Is it a good idea to wear long underwear in the summer for protection from skin cancer?

Question

An emerging concern in the medical field in the past decade is the thought that exposure of the skin to sunlight will eventually cause skin cancer. So skin needs to be covered up with long pants, long sleeved shirt, hat, and beard if you can grow one. But it seems that the untraviolet can get through the weave of some fabrics.
So, for better protection, you need two layers of cloth. First, you put on a set of lightweight cotton long underwear and then your outer clothing. Best would be a long sleeved white shirt that fits loosely so that it will reflect the sunlight.
So is this a good idea?

Answer 1

Possibly. But if you wear long underwear in the summer you will get really hot (unless you live in Antarctica) and then will die of heat stroke. Frankly I'd rather live a little longer than die trying to prevent myself from dying.

Answer 2

I work outside all year and wear long sleeved shirts, pants, gloves and a wide brim hat. Along with sunscreen. But to wear multiple layers in the summer could cause heat stroke! It's 100+degrees in Texas. lol

There are clothing companies that sell light weight, UV protective fabric clothes, etc. You should consider this before slipping on long johns.
Do a search to find the specialty clothing company.

Answer 3

That's much of an overkill. Skin cancer is more prominent for those who are in the sun constantly and develop deep tans and burns. Though, lighter skinned people have more potential to skin cancer, if they are not in the sun on a daily basis, there is very little harm.

If you're working in the sun all day, then appropriate clothing which covers the skin will be sufficient. The long underwear idea is too extreme. But if you like the sweat dripping down your body, go for it.

Answer 4

No. That's way too much stuff all over you. Just apply sunblock all over in the morning. Hold your clothing up with your hand behind the fabric a light shining through; If you can see your hand pretty easily, then wear a tank top or t shirt underneath it if that'll make you feel better. If not, you're fine. Sunblock, hats, sunglasses and minimize your time in direct sunlight. That's all you need to do.