Imagine a shield against the sun’s harmful rays woven right into the fabric of your favourite top. Well, that’s the promise of UPF clothing – a cutting-edge technology in the world of sun protection.
But what exactly is UPF clothing and why should you consider adding it to your wardrobe?
What is UPF clothing?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and measures how effectively a fabric blocks ultraviolet radiation (both UVA and UVB). While sunscreen has SPF (Sun Protection Factor), clothing has UPF.
The higher the UPF rating, the more protection the fabric offers. For example, a UPF 50 garment blocks 98% of the sun’s rays and only allows 2% (1/50th) to penetrate, significantly reducing your exposure.
Australia was the first country in the world to formally rate fabrics for sun protection in the 1990s. Today, the Australian government continues to test fabrics and award UPF ratings on a scale ranging from 15 to 50+.
| UPF classification | UPF rating |
| Minimum protection | 15 |
| Good protection | 30 |
| Excellent protection | 50, 50+ |
Types of UPF clothing available
Sun protective clothing brands have come a long way in the last decade and there are now several stylish options available. You can find:
- Sportswear: Perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or running.
- Casual wear: Everyday items like t-shirts, trousers and dresses with built-in protection.
- Swimwear: Rash guards and swim shirts for beach days.
- Accessories: Hats, wraps, gloves and even umbrellas for comprehensive coverage.
Brands such as Solbari Sun Protection offer an award-winning range of UPF 50+ sun-protective clothing and accessories. Craghoppers’ SolarShield is a range of sun-protective fabric tested for UV-protection UPF40+. And Columbia Sportswear also have a range of OMNI-SHADE™ BROAD SPECTRUM sun protective clothing.
Benefits of UPF clothing
Sunscreen can lose its effectiveness due to sweat or movement, and many people don’t reapply it often enough or apply too little to begin with. This can increase the risk of sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer. UPF clothing, on the other hand, offers constant protection as long as you’re wearing it, providing a more reliable shield against harmful UV rays.
How to look after your UPF garments
For specific care and cleaning instructions, always read the labels on your UPF clothing first. But, usually, the advice is to:
- Avoid using fabric softeners
- Opt for mild detergents
- Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric
- Allow the garment to air-dry
Over time, UPF clothing may lose some of its effectiveness, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for damaged fabric and replace an item if needed.
Conclusion
UPF clothing is a powerful tool in your sun protection arsenal. It’s an easy, effective way to shield your skin from harmful UV rays while going about your daily activities or enjoying outdoor adventures.
But remember, UPF clothing works best as part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy which includes seeking shade and using sunscreen on exposed skin.
