What is sun protective fashion? Floppy sun hats, oversized shades and perhaps even sunblock in pretty bottles come to mind.ย
Mott 50 founders Anne and Monique had a different vision in mind. According to the company’s website, the fusion between fashion and sun protection was inspired by “a day at the beach with friends,” during which the two “noticed a significant change in the way people consume the sun” โ tanning at any expense was no longer commonplace.
The company’s mission is “to raise awareness about the sun’s harmful effects on the skin,” and Monique says that she and Anne hope to do that through fashion.
“Anne and I are passionate about both,” she says. “Fashion goes hand-in-hand with health and wellness. It’s all about how you present yourself to the world…and how you feel doing it!”
A regular t-shirt has a UV protection of 5 SPF. Each Mott 50 piece has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) โ the clothing equivalent of SPF โ of 50. Monique says that Mott 50 clothing blocks both UVB and UVA rays, which cause burning and aging/skin cancer, respectively.
Sometimes it seems like “healthy” is synonymous with “unappealing” (remember, your parents had to force you to eat your peas!), but Mott 50 turns “too good to be true” into reality โ the clothing is both good for you and fashion-forward.
“We get inspiration from everyday life in New York City. The first collection is meant to be mix-and-match basics, easy complements to anyone’s wardrobe,” Monique explains. “Our hope is to inspire people to wear sun protective clothing each day with ease and style.”
And Anne and Monique couldn’t make it easier. From tunics to shirtdresses, Mott 50 is up-to-date with the season’s hottest trends, but maintains that simplicity we look for in our everyday attire. I styled an electric blue Mott 50 maxi dress (and what’s more modern chic than a maxi?) that had the softest, most comfortable fabric I’ve ever laid hands on. If it weren’t so cute, I’d probably wear it to bed…every night.
Here I am, using the obligatory hands-on-waist pose to show off the dress in all its glory. This simple look is perfect as a beach coverup.
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One of the easiest outfits? Cinch the waist with a belt. Keep the look streamlined, or pull the top of the dress out over the belt slightly so that it flows and moves with you. Throw a blazer on over this look for work, then bare your shoulders for that after-work drink. And my favorite look…
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Layer, layer, layer! Throw a crop top on over the dress on the weekend โ perfect for shopping, a walk in the park or brunch with your girls!
Now that the sun is out, throw that maxi on! Monique reminds us to wear sunscreen nonetheless.
“Mott 50 garments protect from the sun so offer an easy way to cover up, however, we strongly recommend using sunblock on areas that are exposed…face, neck, top of hands!” she says.
Each garment is certified protection from the sun for up to 30 washes.
As stylish as Mott 50 is, Monique says that she and Anne are always looking to move forward.
“We are constantly sourcing new fabrics!” Monique says (and here, I’m thinking, “No! Your fabrics are amazing as they are!”). “Our Fall Collection is nearly finished, it’s small but well-curated. Anne and I are really excited about the Spring/Summer Collection as well, there are some more fashion-forward pieces with great beading and trims! We also hope to expand our men’s and golf/tennis offering. The ideas are endless…”
After my 30 washes, I’ll definitely be back for more.