SPF clothing: does it work?

2 min read

The answer is short is yes.

Dermatologists all agree that clothing is the first line of defence against sunburn, skin cancer and skin ageing.

SPF clothing or sun protective clothing is a form of clothing which incorporates functional designs to cover the body from direct sunlight and utilises fabrics which have been tested and rated for its effectiveness of absorbing (or blocking) UV radiation. UPF (or ultraviolet protection factor) is standardised way that fabrics are rated. The Australian Government tests and rates fabrics.

It is important to note that whilst clothing is deemed to be the most effective form of sun protection, not all fabrics protect the same.

A regular t-shirt may only have a UPF rating of 5 which means that 20% of UV rays penetrate the fabric.

SPF clothing difference with UPF clothing

In Australia, the highest UPF rating achievable is UPF50+ which means that the fabric only lets a maximum of 2% of UV rays through. A UPF50+ fabric is equivalent to wearing a SPF50+ sunscreen.

The best SPF clothing or sun protective clothing will have a UPF rating of at least 30.

Individuals with a certain skin type may be susceptible to sunburn through their clothing if the fabric has a very low UPF rating.

Sunscreen is also an effective means of sun protection, but should be a secondary measure to SPF clothing.

Solbari Sun Protection is the leading Australian SPF clothing brand with customers worldwide.

All of Solbari’s SPF clothing is rated UPF50+ in Australia.

Dermatologists recommend UPF50+ sun protective clothing as the best form of skin cancer prevention. Solbari offers an award-winning range of UPF50+ sun protective clothing, sun-hats, sun protective arm sleeves, umbrellas and other accessories.

Solbari, Australian Sun Protection offers a range of award-winning UPF50+ sun protective clothing, umbrellas, arm sleeves, sun hats and other accessories which are aimed at skin cancer prevention and helping individuals protect their skin when outdoors.

You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF50+ sun protective range by clicking the links below:
Women UPF50+
Men UPF50+
Sun hats UPF50+
Accessories UPF50+

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Content Disclaimer: All content on the Solbari website is for informational purposes only. It does not consitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions about your health or a medical condition.

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