UPF 50+ Protection
UPF 50+ Protection helps to prevent skin cancer, burns, aging and much more. You apply sunscreen before hitting the beach, wait the recommended 20 minutes, and feel confident you're protected. But what if your favourite summer t-shirt is secretly letting the sun's most damaging rays right through to your skin?
As premature skin ageing and sun damage continue to rise, many people are realising that a quick layer of sun lotion isn't always enough, especially during long holidays or outdoor activities. Sunscreen washes off, rubs away, and requires reapplication.
That’s where sun protection clothing comes in. If you've ever shopped for outdoor wear, you’ve likely seen labels about UPF ratings. But what exactly does UPF 50+ protection mean, and how does it compare to the SPF?
What is UPF 50+ Protection?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This measures the amount of UV rays that gets through a fabric and reaches your skin.
When you see a UPF 50+ rating on a piece of clothing, it means the fabric allows less than 2% of UV rays to pass through. In other words, a UPF 50+ garment will block over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Upgrading to a UPF 50+ clothing ensures you are receiving maximum UV ray defence, keeping your skin safe under the sun.
UPF vs SPF
It's easy to get confused between UPF and SPF, as both terms relate to sun safety.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) applies to lotions, creams, and cosmetics that you rub directly onto your skin. SPF only measures protection against UVB rays—the ones responsible for sunburn. Unless a sunscreen is labelled as "broad-spectrum", it might not protect you from UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and cause premature skin ageing.
UPF, on the other hand, applies to textiles and clothing. The UPF rating measures a fabric's ability to block both UVA and UVB rays, offering a more comprehensive shield.
Clothing is a more reliable first line of defence. It doesn't wash off in the ocean, it doesn't sweat off during a hike, and it never requires you to stop and reapplylotion every two hours.
Why You Need UPF Clothing in Your Wardrobe
Adding UPF 50+ protection into your wardrobe offers lifestyle and health benefits. It is the perfect solution for water sports, hikers, gardeners, or anyone with sensitive skin who struggles with heavy sunscreens.
Sun protective clothing reduces the amount of chemical sunscreen you need to apply. Many traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that wash off in the water and can cause severe damage to marine life and delicate coral reefs. By wearing a UPF 50+ rash guard, you protect your skin while also protecting the oceans.
According to dermatological bodies like the British Skin Foundation, covering up with densely woven clothing is one of the most effective ways to defend against the sun's harmful rays and reduce the risk of melanoma. It takes the guesswork out of sun safety.
How UPF Fabrics Work
Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to UV radiation defence. The manufacturing process of UPF clothing involves several specific techniques to ensure maximum protection.
First, the tightness of the weave plays a big role. The smaller the gaps between the threads, the harder it is for UV rays to slip through. Synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon naturally offer better protection than loosely woven natural fibres because they can be woven tight while remaining lightweight.
Darker or more vibrant dyes absorb more UV radiation than pale colours, preventing those rays from reaching your skin. Many high-quality UPF garments are also treated with special UV-absorbing chemicals during the manufacturing process to boost their protective qualities.
When shopping for sun-safe clothing, always check the care labels. To ensure the UPF protection doesn't degrade rapidly, wash your clothes gently in cold water and avoid harsh bleaches that can break down the fabric's UV-blocking features.
Upgrade Your Wardrobe Today
Understanding UPF 50+ protection is the first step towards a smarter, safer summer. It provides an effortless, highly effective way to shield your skin from long-term damage, sunburn, and premature ageing.
If you're relying on basic cotton tees for long days in the sun, it's time to make a swap.
Browse our new UV clothing collection of stylish, UPF 50+ certified activewear to find the perfect fit for your next adventure.
UPF 50+ Men’s Wear
UPF 50+ Women’s Wear
UPF 50+ Kids Wear
