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UPF Fabric Rating |
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As more and more people become concerned about UV skin damage they look to fabrics like Solarweave to provide protection. Solarweave, Burlington MCS and other fabrics are rated as to their protection by a UPF number, but what does that really mean?
The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (or “UPF”) rating system measures the UV protection provided by fabric. It is different but similar to the SPF rating system used for sunscreens.
A UPF refers to the fractional portion of the UV radiation
falling on the surface of the garment that is allowed to pass through it. A UPF of 30 allows only 1/30th through. A garment with a UPF of 50 only allows 1/50th of the UV radiation falling on the surface of the garment to pass through it. In other words, it blocks 49/50ths or 98% of the UV radiation. A UPF of 50 is the highest allowable rating.
There are a number of factors that affect the level of ultraviolet protection provided by a fabric and the UPF rating. In order of importance these are: weave (tighter is better), color (darker is better), weight, stretch (less is better) and wetness (dry is better). The other major factor that affects protection is the addition of chemicals such as UV absorbers or UV diffusers during the manufacturing process.
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