Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Jacket Hooded Cooling Shirt with Pockets Hiking Outdoor Performance

What is UPF？

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is a rating system used to measure the effectiveness of fabrics in resisting solar ultraviolet radiation, indicating the extent to which ultraviolet radiation can penetrate the fabric and reach the skin. The higher the UPF rating, the stronger the protection against ultraviolet rays. For example, clothing with a UPF rating of 50 allows only 1/50 of ultraviolet radiation to pass through, providing excellent protection against harmful sunlight exposure.

What is UPF clothing?

UPF clothing, also known as sun protective clothing, refers to any garments that have been tested and rated for their ability to block solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These garments are specially designed to protect your skin, minimizing the risk of sun damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

UPF: Measures the protective effect of fabrics against ultraviolet radiation. It indicates the percentage of UV radiation that can penetrate the fabric and reach the skin. A higher UPF rating signifies stronger protection. This indicator applies to sun protective clothing, which you can find on clothing labels.

SPF: Measures the protection of sunscreen against UVB rays. It indicates the multiplied time it takes to get sunburned compared to unprotected skin. For example, an SPF of 30 theoretically extends the time before sunburn by 30 times compared to no sunscreen.

We know that UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, affecting skin aging and wrinkles. UPF considers both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF only measures UVB rays.

UPF ratings do not change with use, while SPF needs to be reapplied every two hours or after swimming/sweating.

Imagine this: UPF clothing acts as a shield protecting the skin, while SPF is a time-delay mechanism. UPF clothing directly blocks UV rays, whereas SPF sunscreen buys you more time before getting sunburned.

UPF ratings typically range from 15 to 50+.

• UPF 15-24: Provides basic protection, suitable for short-duration outdoor activities.
• UPF 25-34: Offers good protection, suitable for moderate-intensity outdoor activities.
• UPF 35-49: Provides very good protection, suitable for extended outdoor activities.
• UPF 50+: Offers the highest protection, suitable for high-intensity outdoor activities or individuals with sensitive skin.

Effectiveness of Different UPF Ratings:

• UPF 15 means the fabric can block 93% of ultraviolet radiation.
• UPF 30 means the fabric can block 97% of ultraviolet radiation.
• UPF 50+ means the fabric can block 99.8% of ultraviolet radiation.

Selecting the appropriate UPF rating depends on the duration and intensity of your outdoor activities.

• If you are engaging in short-duration outdoor activities, fabrics with UPF 15-24 are suitable.
• For moderate-intensity outdoor activities, it is recommended to choose fabrics with UPF 25-34.
• For extended outdoor activities or if you have sensitive skin, fabrics with UPF 35-50+ are advised.