Solbari: Sun protective apparel – Golf Australia Magazine

Johanna Young, founder of sun protective apparel company Solbari, is aiming to reduce that number. Her company’s mission is clear: to work toward a world free of skin cancer by focusing on prevention—because prevention is always better than cure. It’s working: today someone around the world buys one of her Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF 50+) garments every 60 seconds.

The inspiration for Solbari was personal. Johanna’s husband, with fair skin and blonde hair, was particularly vulnerable to sun damage as an avid golfer. During a routine skin check over a decade ago, his doctor predicted he was likely to develop skin cancer within ten years due to his complexion.

This alarming prognosis sparked in Johanna a deep commitment to ensuring her husband’s protection while highlighting the broader normalisation of skin cancer in Australia—a reality Johanna was determined to change.

Through volunteering with the Cancer Council in Melbourne, the former finance professional became aware of the devastating impacts of skin cancer. It was also clear that there was a lack of options for lightweight, comfortable, and stylish Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF 50+) clothing and accessories.

RIGHT: Wanderlust Visor UPF 50+
AUD $75

This realisation led to the creation of Solbari, a specialised Australian brand that focuses exclusively on offering UPF 50+ clothing, sun hats and other accessories designed to block at least 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Solbari products are designed to be technical, lightweight, comfortable and stylish, making sun-smart living easy and appealing. Every item in the range is rigorously tested and rated UPF 50+ by ARPANSA (the Australian Government’s rating agency) to ensure the highest level of sun protection.

RIGHT: Traveller Broad Brim Sun Hat UPF 50+
AUD $89

The name Solbari is a reflection of this purpose, combining “solar” and “barrier.”

Over the past decade, Solbari has been committed to reducing the incidence of skin cancer through prevention and education. Today, the Melbourne-based business has a team of 30 employees and has provided sun protection to over 500,000 customers in 160 countries.

Notably, Johanna’s husband remains skin cancer-free, thanks in large part to Solbari’s protective apparel.

“What began as a mission to protect my husband and loved ones has grown into a global initiative dedicated to reducing the incidence of skin cancer,” Johanna says.

RIGHT: Curved Face & Neck Gaiter UPF 50+ Sensitive Collection.
AUD $55

“Over the past decade, Solbari has proudly combined Australian innovation with a passion for sun-smart living, serving over half a million customers across 160 countries.”

Solbari has a heritage grounded in golf. Johanna is an avid golfer and outdoor enthusiast, as is her husband. The first product Johanna created was a long sleeve polo shirt designed for her husband.

Johanna saw a gap in the market for premium quality products that were designed, tested and rated in Australia. At the time, no one offered innovative UPF 50+ clothing.

And so Solbari was born. And golfers are very much part of their target market.

A study by the University of South Australia shows that golfers face a 2.4x higher risk of skin cancer than the general population. These risks can be easily prevented with proper protection.

Dr. Ryan de Cruz, leading dermatologist at Southern Dermatology in Melbourne says: “Wearing UPF 50+ sun-protective clothing and hats is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, especially during prolonged periods of time outdoors playing golf, cricket or watching sport. UPF 50+ clothing provides consistent and reliable protection throughout the day.

“Both sunscreen and sun-protective clothing play essential roles in comprehensive sun safety. By combining these measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer. It’s important to remember that SPF 50 sunscreen must be applied to bare areas every two hours. Solbari’s range empowers people to embrace outdoor activities with confidence, ensuring you can enjoy your time outdoors while staying protected.”

Australia is often referred to as the skin cancer capital of the world, with some of the world’s the highest UV ratings and two thirds of people diagnosed with the disease by the age of 70. On the flip side, it’s also a country where outdoor leisure is an integral part of life.

For Johanna, a mission to protect her husband and loved ones has grown into a global initiative dedicated to reducing the incidence of skin cancer.

“It’s been a privilege to empower people, on the golf course and beyond, with world-class UPF 50+ protection that blends functionality, comfort and style,” Johanna says.

“At the heart of our journey is the joy of enabling everyone to embrace the outdoors safely and confidently.”

• Solbari is a B Corp Certified Australian company dedicated to creating leading Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 50+ sun hats, clothing, accessories, and swimwear—each tried and tested under the powerful Australian sun. Every item in the range is rigorously tested and rated UPF 50+ by ARPANSA to ensure the highest level of sun protection.

• Solbari’s products blend gold-standard fibres with innovative design to deliver unparalleled sun protection without compromising on function, fit, style or comfort.

• Since 2014, Solbari has empowered over 500,000 people to make better skin health choices.

• With Solbari, everyone—including those with skin conditions or skin health concerns—can embrace the outdoors with confidence.

Solbari products are available online by visiting Solbari.com.au and in select retailers in Australia including The House of Golf and Paddy Pallin.