Our story
Johanna Young, Founder and CEO of Solbari, knows firsthand the devastating toll skin cancer and melanoma can take. Through her family’s experiences and work with skin cancer charities, including the Cancer Council, she has witnessed the profound effects of these illnesses and it inspired her to take action.
Solbari was born in Australia in response to the country’s alarming skin cancer rates. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed by age 70. In the United States, one in five Americans will be diagnosed, with more than 6 million adults treated each year. The reality is stark, yet 95 per cent of cases are preventable.
Many people don’t realise that not all fabrics offer equal sun protection. A regular white cotton T-shirt and regular hat may provide as little as SPF 5, leaving skin exposed. Unable to find high-quality, lightweight, and breathable UPF 50+ clothing and sun hats, Johanna founded Solbari out of personal need.
Since 2014, Johanna’s vision has protected over 650,000 customers, with millions of Solbari products sold across more than 160 countries. Solbari is more than clothing and sun hats, it’s a bold mission to protect skin, empower people, and make a lasting impact in the fight against skin cancer. Every Solbari product is a step toward a safer, brighter future under the sun.
Why we created Solbari
Prevention is better than cure
Certified UPF 50+
Our fabrics are independently and rigorously tested and rated UPF 50+, the highest sun protection rating for fabrics available in the world.
For healthy skin
All of our products are designed with skin health in mind and are tested to block at least 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
Everyday comfort
Our range of UPF 50+ clothing, hats, swimwear and accessories is designed for style and comfort, as well as maximum protection.
Certified UPF 50+
Our fabrics are independently and rigorously tested and rated UPF 50+, the highest sun protection rating for fabrics available in the world.
For healthy skin
All of our products are designed with skin health in mind and are tested to block at least 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
Everyday comfort
Our range of UPF 50+ clothing, hats, swimwear and accessories is designed for style and comfort, as well as maximum protection.
The Story Behind Our Name
Solbari blends ‘SOL’ for solar and ‘BARI’ for barrier, capturing our mission to protect against harmful UV rays. More than a name, it symbolises a global movement to help people enjoy the great outdoors safely and confidently.
Our logo represents an umbrella, a shield, a solar barrier. The letters S and B are interconnected to form a plus sign, a nod to all our fabrics being UPF 50+, the highest sun protection rating in the world.
Not all fabrics are created equal
Rigorously tested under the harsh Australian sun, our UPF 50+ accredited fabrics meet the highest standards for sun protection and comply with USA, Australian, and international fabric rating standards: AS/NZS 4399:2020, ASTM D6544-2012, ASTM D6603-2012, AATCC 183-2014.
Trusted and endorsed by medical experts
The Skin Cancer Foundation and dermatologists recommend sun-protective clothing as the first line of defence against harmful UV rays, with sunscreen playing a supporting role, protecting the areas UPF 50+ clothing doesn't cover.
Solbari products are recommended by dermatologists around the world for their certified UPF 50+ protection and everyday wearability.
Pictured: Solbari Expert Medical Panelist - Dr Brooke Corbett, Doctor Of Medicine (MD), Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology
Purpose-led with a positive impact
From day one, Solbari has been committed to empowering people to live sun-smart and reduce the risk of skin cancer. As a proud B Corp and UN Global Compact member, we hold ourselves to high standards of transparency and accountability. We focus on protecting the planet, ethical manufacturing, meaningful partnerships, and supporting our people, because impact matters.