What is UPF?
Answers (2)
UPF - Ultraviolet Protection Factor
Ultraviolet Protection Factor
Just like sunscreen, the sun protectiveness of clothing can be evaluated and rated with a measuring system called Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). UPF is a similar concept to SPF; however, UPF rates both UVA and UVB protection, whereas SPF only rates UVB protection. In 1996, the term UPF was devised in Australia as a measure of how much UV penetrates a fabric.
UPF is determined by using a UV transmittance analyzer to gauge the spectral transmission of UVB and UVA through a fabric. If a fabric is rated UPF 30, then it is absorbing or blocking 29 out of 30 units of UVR, or 97 percent of UVR. This is the same level of protection provided by an SPF 30 sunscreen that is used properly. To achieve a UPF, a fabric must undergo 40 simulated launderings, be exposed to the equivalent of 2 years of light exposure and be tested with chlorinated water if it is intended for swimsuits.
Specially Made Sun Protective Clothing
Today, many manufacturers offer special UV-absorbing clothes, from swimsuits and shirts, to hats and pants. This clothing will usually have a high UPF rating, indicating how much UVR it absorbs. These clothes have special weaves, and are treated with UV-absorbing chemicals such as titanium dioxide.
To be deemed sun-protective, such clothing must have a UPF of more than 30 and retain its sun-protective qualities after numerous washings and exposure to sunlight.
UPF is a clothing’s equivalent to the SPF system used in sunscreens.
UV Sun Protective Clothing is the safest way to protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays because it has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating that tells you how much protection you're getting – protection that will not dissipate over time in the sun or wash off while swimming.
UPF Ratings can range from 15 – 50+, with UPF50+ being the highest rating you can get. A UPF50+ rating essentially blocks 99% of the sun’s harmful rays, and with this rating, you will only need to reapply sunscreen to exposed skin.



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