FOR RELEASE THE WEEK OF JULY 30, 2000:
I am extremely sun-sensitive and need to wear long sleeves even in the dog days of August. What are the best new fabrics that will keep me both covered and cool? Or does plain old 100 percent cotton still outperform the competition?
Natural fibers like cotton, linen and even wool are still excellent choices for sun protection, says Sandra Evenson, University of Idaho assistant professor of clothing and textiles. The average cotton T-shirt has an SPF of 8, she says, but the SPF varies significantly depending on the fabric’s thickness and density.
Fortunately, the U.S. textile industry has made "tremendous strides" in fibers and finishes that offer sustained sun protection—and easy care—at a reasonable cost. Natural fibers like cotton and linen can be treated to resist UV rays along with wrinkles. Synthetic, easy-care fibers like polyester and nylon are manufactured to offer the lightweight comfort associated with natural fibers—plus added UV protection.
Evenson advises that you look for fabrics like Coolmax™ and Supplex™, synthetics that feel softer and lighter than cotton and that will wick moisture away from your skin. The newest trend is "sunblock wear"—garments treated with a fabric finish that adds SPF 30 sunblock protection and that won’t wash off if laundered according to the manufacturer’s care label. L.L. Bean’s Traveltec and Travelsmith’s Defensewear and Sunblock Gear combine sun protection, comfort and easy care.
Also, look for style features that add comfort to full-coverage garments. Seersucker, basket weaves and dobby weaves are loosely woven fabrics that allow air in and moisture out—as do mesh inserts. "Styles inspired by ethnic dress—such as harem pants, kimono sleeves and caftans—are often generously cut to wick moisture away from your body and to catch any passing breeze," Evenson says. Drawstrings adjust to changing temperatures better than elastic or tailored waistbands. "And don’t forget the sun-protecting delights of a wide-brimmed hat!"
We have a cherry tree that we would like to drape for bird protection. Owl simulation and scarecrows don’t seem to work in scaring the robins away from the ripening fruit. Where can we obtain tree tents? Frank and Gwen Baldan, Fruitvale
Your local nursery and garden center can stock or order netting, says Michael Colt, University of Idaho extension horticulturist, but be forewarned: If the tree is a cherry tree, it’s likely to be 15 feet tall and very difficult to cover with netting.
If you don’t cover the tree entirely and secure the netting at ground level, birds will still be able to wriggle in, Colt says. You may need to prune the tree to a smaller size in late winter or early spring. "Cherry trees want to be larger than is easy to net, so you have to compromise," he says. "Either cut the tree down to a size that allows you to net it or take it out."
We’re planning a trip to visit my husband’s mother in the Midwest. Our 5-year-old is excited about seeing her Grandma but our 15-year-old is refusing to go. Should we insist that he come with us or let him stay with friends?
"There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to your question," says Harriet Shaklee, University of Idaho extension family development specialist. "It’s really up to you as parents to decide what your position is," she says. "It’s your job to set the ground rules for family life."
If you’re confident that your son has a good alternative and will be adequately supervised while you’re gone, you should feel free to choose that option, Shaklee says. On the other hand, this might be a good time to impress upon your son the importance of doing the right thing by other people—even adults.
"He may be bored at Grandma’s, but Grandma will be thrilled to see him. For a lot of families, it would be a good thing for the parents to decide that this trip is a family obligation and that the family will go there together."
Family trips are often more palatable to teenagers if they have the opportunity to make some choices about lodging, food and entertainment, Shaklee says. "If he has a learner’s permit, you might even let your son drive part of the way—or honor his request to stop at an amusement park or the rock-and-roll museum."
When you get to Grandma’s, remember that all of you don’t need to spend every hour of every day at her side. One parent can take the kids shopping or to the pool while the other keeps Grandma company.
Don’t forget to bring a tape recorder or video camera: Even teenagers can get interested in a grandparent’s recollections of a family history they share.
[READERS: Do you have a question about your home, yard or garden? Send it to HomeWise, University of Idaho Ag Communications, Moscow, ID 83844-2332 or e-mail it to homewise@uidaho.edu. Mention of proprietary products or firms does not constitute endorsement by the University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System or imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms.]