Understanding UPF Ratings in Clothing: A Comprehensive Guide
With Australia's intense sun, protecting our skin is crucial. While sunscreen is a common defence, clothing plays a vital role too. But not all clothing is created equal when it comes to sun protection. That's where UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings come in. This guide will explain everything you need to know about UPF, helping you make informed choices to stay safe in the sun.
What is UPF and How Does it Work?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It's a rating system used for fabrics that indicates how effectively they block ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Specifically, it measures the amount of UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B) radiation that can penetrate the fabric and reach your skin.
Unlike sunscreen, which is tested on human skin, UPF is tested on the fabric itself. A UPF rating of 50, for example, means that the fabric allows only 1/50th (or 2%) of the sun's UV rays to pass through it, blocking 98% of the radiation. The higher the UPF rating, the greater the protection.
Here's a simple breakdown:
UV Radiation: The sun emits UV radiation, which is invisible to the human eye. UVA and UVB rays are the primary types that can damage our skin, leading to sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer.
Fabric Structure: The weave, knit, colour, and composition of a fabric all influence its UPF rating. Tightly woven fabrics, darker colours, and materials like polyester and nylon generally offer better protection.
UPF Rating: This number indicates the level of protection the fabric provides against UV radiation. A higher number means more protection.
UPF vs. SPF: What's the Difference?
It's easy to confuse UPF and SPF (Sun Protection Factor), but they measure different things.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor): Measures the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate a fabric. It's used for clothing and other textiles.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor): Measures the amount of time it takes for sun-exposed skin to redden. It's used for sunscreens and other topical sunscreens.
The key difference is that UPF measures the amount of UV radiation blocked, while SPF measures the time it takes for skin to burn. SPF also primarily measures protection against UVB rays, while UPF measures protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Think of it this way: UPF is a measure of the fabric's inherent ability to block UV rays, while SPF is a measure of how long a sunscreen will protect your skin from burning. For comprehensive sun protection, it's best to use both sunscreen and UPF-rated clothing. You can learn more about Rashy and our commitment to sun-safe solutions.
Understanding UPF Rating Levels
UPF ratings are categorised into different levels, each offering a specific degree of protection. Here's a breakdown of the common UPF rating levels and what they mean:
UPF 15-24: Good Protection – Blocks 93.3% to 95.8% of UV rays.
UPF 25-39: Very Good Protection – Blocks 96% to 97.4% of UV rays.
UPF 40-50+: Excellent Protection – Blocks 97.5% to 98%+ of UV rays. A rating of 50+ is the highest rating a fabric can achieve, indicating exceptional protection.
In Australia, the standard for UPF-rated clothing is AS/NZS 4399:2020. This standard ensures that products meet specific criteria for UV protection and labelling accuracy. When choosing UPF clothing, look for products that comply with this standard.
It's important to note that any fabric offering a UPF of 50+ will only allow a maximum of 2% UV transmission. This is the highest level of protection available, and anything above this provides negligible additional benefit.
Factors Affecting UPF Performance
While a UPF rating provides a good indication of a fabric's sun protection capabilities, several factors can affect its actual performance over time:
Fabric Type: Tightly woven fabrics like denim, canvas, and twill generally offer better UPF protection than loosely woven fabrics like linen or voile. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon also tend to be more effective at blocking UV rays than natural fibres like cotton or rayon.
Colour: Darker colours absorb more UV radiation than lighter colours. Black and navy blue offer the best protection, while white and pastel colours offer the least.
Stretch: When a fabric is stretched, the fibres become more spread out, which can reduce its UPF rating. Choose clothing that fits comfortably without being too tight.
Wetness: Some fabrics lose their UPF protection when wet. This is especially true for natural fibres like cotton. Look for fabrics that are specifically designed to maintain their UPF rating even when wet. Many synthetic fabrics retain their UPF rating when wet.
Wear and Tear: Over time, repeated washing, wear, and exposure to sunlight can degrade the fibres of a fabric and reduce its UPF rating. Regularly inspect your UPF clothing for signs of wear and tear, and replace it when necessary.
Construction: The design of the garment also matters. Clothing that covers more skin provides better protection. Consider long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats for maximum sun protection. You can check frequently asked questions for more information.
Caring for UPF-Rated Clothing
Proper care can help extend the life and maintain the effectiveness of your UPF-rated clothing. Here are some tips:
Follow the Care Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions on the garment label. This will help prevent damage to the fabric and ensure that it retains its UPF rating.
Wash Gently: Use a gentle detergent and wash your UPF clothing in cold water. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fibres and reduce the UPF rating.
Air Dry: Whenever possible, air dry your UPF clothing. Tumble drying can cause the fabric to shrink or become damaged. If you must use a dryer, use a low heat setting.
Avoid Ironing: Ironing can damage the fibres of the fabric and reduce its UPF rating. If you must iron your UPF clothing, use a low heat setting and iron on the reverse side of the fabric.
Store Properly: Store your UPF clothing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent fading and degradation of the fabric.
Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your UPF clothing for signs of wear and tear, such as holes, tears, or fading. Replace the garment when necessary to ensure continued sun protection. Consider what we offer to help you choose the best sun protection.
By understanding UPF ratings and taking proper care of your UPF-rated clothing, you can effectively protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays and enjoy the outdoors safely. Remember that UPF clothing is just one part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy. Always use sunscreen on exposed skin, wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade during peak sun hours.