Textile Term: UV Protection Factor
The UV Protection Factor (UPF) measures the extent to which UV radiation can infiltrate a fabric and contact the skin.
The UPF rating is similar to the SPF rating used in sunscreens, but instead of measuring the amount of time a person can spend in the sun before getting sunburned, it measures the amount of UV radiation blocked by the fabric.
Fabrics with a higher UPF rating provide better protection against harmful UV rays. For example, a fabric with a UPF rating of 50 will block out 98% of UV radiation, while a fabric with a UPF rating of 25 will block out only 96% of UV radiation.
A variety of factors such as fabric color, fiber type, and weave can impact UPF ratings. Fabrics such as polyester and nylon inherently have a higher UPF rating due to their tight weave, while other fabrics may necessitate specific treatments or coatings to improve their UPF rating.
Wearing clothes with a high UPF rating can help safeguard the skin against the detrimental effects of UV radiation, including sunburn, premature aging, and a heightened risk of skin cancer.
