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Clothing & Accessories Guides
A Basic Primer
Sun protective clothing, hats, and shade are effective tools in guarding against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Physical blockage of UV rays can be achieved with these barriers. However the amount of UV protection is dictated by the textiles used.
UPF
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a rating system used to specify how effectively a fabric shields the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. UPF includes both UVA and UVB blockage unlike SPF that only offers data on UVB blockage.
UPF Testing
The meaning of UPF can vary depending on the testing protocols used. These protocols can differ in terms of the intensity and spectrum of UV light used, the angle of light exposure, and the condition of the fabric during testing (wet or dry). As a result, a UPF rating might not always uniformly predict protection across different conditions and standards, underscoring the importance of understanding the specifics of how the UPF rating was determined.
