Sun50 sun protection apparel is 100% made in the USA.
Sun50 is committed to designing and producing the most environmentally conscious sun protection clothing in the world.
We source premium USA made sun protective fabrics for 50% of our apparel collections. These fabrics utilize non-toxic, azo-free, metal-free and formaldehyde-free dyes and achieve UPF 50+ sun protection naturally, without added chemical treatments, dips, or sprays. Sourcing and producing fabrics in the United States reduces our carbon footprint, adheres to strict environmental laws, and provides ethical treatment of workers. Sourcing USA made fabrics eliminates the need for air or water transportation, two of the largest contributors to polluting our planet.
Chemical-Free Sun Protection
We have a passion for the planet and people, which dictates the way we run our business. We source the most light-weight, durable, and fun-to-wear fabrics with superior sun protection, but they must also be planet-friendly. Our imported fabrics are held to the highest production standards and must be bluesign® and/or OEKO-TEX® certified. Sun50 fabrics are sourced responsibly, aligned with our values, and made for conscious customers seeking high-quality, made to last, eco-friendly fashion.
Recycled Polyester PET
This durable, versatile and sun protective woven fabric gives new life to plastic water bottles which would otherwise fill our landfills and oceans. Recycled polyester is also known as RPET, with the “R” standing for recycled and the ”PET” for polyethylene terephthalate. Diverting plastic water bottles for this purpose reduces landfill, thus creating less soil contamination and reduces air and water pollution. Although traditional polyester and RPET share the same silky texture, RPET actually requires less energy and water to produce and reduces CO2 emissions by 30% by comparison to regular polyester. High in quality and designed to worn again and again, investing in this fabric is helping reduce your carbon footprint in support of sustainable fashion.
GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Organic cotton, a natural fiber, is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In addition, federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming. All cotton sold as organic in the United States must meet strict federal regulations covering how the cotton is grown. Feels better, looks better, is better for you and the plant.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) was developed by leading standard setters to define world-wide recognized requirements for organic textiles. From the harvesting of the raw materials, environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, textiles certified by GOTS provide a credible assurance to the consumer.
Tencel™ Lyocell
This fiber is originated in natural eucalyptus trees. It is made into fibers through a closed-loop system and the fiber is biodegradable. https://www.tencel.com
Tencel™ Modal™
This fiber is derived from nature; beechwood trees. It is free of pesticides and biodegradable. https://www.tencel.com
At Sun50, we pride ourselves in designing our sun protective apparel in Minneapolis, MN and producing our garments domestically with partner factories throughout the United States. Domestic apparel production elevates our garments and decreases our carbon footprint.
Minnesota Factory
We have weekly on-site meetings with our Minnesota factory team. Working together allows us to review our apparel production for superior quality, fit, and efficiency. We selected this production house because they provide a safe and ethical production environment, good living wages for their seamstresses, and awesome apparel quality. We have a core group of dedicated Sun50 sewers at this production house who have been working with us for many collections. They know and understand our fabrics, designs, and high-quality expectations. They are neighbors, but we consider them family.
California Factory
This team is specialized in American-made manufacturing and has been proudly using the “Made in USA” label for decades. At Sun50 we create our own custom prints and we work with this expert team of digital printing engineers to produce our prints. Keeping in step with our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint, digital printing reduces water use, reduces waste and provides premium quality. We selected this production house because they provide a safe and ethical production environment, good living wages and awesome quality. We are in communication with our California production team weekly and try to visit them in-person at least quarterly.
Some brands follow a fast fashion supply chain model, we use a slow, sustainable, and circular fashion approach. We are thoughtful and eco-conscious from our sourcing all the way to our eco-friendly packaging.
We make all patterns and samples in-house at Sun50. Multiple rounds of samples are made and thoroughly tested to perfect the flattering fit, comfortable fabric and chic style. By doing the pattern and sampling in-house, we save on time, costs and shipping; as stated above, air and water transportation are two of the largest contributors to polluting our planet.
By manufacturing with our vendors in the United States, Sun50 is able to produce garments are produced at one time, which reduces excess production and wastage.
Domestic production allows Sun50 to closely monitor the manufacturing process to ensure the highest quality standards are achieved for each garment. Every item is quality checked twice – once on the sewing floor and again in our warehouse - before it is sent out to customers. This process ensures our customers receive the highest quality goods and reduces the need for returns.
We use digital printing to bring fun, lively prints to life on our garments. Digital printing reduces water use and fabric wastage.
We take our corporate responsibility seriously. When it comes to safely packing your order, which is done by our in-house Minnesota team, we use eco-friendly, sustainable shipping and packing materials. Like many businesses we may not be perfect, but we want you to know when it comes to respecting our planet and humankind, you’ve made the right choice.
