Why is it important to wear UPF clothing? How to choose UPF rated clothes.
The answer is simple: clothes with UV Protection Factor (UPF) are especially designed to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Most confuse SPF with UPF, but it’s not the same thing. You can read about their particularities in this article >> SPF vs UPF. What is the difference?
As the ozone layer that protects us thins year after year, UV radiation can cause serious health problems for us, increasing the risk of developing melanoma (an aggressive form of skin cancer).
Studies confirm that when it comes to skin protection, clothing with UV protection, known as UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is one of the best allies in the fight against harmful solar radiation. They are a physical block between your skin and the sun rays, and unlike sunscreen, you won't have to worry about reapplying. You're protected for as long as you wear them.
Children's skin is thin and fragile, thus is much more sensitive than that of adults (especially the skin of babies up to six months old, mainly because they can not yet adjust their own body temperature).
Prolonged sun exposure can cause sunburn due to ultraviolet rays, but also overheating, that can lead to heat stress and sunstroke for children and adults as well.
The American Cancer Society has conducted many surveys that show that people who have been frequently exposed to sunburn in childhood face an increased risk of developing melanoma and other forms of skin cancer later in life. Researchers found that 86% of melanomas and 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by UV radiation.
Therefore, safeguarding the skin from the sun during childhood is extremely important, as it is in adulthood.
When you decide to shop for UV Protection clothing, just look for a higher UPF rating number. This number indicates a greater skin coverage, so you can get a better sun protection.
Do not confuse UPF with SPF!
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the rating system used to measure how good a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is used to measure the effectiveness of clothing at filtering both UVA and UVB sun rays.
Read about this more in the article >> SPF vs UPF. What is the difference?
Which UPF rating is the most effective against UV rays?
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has developed a testing protocol for UPF, the Test Method 183 (AATCC 183).
Based on the UPF rating, there are several categories of UV protection:
| UPF rating | Protection Category | Blocks % of UV rays |
| UPF 15 | Minimum | 93.3 % |
| UPF 25 | Good | 96 % |
| UPF 40 | Very Good | 97.5 % |
| UPF 50+ | Excellent | 98+ % |
So why can't you see ratings below UPF 15? This is because apparel rated under the minimum is not considered UV protective. For example, a white cotton T-shirt has a UPF rating between 5-8, mostly because fabrics like cotton, rayon, flax and hemp are not very effective at blocking UV rays.
Choose high protection UPF clothing that safeguards your skin from harmful sun radiation, helping you defend from sunburn, development of sun spots, and reducing the chances of developing skin cancer.
Using AATCC 183:2004 method, we rigorously tested the UPF rating using an independent lab, to assure you of the protection you need during summer, and enjoy your favorite activities with confidence.
Protect your skin with GOT® Sun Protection shirts, gloves, multifunctional neck gaiters, and balaclavas for both men and women.
Tags clothing, outdoor, summer, sun protection, upf, uv protection -