented with its antique-inspired wide brim and long ribbon. Paired with your most dramatic sundress or some chic tailoring, it’s sure to help you embrace peak getaway vibes, no matter where you’re jetting off to.