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,... more
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14 Sep 2007
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.