UPF clothing offers protection from harmful UV rays that cause sunburn, melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, while remaining breathable and comfortable enough for extended outdoor activity. Hikers, runners and golfers often rely on UPF clothing as part of their outdoor apparel wardrobe.

Look for fabrics with UPF ratings of 50 or greater; this will indicate how much UV radiation passes through. Darker colors provide superior sun protection; dense weaves also offer extra defense.

Color

Color can have a dramatic impact on how much UV protection clothing provides. Dark or bright hues – such as reds and greens – absorb UV rays rather than allowing them to pass through; multiple studies have confirmed this observation, proving that darker dyes outshone lighter ones while thicker fabrics provided greater defense from ultraviolet radiation than thin materials.

Fabric construction and texture play an integral part in how well clothing protects. Synthetic, tightly woven fabrics like polyester and nylon tend to provide the greatest UV ray blocking power while natural lightweight materials like cotton and silk allow more UV light through than artificial alternatives like polyester or nylon. Furthermore, density as well as tightness of weave may influence how much UV light comes through the garment.

Holding up fabric to the light can help determine its level of UV protection, but beware! If it can be seen through, UV rays may penetrate and reach your skin more easily – look for long-sleeved shirts, pants and hats made from sun-protective fabrics to cover as much skin possible.

Fabric

Sunlight provides us with warmth we appreciate, yet too much sunlight can lead to painful sunburn and premature skin aging. Clothing designed to block UV rays may provide relief; to evaluate its quality of protection accurately, look for UPF ratings (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings similar to SPF ratings used for sunscreens.

Fabric’s ability to block ultraviolet radiation depends on its density of thread weaving and thickness of material. Denser fabrics with tighter weaves offer more protection, yet still be breathable and comfortable for wearers.

Dye used in fabric has an impactful influence on its ability to reflect UVR radiation. According to research, darker hues like red, black and navy blue provide greater UV protection than lighter pastel shades and white colors; some manufacturers even treat their clothing with chemical UV absorbers and reflectants such as Rit Sun Guard that have yet to undergo clinical testing for safety purposes.

Fit

Clothing provides protection from UV rays by either reflecting them back off surfaces, blocking them entirely, or both depending on fabric type and composition. Clothing color also plays a factor, with darker hues (such as blue and black) offering greater sun protection than lighter tones like white or pastels.

Fit of clothing also plays an integral part in UV protection. Tighter-fitting garments offer less protection as their fibers stretch or tear more easily and allow more UV radiation through to reach the skin, while loose-fitting clothes cover more area of skin, providing more UV shielding benefits.

Many apparel brands provide outdoor and activewear clothing designed with UPF ratings that work like SPF sunscreen ratings. Each UPF number indicates how much UV radiation can penetrate through its fabric; UPF 50 allows only 1/50th of sun’s rays through. In addition to providing sun protection, such clothing may feature ventilated weaves, moisture wicking properties and antibacterial features for additional comfort and performance – features recommended by the CDC when enjoying outdoor activities.

UPF

UPF clothing should be an integral component of any outdoor sun-safety plan, whether that involves spending an afternoon at the park or all day on the beach. UPF garments create an effective barrier against UV rays and help you remain skin safe from start to finish.

Fabrics are subjected to lab tests to establish their UPF rating, which measures how much of the sun’s UV radiation passes through and into your skin (so, for instance, light silk will protect less than heavy denim). This rating can usually be found on garment labels but also established by organizations like American Society for Testing and Materials.

Looser clothing is preferred, since tighter garments may stretch and reduce their ability to protect skin from UV rays. Long sleeves, pants or skirts provide greater shade from sunlight; many UPF rated fabrics retain this UV shield even after repeated washes.