UV Protection Clothing - Shield Yourself from Harmful UV Rays

UV protection clothing is specially designed to block or absorb ultraviolet radiation from the sun, offering added protection against harmful UV rays. It helps reduce the risk of sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.
Category
Clothing
Where to get
Available in outdoor retailers, swimwear stores, and online shops.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

UV Protection Clothing FAQ


Image credit: walmart.com

How does UPF clothing protect against UV rays?

UPF clothing is designed to protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays using fabrics that have undergone a special treatment to enhance their UV ray-blocking abilities, typically using a tight weave or special dyes.

Why is UV protection important?

Sunlight includes rays of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and exposure to those rays can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer. Choosing clothing that has been designed for sun protection and tested to confirm its Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) will give you greater control over your total level of UV exposure.

What clothes protect you from UV rays?

According to a study from the journal Cancers, denim jeans, dark gray cotton shirts, and spandex/polyester with a photo-protective rash guard provide the highest level of sun protection. These garments all block more than 99% of UV-A and more than 96% of UV-B rays.

Do you need sun protective clothing?

Yes, sun protective clothing is absolutely necessary! UV lights account for 95% of the sun's rays that hit the earth. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a white cotton T-shirt provides only moderate sun protection, with a UPF of about 7.

How effective is clothing against UV rays?

Most fabrics will provide some protection from the sun. A number of factors determine how effective clothing is at reducing the UV reaching the skin. These factors include: Weave density. How much of the fabric is solid fibres and how much is space between the strands is important.

How do I protect myself from UV radiation?

To protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage, wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible. For best protection during the daily sun protection times (when the UV is 3 and above) use all five SunSmart steps: Slide on sunglasses.

How do I protect my clothes from UV rays?

To reduce the effect of the moisture, take dry clothes to change into or if dipping in and out of the water, choose a fabric that provides effective protection from UV and that will dry quickly. Washing new clothes can improve their sun protection, especially when made of natural fibres such as cotton, by shrinking gaps in the structure.

Why should you wear sun-protective clothing?

Your clothing doesn’t just look great. It also absorbs or blocks harmful UV radiation and remains one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer. What’s more, sun-protective clothing is the simplest way to stay safe; unlike sunscreen, you never need to reapply! is the most effective form of sun protection.

UV Protection Clothing References

If you want to know more about UV Protection Clothing, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

Are there specific clothing choices that can prevent skin infections?

Explore the role of clothing in preventing skin infections. Share advice on choosing the right fabrics and clothing items to protect your skin.