Is UPF clothing useful? Teach you how to choose UPF clothing?

Why Can UPF Clothing Block UV Rays?

Clothing plays a crucial role in preventing UV damage to the human body. Everyday fabrics have some degree of UV protection. When UV rays hit the surface of the clothing, they undergo reflection, scattering, absorption, and transmission, thus reducing the harm to the skin.

The UV protection effect of fabric depends significantly on the type of fiber, the tightness of the weave, the weight of the fabric, and the color depth. For instance, natural fibers like cotton and silk have average UV protection, wool is slightly better, and linen is the best. Among synthetic fibers, polyester (also known as PET) offers the best UV protection. The denser, thicker, and less porous the fabric is, the better its UV protection.

However, the UV protection of everyday clothing is limited. For prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, we need specialized sun-protective clothing with higher UV protection.

 

How Do UPF Clothes Work?

Sun-protective clothing generally relies on two principles to achieve UV protection:

1. Shielding Principle: Enhancing the fabric's ability to reflect and scatter UV rays. This can be done by applying a UV-blocking agent to the fabric or incorporating it into the fibers.
2. Absorption Principle: Enhancing the fabric's ability to absorb UV rays, converting them into heat energy or harmless low-energy radiation. This can be achieved by using UV-absorbing dyes during the dyeing process or applying a UV-absorbing coating to the fabric.

What Are UPF, SPF, and UV?

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures the ratio of sunburn-causing UV radiation without and with the protection of the fabric. The higher the UPF value, the better the UV protection of the textile. UVA, the longest wavelength of UV radiation, has strong penetration power and can reach the dermis, damaging elastic and collagen fibers. The lower the UVA transmission rate, the better the UV protection of the textile.

How to Choose the Appropriate Level of Sun Protection Clothing For UV Protection

To qualify as sun-protective clothing, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends wearing sun-protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin.

UPF Rating	Protection Category	% UV radiation Blocked
UPF 15–24	Good	93.3–95.9
UPF 25–39	Very good	96.0–97.4
UPF 40–50+	Excellent	97.5–98+

 

How Can Sun-Protective Clothing Be Made More Breathable?

Currently, the most common fabrics for sun-protective clothing are polyester and nylon, or a blend of both, sometimes with a small amount of spandex to improve elasticity and comfort. Polyester and nylon are strong synthetic fibers with high tensile strength and good abrasion resistance, making them ideal for outdoor protective clothing. Polyester, in particular, has excellent UV-blocking capabilities and mature anti-UV treatment technologies. Nylon has strong moisture-wicking abilities and a high thermal conductivity, providing a noticeable cooling effect on contact, which is also widely used in sun-protective clothing.

Sun-protective clothing typically uses tightly woven structures because the tighter the weave, the less UV penetration. Generally, woven fabrics are denser than knitted fabrics. However, the dense structure combined with UV-blocking coatings can reduce breathability. Many sun-protective garments use knitted fabrics, which are more breathable than woven ones.

Additionally, design techniques can enhance breathability, such as using mesh fabrics in areas not directly exposed to sunlight (e.g., underarms and under sleeves) or designing loose-fitting garments that create an air layer between the clothing and the body, aiding in heat dissipation during movement.

Design for protecting all skin

When choosing sun-protective clothing, opt for cool-colored fabrics. When washing, gently hand wash to avoid damaging the UV-blocking properties or loosening the fabric structure. Replace sun-protective clothing if it becomes noticeably transparent or loose after prolonged use.

Men's Sun Protection Hoodie UPF 30+ Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt

 

Ladies' UPF30+ UV Sun Protection Outdoor Sports Shirt Hoodie

 

 

 

Conclusion

Everyday clothing offers limited UV protection. For prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, specialized sun-protective clothing is necessary. Such clothing enhances UV reflection, scattering, or absorption to reduce the UV rays reaching the skin.