Bowflex's popular adjustable dumbbells were just recalled — here's how to tell if your are impacted

When it comes to home gyms, there's almost no better space-saving solution than adjustable dumbbells — they can turn nearly a dozen individual dumbbells into one. Unfortunately, some of the most popular adjustable dumbbells from Bowflex were just recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because weight plates can be dislodged from the handles during use and pose an impact hazard.
Here's everything you need to know about the recall, plus some alternative adjustable dumbbells to consider.
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Why were BowFlex SelectTech 552 and 1090 adjustable dumbbells recalled?
Approximately 3.8 million Bowflex Selecttech 552 and 1090 adjustable dumbbells have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because the weight plates can dislodge from the handle during use, posing an impact hazard.
You can see a full list of impacted models and see if yours is affected on the official recall page. If you own one of the models listed, you should stop using it immediately and contact Johnson Health Tech Trading for a refund voucher or replacement units, depending on the model number and purchase date.
Most of the recalled products were sold by BowFlex Inc. (formerly Nautilus Inc.), which filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2024. BowFlex was acquired by Johnson Health Tech Trading company in April of 2024, which issued the voluntary recall.
BowFlex Inc. (formerly Nautilus Inc.) received 337 reports of plates dislodging during use, including 111 resulting in injuries such as concussions, abrasions, broken toes or contusions. Johnson Health Tech Trading has received 12 reports of the plates dislodging during use with no injuries for units it sold.
For full details on how to handle a recalled unit, you can call Johnson Health Tech Trading toll-free at 800-209-3539, email recall@bowflex.com, or go to the Bowflex product recall page.
I use these adjustable dumbbells for all my at-home workouts. They're especially useful for anyone who lives in a small home. One big difference between these and the Bowflex SelectTech is size: the Nordictrack only lifts the plates you are currently using, without taking any empty slots with it, keeping a more compact form factor as you workout.
These are some of the best adjustable dumbbells you can get, according to multiple fitness experts. You can make adjustments in 2.5 pound increments, more than many competitors. It's available in 40, 60, 80 and 100 pound versions.
These editor-favorite 50 pound adjustable dumbbells can be adjusted in five pound increments by twisting the handle. Each dumbbell has rounded plates that get wider as they get heavier, and it comes in an aluminum stand.
Why trust NBC Select?
I'm a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on smartwatches, headphones, cameras and more. For this piece, I checked information surrounding the Bowflex SelectTech recall to find the most important information.

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Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: I've tested both for months — here's what you should know

If you told me to pick my favorite wearable, I would have a hard time choosing between the Oura Ring and Apple Watch (and Garmin, to be fair). What's interesting is that the two wearables are wildly different from each other. The Apple Watch is a tiny computer on my wrist I can use instead of pulling my phone out of my pocket every two seconds. The Oura Ring is a stylish ring I forget about until I open the app and start diving into my health, sleep and fitness data. I've been wearing both for most of 2025 — here's what you need to know. Oura and Apple sell a few different wearables and I've tested all of them. The two that are most similar from the brands are the Oura Ring 4 ($349) and Apple Watch Series 10 ($399). They are the brand's latest wearables, and are priced similarly. That said, they are very different products with very different users in mind. 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It's got much better battery life than the Apple Watch, and is a little more accurate for sleep and illness tracking, in my experience. Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on smartwatches, running shoes, workout earbuds and more. I've tested the Oura Ring Gen 3 and Oura Ring 4 for over a year, and have tested various Apple Watch models, including the latest Series 10, for years.

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Are plastic cutting boards useful kitchen tools or a breeding ground for microplastics? Here's what to know

Everyone has one: a scratched, stained plastic cutting board that's been in your kitchen for years. Despite how many times you say to yourself, 'I should get a new one,' you never do — but now, it's officially time to buy a replacement. Research published in Environmental Science & Technology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, found that plastic cutting boards release tiny pieces of plastic when you chop on them, which can end up in your food. Before you start panicking, keep reading — I talked to cooking experts and engineers about whether plastic cutting boards are safe to use, and the best alternatives to buy if you want to reduce your exposure to microplastics. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Are plastic cutting boards safe to use? Long story short, yes, plastic cutting boards are generally safe to use, according to all the experts I spoke to. However, they can cause microplastics (particles that have a diameter between 1 and 5 mm.) to end up in your food. As a knife's blade scratches a plastic cutting board's surface, tiny pieces of plastic get released that stick to your ingredients — they're too small to see, so you may ingest them, says Dr. Manish Shetty, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Texas A&M University. Particles that stick to the knife's blade or cutting board go down the drain when you clean them, so there's an environmental impact to consider, too. That said, how worried should you be? 'According to the study's estimation, people could be exposed to about 50 grams of microplastics per year through plastic cutting boards, which seems like a huge amount, but isn't compared to other sources of microplastics you're exposed to,' says Wei. 'The study also didn't find any toxicity effects, which is a good sign, and indicates that this is a safe process.' It's important to note, however, that the study's findings are limited — researchers conducted testing on mice and only tracked health effects for about three days after exposure. Plus, microplastics are difficult to quantify — if another team of researchers did the same study, their findings may vary, says Hoaran Wei, an assistant professor in the department of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additional research will allow scientists to make more definitive assessments, but this study is a good starting point. 'It makes us think a lot more about our sources of consumption,' says Shetty. 'When you talk about microplastics impacting the environment, it can feel like an arm's length away, if not more. But when you talk about human health, it feels a lot closer.' The overall takeaway? You're exposed to microplastics while using plastic cutting boards, but, as far as researchers can tell right now, not in an excessive amount that could pose health risks, says Wei. You can use a cutting board made from an alternative material if you want to cut down your microplastic exposure (I break down the best options below), but all materials have benefits and drawbacks you'll need to weigh. How I picked the best plastic cutting board alternatives While shopping for plastic cutting board alternatives, experts recommend thinking about the following factors, all of which I considered while curating my picks. Material: Instead of plastic, choose a cutting board made from wood, rubber, silicone or composite, all of which are food-safe and gentle on knives, experts say. Never use a glass, stone or stainless steel cutting board — these materials are very hard on knives and can damage their blades, says Tracy Zimmermann, an assistant professor of hospitality management who teaches culinary arts at the New York City College of Technology. Care: Rubber, silicone and composite cutting boards are easier to clean compared to wood options, says Zimmermann. They're dishwasher-safe and you can sanitize them with a chemical solution if needed. Wood has antibacterial properties that don't allow bacteria to grow and fester, but you can't put these types of cutting boards in the dishwasher or use chemical sanitizers on them. Instead, you hand-wash them with dish soap and water. Lifespan: Once there's deep scratches and nicks, lingering odors or permanent stains on the surface of a rubber, silicone or composite cutting board, you need to retire it. However, you can sand down the surface of wood cutting boards as they get scratched and nicked, so you don't have to replace them as often. To recommend the best plastic cutting board alternatives, I rounded up options that meet expert guidance. A few also come recommended by chefs or the NBC Select staff. I didn't include any rubber cutting boards below — they're a great alternative for plastic boards, but experts say they're most often used in professional kitchens, not at home. 'Wood is always a great choice due to its antimicrobial properties,' says Zimmermann. 'It also has a better feel and is easier on knife blades compared to plastic.' However, these types of cutting boards require some upkeep — you need to oil or condition them periodically to make sure they stay in good shape. Additionally, wood cutting boards absorb moisture, so they're not great for cutting ingredients like raw meat and fish, says Alycia Johnson, vice president of merchandising at Sur La Table. (Ed's note: The inclusion of products sold by Sur La Table in this article was made independently of Johnson.) When she's cooking at home, Zimmermann says her first choice for a cutting board is this one from Boos, which is double-sided and comes in various shapes, styles and sizes. 'They're the gold standard for wood, and very thick and sturdy,' she says. 'I don't mind taking time to care for it because it's a superior product.' NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio also swears by her Boos board. 'I got it around 6 years ago as a gift for my husband who loves to cook, and I firmly believe it'll last me 60 more years,' she says. 'The quality is unmatched; despite using it to cut hundreds of vegetables and other foods, it still looks incredibly sturdy and durable. Yes, there are knife marks here and there, but overall, it looks great compared to others I've tried.' The brand recommends oiling its cutting board at least once a month and conditioning it for additional protection — you can buy a care set separately. 'Composite wood fiber cutting boards are quite popular right now because they're so durable and good on your knives,' says Johnson. 'They're also really easy to clean since you can throw them in the dishwasher.' Zimmermann specifically recommends Epicurean's composite cutting board, which I also own. 'I've had it for quite a while and it cuts well, is lightweight and more eco-friendly than plastic,' says Zimmermann. The non-porous boards have a smooth feel and are double-sided, plus there's a hole to hang them from. They're heat-resistant up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so they double as a trivet, and come in four sizes. Similar to wood, silicone has some give, making it easy on knife blades, and similar to plastic, it's dishwasher-safe and inexpensive, says Zimmermann. However, silicone isn't the sturdiest material, so when you pick the board up, it tends to bend. That might be appealing to you — you can fold silicone cutting boards horizontally or vertically to create a funnel of sorts, making it convenient to dump food into pans or scraps into the trash. This set comes with three thick silicone cutting boards in small, medium and large sizes. The boards are stain- and stick-resistant, according to the brand, and double-sided: the top has a smooth surface with juice grooves, while the bottom is textured to help it grip to your countertop. Each board also has a hole to hang it from. They're heat-resistant up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit, so they double as trivets. I own numerous cutting boards, but this is by far the one I use most in my small kitchen. It's the ideal size for my limited countertop space, and it's quite durable — I've sliced fruits, vegetables, cheese and breads on it almost daily for over a year, and it's still in great condition. The cutting board is finished with food-safe mineral oil and wax, and it has a small indent in one corner to collect juices or put a small bowl of dip or sauce if you're serving on it. You can buy Caraway's small cutting board individually or purchase it as part of the brand's three-piece set, which also comes with a storage organizer. Caraway recommends occasionally applying mineral oil to extend the board's lifespan. NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider uses Our Place's board (which the brand sent her as a courtesy sample) to prep and serve foods. 'As a cutting board, it's fantastic because it's really sturdy and heavy, and it has a little trench on the side so liquids don't spill over,' she says. 'I use it as a display board, too. In my small apartment, things have to work double duty, so if I have people over, I use this to put cheese and other snacks on.' The brand recommends occasionally treating the board with food-grade mineral oil to prevent cracking and enhance the surface's patina over time. Schneider was a fan of Material Kitchen's reBoard for years, but ultimately stopped using it since it's made with plastic. You can now buy a similar plastic-free cutting board from the brand — the new MK Free Board is made from plant-based materials. Its surface is non-pornous and it has a juice groove around its perimeter. There's also a hole in one corner to hang the board from. Best hybrid Steelport's cutting board is one of the more luxe looking options on the market as far as I'm concerned. Plus, it has internal steel beams to prevent it from warping, according to the brand. Each of the board's sides is made from a different material: one side is wood and the other is composite, giving you the benefits of both. The composite side has a groove around its perimeter to catch juices, and the board's angled sides make it easy to grab, flip and move as needed. NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz uses Steelport's board to cook for his family (the brand sent him a courtesy sample). He appreciates that it's heavy enough to stay in place on his countertop while chopping, but lightweight enough to easily move around the kitchen and lift onto high shelves . Frequently asked questions When should you replace a cutting board? Pay attention to the condition of your cutting board's surface — it tells you exactly when you need to replace it, says Patrick Guzzle, the vice president of food science for the National Restaurant Association, the organization that writes and publishes ServSafe products. 'Regardless of the material, if you've been using a cutting board for a while and it's starting to get nicks and cuts in it, consider replacing it,' he says. 'Those nicks and cuts are a good opportunity for bacteria to get in there and grow, which causes some cross-contamination concerns, especially since you can't clean and sanitize the cutting board the way you should.' You should also replace your cutting board if it develops an odor you can't get rid of, or has stains you can't remove. Should you use multiple cutting boards while cooking? Keeping multiple cutting boards in your kitchen is ideal, says Johnson. Doing so allows you to designate a board per each task, like one for chopping fruits and vegetables, and another for slicing raw meat and fish. If you only have one cutting board, it's important to clean it between cutting different types of ingredients, and pay attention to the order you prepare foods in. 'If you're making vegetables and meat, for example, I recommend cutting all the vegetables first and then focusing on the meats,' says Guzzle. 'Meat can present a higher bacterial risk when it comes to cutting boards, so you want to take care of that last.' Where do microplastics come from? 'Any time we use plastics, there's a potential for microplastics,' says Shetty. They're released by products we use every day, like plastic cutting boards and containers, cling wrap and detergent pods, as well as other sources. Wastewater treatment plants, for example, transports microplastic particles to freshwater supplies and sea water bodies, says Wei. Some microplastics also come from stormwater runoff. 'When it rains, for example, plastic particles on the road from tire particles will be washed into natural water bodies,' he says. Microplastics are made in water bodies, too. 'We have a lot of floating plastic garbage in the sea and freshwater, and they can degrade, breaking apart into tiny little particles,' says Wei. Why are microplastics dangerous? Microplastics only accumulate — they never disappear, says Wei. 'They can last for hundreds of years in the environment, break down, become carbon dioxide and be released back into the atmosphere, which is a very slow process, making microplastics persistent contaminants,' he says. The concentration of microplastics in the environment is constantly increasing, so people are being exposed to them more and more. And recently, studies are showing that there's microplastics present in the human body, which is likely because the particles are in our food and drinking water, says Wei. Scientists and doctors are currently researching the toxicity of microplastics on the human body, especially how it impacts reproductivity, inflammatory response, liver health and kidney health. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Manish Shetty is an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Texas A&M University. Hoaran Wei is an assistant professor in the department of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tracy Zimmermann is an assistant professor of hospitality management who teaches culinary arts at the New York City College of Technology. Alycia Johnson is the vice president of merchandising at Sur La Table. (Ed's note: The inclusion of products sold by Sur La Table in this article was made independently of Johnson.) Patrick Guzzle is the vice president of food science for the National Restaurant Association, the organization that writes and publishes ServSafe products. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a reporter at NBC Select who has written about kitchen products for five years, including meal prep containers, cookware sets, dinnerware sets, Dutch ovens and air fryers. To write this article, I spoke to five experts about plastic cutting board alternatives and microplastics. Using their guidance, I rounded up the best plastic cutting board alternatives, including expert and NBC Select staff picks.

NBC News

13-06-2025

• NBC News

How to find UPF clothing and swimwear for the whole family, according to dermatologists

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So a UPF of 50 means it will allow only 1/50th of the sun's rays to penetrate the clothing,' says Dr. Charles Crutchfield III, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. 'The bigger the number, the better, but most UPF products stop at 50.' The Skin Cancer Foundation requires clothing to have a UPF rating of 30 or higher to be considered 'sun protective.' A UPF of 30 to 49 is considered 'very good' protection, and a UPF of 50+ provides 'excellent protection,' says Guanche. How we picked the best UPF clothing and swimwear While The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a UPF rating of at least 30, we chose to look only at swimwear that had a UPF rating of 50+. Our experts also recommended we look for pieces with the following: A tight weave, since denser material permits less UV rays to pass through. Dark colors, which deflect rays better than light colors. Materials like polyester, nylon or lightweight satin silks that deflect UV rays Quick-drying materials, since studies show that UPF can be less effective when wet. Top-rated UPF clothing and swimwear All of the recommendations below are either recommendations from experts or have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon or 100 reviews on another retailer. We made sure to include pieces across a range of price points and styles, such as rash guards, cover-ups, bikinis, board shorts, fuller-coverage suits and more. All have a UPF of 50+ and are quick-drying. This UPF hoodie provides full coverage of your arms, neck and ears (when wearing the hood), making it perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, climbing and working out. It's made of a flexible polyester and spandex material and has one pocket on each side, ideal for a phone, wallet or earbuds. It also has a 4.5-star average rating from 4,296 reviews on Amazon. This versatile UPF dress, which has a 4.3-star average rating from 1,111 reviews on Amazon, is ideal for a range of settings, including the beach or a casual night out with friends. It has pockets, one on each side, and a split hem for flexibility and range of motion, according to the brand. It's also made of a quick-drying polyester-spandex material and comes in many color and pattern options. This breathable, moisture-wicking one-piece provides full arm coverage. It's also quick-drying, according to the brand, which our experts say is a must, since studies show that UPF can be less effective when wet. This swimsuit, which has a 4.3-star average rating from 821 reviews on Amazon, comes in 17 patterns and colors, ranging in size from 4 to 14. It has a front zipper closure and a built-in bra for extra support, too. This UPF 50+ Coolibar shrug is a clever way to provide extra coverage over a sleeveless bathing suit. It ranges in size from XXS–XXL and has a mock neckline with full-length sleeves that have thumbholes — it also has a 4-star average rating from 151 reviews at Coolibar. Plus, it has four-way stretch and is chlorine- and saltwater-resistant, according to the brand. Originally created to protect surfers from abrasions when slipping on and off their boards, rash guards are a popular swimwear item for anyone who wants ultimate protection from the sun's rays. This brand uses an environmentally friendly dyeing process, and its rash guards have four-way stretch and are quick-drying, according to Axesea. This suit has a 4.4-star average rating from 1,583 reviews on Amazon and comes in 15 patterns and colors and range in size from small to xl. This cover-up dress is embedded with zinc-oxide protection, a broad-spectrum UV absorber that enhances sun protection in textiles, according to Coolibar. It also has a hood, V-neckline, loose front pockets and side vents. It also has a 4.6-star average rating from 508 reviews at Amazon. Made from cotton, bamboo and elastane, it's very lightweight and comes in 17 bold colorways, has a 4.6-star average rating from over 600 reviews on Amazon. These high-waisted board shorts are 100% polyester, breathable and quick-drying, according to the brand — all key elements that defend against the sun's rays, according to our experts. The side pockets each have a drain hole for water flow when swimming. They come in 16 colors, including plum, khaki, black, aqua and slate green and have a 4.4-star average rating from nearly 3,561 reviews on Amazon. Best UPF clothing and swimwear for men This quick-drying, long-sleeve UPF t-shirt for men is perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, climbing, fishing and more. It also has flatlock seams to prevent chafing, according to the brand, and a relaxed fit, so it's breathable and perfect for humid weather. The versatile Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Pant is perfect for several outdoor activities — thin fishing, kayaking, exploring and more. They're available in many lengths and have a multitude of pockets and loops. It has pockets on the back, sides and by the hips. They also turn into shorts by unzipping them around the knee, providing more breathability on humid days. They have a 4.5-star average rating from 14, 251 reviews on Amazon. These swim shorts, which have a built-in knit compression liner for additional support, come in eight colors, range from small to 3XL and have a 4.4-star average rating from 266 reviews at Coolibar. They have a back zipper pocket and an elastic waistband with a drawstring. According to the brand, its Aqua Plus Lite fabric repels water and is quick-drying. Coolibar says its products are all rigorously tested to ensure high-quality UV protection. For years, Kanu has been catering to surfers with its fun and functional designs, and this long-sleeve rash guard is no different. It's breathable, lightweight and quick-drying, according to the brand, and has a 4.4-star average rating from 4,952 reviews on Amazon. Plus, it's 82% polyester and 18% spandex, which helps deflect the sun's rays, our experts say. It comes in eight bold colors, ranging in size from small to XXL. This short-sleeved version is 100% polyester, which is excellent for deflecting UV rays, and has a crew neck and contrasting panels on either side. It comes in 16 colors, ranging from small to 5XL and has a 4.5-star average rating from more than 33,559 reviews on Amazon. These UPF 50+ swim tights offer an added layer of protection during water sports. We chose these leggings not only for their full-coverage protection but also because they come in navy and black, which deflect UV rays better than light colors, per our expert guidance. These are lightweight, chlorine- and saltwater-resistant and quick-drying, according to the brand and they have a 4.8-star average rating from 322 reviews. These also have a four-way stretch, an elastic waistband and an internal elastic drawstring for added comfort. They range in size from XS to XL. Lightweight, moisture-wicking and quick-drying, this hooded shirt with a built-in neck gaiter is an ideal men's cover-up for extreme sun exposure. It has mesh breathing holes to keep your sunglasses from fogging up and thumbholes to keep your sleeves in place for extra sun protection, according to Baleaf. It also has a 4.6-star average rating from 3,400 reviews on Amazon. Willit Boy's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Shirt Long Sleeve Rash Guard $16.99 $19.99 Amazon Now 15% off What to know This youth-size long-sleeve UPF shirt is perfect for days at the beach and other activities that call for being in the sun for hours. The shirt also has a 4.7-star average rating from 1,024 reviews on Amazon. It has raglan sleeves and flat seams for more comfort, especially when fishing or walking outdoors. This long-sleeve shirt is perfect for both swimming and everyday wear outside in the sun. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 2,987 reviews on Amazon, and is available in sizes up to 14/16. It's also available in more than 10 styles and is made of a comfortable blend material that wicks away water. The unisex UPF 50+ surf suit offers whole-body coverage for kids sizes 4 to 12. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 101 reviews at Coolibar and resists chlorine and saltwater, according to the brand. It also has a zip front for easy on and off. Coolibar also makes a neck-to-knee version. This UPF 50+ two-piece is made of 82% nylon, a material our experts said deflects harmful UV rays. It also comes with a rash guard for additional sun protection and a matching ruffle bottom. This swimsuit comes in 23 vibrant print options and has a 4.6-star average rating from over 5,897 reviews on Amazon and ranges in size from 2T to 10 years. This swimsuit set ranges in size from 3M to 5T. The loose-fitting shirt provides comfort and also added protection, since tighter-fitting material can stretch, allowing more sun in, says Dr. Mohiba Tareen, FAAD, a clinical assistant professor of Dermatology at Columbia University. The 100% polyester pull-on trunks also have a drawstring closure for easy on and off. This lightweight machine-washable swimsuit is breathable, quick-drying, and lined front and back to ensure UV rays can't penetrate through, according to the brand. With 44 patterns to choose from in sizes ranging from 2T to 14 years, Kanu also sells matching rash guards and board shorts for extra coverage that you can purchase separately. It also has a 4.5-star average rating from 8,118 reviews on Amazon. In addition to the UPF 50+ coverage, this suit comes with a matching waterproof hat to keep your baby shielded from harmful sun rays. It also has a 4.8-star average rating from 5,665 reviews at Amazon and includes a sun hat. The suits are available in sizes 3M to 36M and come in a variety of patterns. This long-sleeve UPF 50+ swimsuit, which comes in 28 vibrant prints, has a zipper back and quick diaper-change snaps for ease. This swimsuit has a 4.9-star average rating from over 637 reviews on Amazon. How to shop for quality UPF clothing and swimwear The best way to know if a garment is safe and effective at blocking harmful UV rays is to look for the The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, according to experts. The foundation grants this seal to fabrics that have a minimum of 30 UPF on the lightest shade in its product range and also pass a number of tests by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. Our experts also recommend looking for the following: UPF 30-50+ rating: Although The Skin Cancer Foundation accepts a minimum of UPF 30, the most optimal level of protection is 50+, says Hurlbert. A UPF rating of 30 means the fabric allows 1/30th, or about 3% of UV radiation to pass through. A garment rated UPF 50 permits only 1/50th, or about 2% of UV transmission. Any fabric that permits less than 2% is labeled UPF 50+. Looser fit: Despite what you might think, a looser-fitting garment is more effective at protecting you from the sun, because tighter-fitting material stretches the fabric, allowing more sun in, said Tareen. Full coverage: To maximize sun protection, our experts advise shopping for garments that cover more of your body, like long sleeves, high collars and extendable cuffs. Tight weave: The denser the fabric, the better it blocks the rays, says Tareen. For a quick visual check, Tareen recommends holding the garment up to the sunlight to gauge its transparency. Dark or bright colors: The more intense the hue, the better the protection the clothing will provide,' says The Skin Cancer Foundation. Dark or bright colors, including red, black and navy blue, absorb more UV rays than lighter colors, like whites and pastels, according to the foundation. Type of material: Different types of material matter as well, according to Dr. Naiara Braghiroli, a dermatologist at the Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. For instance, unbleached cotton, rayon, flax and hemp all consist of natural fibers that absorb UV rays, while shiny polyester, nylon or lightweight satin silks deflect the rays and are considered more protective, she says. Quick-drying fabrics: UV protection appears to be less effective when clothes are wet, according to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, so it's best to invest in a quick-drying material treated with UPF, such as polyester and nylon, say experts. What other ways can you protect yourself from the sun's rays? UPF clothing is the first line of defense against the sun's harmful rays, says experts. Here are a few other things they recommend you consider when heading outside in the warmer months. Seek out shade: 'This is especially important between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are strongest,' says Hurlbert. Wear a hat: Hats with a wide brim are preferable so your neck and ears are covered, says Hurlbert. Like swimwear, the best hats should have a UPF rating of 50+, made of a material that is quick-drying and deflects UV rays. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin that surrounds them, says Hurlbert. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Barbara Booth has been covering wellness and health care for over a decade at CNBC and NBC Select, including guides on the best mineral sunscreens, UPF hats, walking shoes, under-eye patches, and more. For this piece, Barbara and a former NBC Select staffer interviewed five experts and researched dozens of swimwear pieces with UPF 50+ on today's market. Included are brands recommended by experts, along with those that are highly rated and meet expert shopping guidance.