Australia has one of the harshest UV environments in the world, yet for many men, sun protection still feels like an afterthought.

We’ll wear sunscreen when we remember. We’ll throw on a hat when it suits. But when it comes to the clothes we wear every day, most of us are still choosing between style, comfort, and protection.

For years, I spent a fair bit of time in the sun without properly covering up. But living with PSC liver disease ultimately led to me needing a liver transplant, and after that, my perspective changed.

Post-transplant, being on immunosuppressant medication meant I became more vulnerable to the sun and far more aware of the need to protect myself properly.

When I started looking for better everyday clothing options, I kept running into the same issue: most sun-protective clothing felt either too technical or like it was designed for an older demographic. It didn’t feel like something I’d naturally want to wear day to day.

I wanted clothing that looked good, felt good, and offered built-in UPF protection without feeling separate from the rest of my wardrobe.

So I created Welridge.

Welridge is about everyday clothing with built-in protection, designed to feel natural, wearable, and considered. Simple, versatile pieces that fit into real life and give men an easier way to protect themselves without compromising personal style.

It started from personal experience, but the idea is broader than that: clothing you genuinely want to wear, with protection built in quietly in the background.

Because the best kind of sun protection is the kind you’ll actually wear.

Thanks for being here.

Reece
Founder, Welridge