SunSibility at Liverpool Fashion Week

The Products & Fabric 

Why did you choose Italian UPF50+ fabric specifically, and what makes it superior to other sun protective materials on the market?

• Our founder Angeli Jackson searched worldwide for fabrics that had been vigorously tested not just for the UPF but for the look,its breathability the feel, how it washes and dries and the fact that it is both seawater and chlorine resistant.  The garments wash at forty degrees are quick drying and cool to wear.

Your clothing is made from 80% Polyamide and 20% Elastane — why that blend, and how does it hold up after repeated washing?

• Amazingly so many people have had clothing from us that last decades and still look fantastic.

Does the UPF50+ protection diminish over time or with washing, and how should customers care for their garments to maintain effectiveness?

• The answer is no however if like swimwear sometimes you see any areas in the fabric although our garments aren’t typically worn in water where it looks worn or thinning it is definitely time for a replacement but we don't create fast fashion we create clothing that is meant to last and is durable.

You offer doubled fabric for extreme UV sensitivity — which conditions would typically require this, and what's the trade-off in terms of weight and cost?

• One layer of UPF50+ fabric is sufficient preventing 97.5% of UV Rays however when working with customers who are extremely sunsensitive such as XP ( Xeoderma Pigmentosum  ) they benefitted more from a double layer this by no means means it is double the protection but was more effective in extreme cases ) so we wanted to accommodate our customers and offer this option.

The collection comes in 28 colours — how do you decide on the colour range each season, and does colour affect UV protection levels?

• Our colours are ever changing as our manufacturers bring in new shades for the seasons.  All colours have a minimum of UPF50+ in testing some colours may come up higher than that but as a minimum ALL COLOURS Light or Dark have a minimum UPF50+ So are excellent in terms of protection.

How do SunSibility's own-label garments compare to the third-party brands you stock (like Stingray, Wallaroo, Banz)? 

• They are all brilliant in their own right as a company we dont like to compete when we see a company is producing great quality products that can help our customers and give them choice we collaborate and work with not against it is about providing freedom of choice and they all have their own forte that they do superbly well.  It enables customers to mix and match and get everything in one place.

Medical Conditions & Sun Sensitivity 

You work closely with organisations like Lupus UK, the XP Support Group, and the British Porphyria Association — what have you learned from those partnerships that has directly shaped your designs?

• Everything !! It is all about listening, we are always learning and growing and simply trying to find solutions in every way we can trying to make going outdoors easier safer and certainly more enjoyable.

For someone newly diagnosed with a condition like porphyria, lupus, or vitiligo, where should they start on your site?

• Great question i wrote a piece a while back and would direct them to this article https://gamma.app/docs/Managing-Sun-Sensitivity-A-Comprehensive-Guide-for-Those-with-Lup-ot3srexoh1si945?mode=doc We are always on hand to help so if anyone has any questions, would like to chat they can contact us and we will happily guide them through our products to help find what best suits them.

Is UPF50+ clothing sufficient on its own for conditions like xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), or does it need to be combined with other measures?

• XP is very severe and there will be additional practices always put in place for example visors, UV Window Film and UV Metres to help assist in day to day living.

Can your clothing be used safely by people undergoing chemotherapy or on photosensitising medications? 

• Yes of course and once again we would like to extend our wishes to help in anyway we can so do contact us if you require any assistance at all.

How does your clothing protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and why does that distinction matter?

• Check out our fabric information page for more information on thsi

Made to Order & Customisation 

All SunSibility garments are made to order — what does that process look like from the moment a customer places an order to the moment it arrives?

• The order comes through to us and our talented tailors and dressmakers cut make and trim the items especially for you.  Each and every item is created with great care right here in house with our very experienced team.

What lead times should customers expect, and how does that differ from your "Ready to Dispatch" range?

• Orders can take up to 28 days however we do always try and meet customer requests so if you let us know at point of order or even enquire with us prior to ordering we will do our very best to have it dispatched by your requested date where possible.

Can customers request bespoke sizing or alterations, and is there an additional cost for that? 

• No i’m afraid not we work on standard sizing and manufacture to those specifications however we do offer various lengths on most items to suit your needs.

You mention that designs can be customised based on customer feedback — can you give an example of a design that was changed or created in response to what a customer told you? 

• We find that what may benefit one customer can almost always benefit another so if there is something specific you are looking for that is not in our range or any of our other collections we are totally open to discussing your ideas with you so do get in touch.

Sizing & Fit 

Sun protective clothing often needs to cover more skin — how do you balance coverage with a flattering, modern fit?

• We dont over complicate design, our garments are not trend led we are not a fast fashion brand our designs are classic and timeless that can see you from one year to the next many of our designs are full coverage but we offer a variety of lengths and styles so clients can layer.

Do you offer plus-size options across the full range, or only in specific categories?

• Of course our sizes go from 8-22 in Ladieswear & Small - XXL in Mens again should we not have a size you are looking for get in touch.

How should a customer measure themselves to find the right size, and what advice do you give if they fall between sizes?

• We have size charts available on each product page, use these as a reference point.

Ordering, Delivery & Returns 

What is your returns and exchange policy for made-to-order items? 

• Kindly check our returns policy page for more information: Returns Policy

What payment methods do you accept?

• We accept all major payment methods available in the UK

Sun Protection Beyond Clothing 

You stock UV window film, car shades, and solar meters alongside clothing — how does indoor UV exposure factor into the advice you give customers?

• Indoor UV exposure is central to why we stock these products — it's an area that's often misunderstood. Most people assume that being indoors means they're protected, but UVA rays can still penetrate standard glass, and research shows that car drivers have a higher rate of skin cancer on their window side due to cumulative exposure while driving. The solar meter helps customers see exactly what they're being exposed to indoors, which can be a real eye-opener.
  
• That's why window film sits alongside our clothing range rather than being a separate conversation. Dermagard blocks 99.8% of UV light while maintaining natural daylight and clear vision, and LLumar window film has been recommended by dermatologists for patients with solar sensitivity, skin-related diseases, and skin cancers — carrying The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation. For customers managing a condition, UV protective clothing is only part of the picture, and we advise on all layers of protection together.

How should someone layer sun protective clothing with suncream — is one ever sufficient without the other?

• Both offer meaningful protection, but layering them together gives the most comprehensive coverage. Clothing provides consistent, physical UV blocking that doesn't wear off, while suncream is essential for areas clothing can't cover — face, hands, neck. For most people in everyday situations, well-chosen UPF 50+ clothing can reduce reliance on suncream significantly, but for those with heightened sun sensitivity or a skin condition, we'd always recommend using both as part of a complete sun safety routine.

Sustainability & Ethics 

Your garments are made in-house in the UK — what does that supply chain look like, and what steps do you take to ensure ethical production?

• Not using cheap abroad manufacturers in fact despite rising costs on every level we are trying our very best to keep our manufacturing here in the UK so our margins are minimal as we try and keep our products at an affordable price point for all but we dont mass produce so is timely but at the very heart of what we do because we produce especially for each client.

Do you have any plans to introduce recycled or more sustainably sourced fabrics without compromising UPF performance?

• It's something we think about, and our made-to-order model already means we're working with minimal fabric waste — we don't mass produce, so nothing sits in a warehouse unsold or gets discarded. As we continue to develop the collection, sustainable sourcing is absolutely on our radar, and we're committed to exploring options that don't compromise on the UPF performance our customers depend on.