How does Sun Protection Clothing Work?

The outdoor sports market is gradually expanding, and for outdoor enthusiasts, sun protection is of paramount importance. Before choosing suitable sun protection gear, it is essential to understand the working mechanisms of sun-protective clothing. This article helps you better meet your team’s needs for integrated team apparel and sun protection.

Why wear sun protection clothing?

For people who frequently engage in outdoor activities, constant exposure to sunlight can damage skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer because ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a carcinogen found in sunlight.Therefore, taking necessary protective measures is crucial.

So, with so many different protective measures available, why choose sun protection clothing?Here are a few reasons:

1. Sun protection clothing is made from UV-resistant fabric, which not only alleviates photosensitivity but also prevents premature skin aging.
2. It provides continuous protection for people who are frequently exposed to sunlight.
3. Compared to sunscreen, sun protection clothing with a UPF rating is more environmentally friendly.
4. It can be used not only for sun protection but also for everyday wear.

Which type of fabric has the best UV protection effect?

Sun-protective clothing comes in many varieties, and their sun protection effectiveness varies. To determine whether a piece of sun-protective clothing meets sun protection standards, important factors to consider are the fabric’s porosity, type, color, weight, and thickness.

Firstly, porosity refers to the density and size of the tiny pores in the fabric.  A higher density of smaller pores means that ultraviolet rays are less likely to pass through, which is one of the factors that demonstrates the good performance of sun-protective clothing.

Secondly, sun protection clothing is made of various materials. Some are made of chemical fibers such as polyester and nylon, while others are made of natural fibers like cotton and wool. All of these materials offer excellent UV protection, but in terms of material selection, synthetic fibers like polyester generally provide better UV protection than unprocessed natural fibers.

Thirdly, when light shines on clothes, darker-colored clothes can effectively absorb the light and convert it into heat, thereby providing excellent protection against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun for us.

Fourth, the thicker the fabric, the more fibers it contains and the denser they are, making it more difficult for ultraviolet rays to penetrate.

What is UPF in clothing?

The significance of UPF rating

UPF refers to the indicator that measures the ability of a sunscreen product to block ultraviolet rays. The higher the value, the better the sun protection effect. Clothing with a UPF below 30 offers poor protection, while clothing with a UPF of 50 can block most ultraviolet rays, and clothing with a UPF of 50+ provides even better sun protection.

Clothing with a UPF rating can help reduce your concerns about the effectiveness of your sun protection choices and help you better manage sun protection based on weather conditions.

The Difference Between UPF and SPF

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) are both standards for measuring sun protection effectiveness, but they represent two different levels of protection.SPF is used to measure the degree to which sunscreen blocks ultraviolet radiation, while UPF is used to measure the degree to which sun-protective fabrics block ultraviolet radiation.  The two metrics are applied to different types of products.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is used to measure the degree of protection that sunscreen provides against ultraviolet radiation. It is measured by applying sunscreen to the skin and then exposing it to sunlight to determine the specific protection value. SPF only measures protection against UVB rays. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), on the other hand, is measured using a spectrophotometer and assesses the ability of a fabric to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

How to test the sun protection factor of UPF?

In order for your brand to have a UPF label, you must go through a rigorous testing process. By placing different fabrics or different colors of the same fabric under artificial light sources in a specific laboratory setting, and using a spectrophotometer or spectroradiometer to measure the ultraviolet light transmittance coefficient of the garment, the UV protection properties can be determined. In this process, each color of clothing is tested multiple times, including both dry and wet states of the fabric, to obtain a 0-1 transmittance scale, which is then multiplied by 100 to obtain the transmittance percentage. The average value is then taken from the test results of each sample to obtain an average UPF value, and the standard error is removed. The obtained UPF value is then rounded to a multiple of 5 to obtain the UPF sun protection factor.

Does UV clothing really work?

We need to get adequate sun exposure every day to replenish the vitamin D our bodies need, but sunlight contains three types of harmful ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach human skin, but long-term exposure to UVA and UVB rays can damage human skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, taking protective measures is important.

UPF clothing is a special type of clothing that provides protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Unlike ordinary clothing, it uses specially designed fabrics that block UV rays.  These fabrics include natural fibers such as cotton and wool, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. All of these have a very dense fiber structure. Additionally, the color of the sun protection clothing is another key factor affecting its sun protection effectiveness. Studies have shown that dark-colored clothing is more effective at blocking ultraviolet rays than light-colored clothing.Therefore, sun-protective clothing works through the principles described above.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Fishing Sunscreen Clothing for You

For those anglers who spend a long time at sea, exposure to wind and sun is unavoidable. Therefore, choosing suitable sun-protective clothing can not only allow you to enjoy the sun at sea, but also reduce the discomfort caused by sun exposure.

• When buying sun-protective clothing, the first thing to pay attention to is the UPF value; the higher the UPF value, the better the protection. UPF 50+ is considered the best level of sun protection, blocking over 98% of ultraviolet rays.
• Make sure to choose well-fitting sun-protective clothing. A loose and comfortable sizeis best for fishing. If it is too tight, it will stretch the fabric, reducing its sun protection effect.
• Choose clothes with good breathability to reduce heat accumulation and prevent sunburn.
• Choose an economical and practical style that offers the best safety and comfort.

Final Thought

For long-term sea anglers, choosing suitable sun-protective clothing is important. Put on a high-quality sun-protective fishing suit and fully enjoy your happy time at sea. Goal Sportswear is a company that provides UPF 50+ sun protection products. Our experienced sales team has over 8 years of experience in the field of sublimation sportswear. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us; we will be happy to assist you.

FAQ:

Are UPF sun-protective clothing safe for the skin?

Yes, the fabric’s UPF rating must reach 50 to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s recommendation and certification.

Which color of sun protection clothing offers the best protection?

Choosing darker-colored sun protection clothing provides better protection, such as black, gray, or dark blue.

Which type of sunscreen clothing is the best?

Choosing sun-protective clothing with a UPF value higher than 50 provides the best protection, as it can block more than 98% of ultraviolet rays.

What are the advantages of sun protection clothing?

It offers us both fashion and safety, is convenient for daily wear, and at the same time prevents the skin from being exposed to the sun for a long time, reduces damage to skin cells, and lowers the risk of skin cancer.

How should an UV shirt fit?

Choose a loose-fitting and breathable sun protection garment.  The best fit is one that is snug around the shoulders and chest, but loose and comfortable around the arms and torso.

Apart from sun-protective clothing, what other protective measures are there?

You can also purchase sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses and sun gloves, which will provide you with better protection.