UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and indicates what level of UV radiation is absorbed by the fabric (and is therefore blocked before it reaches your skin).
The Australian Government tests and rates the UPF rating of fabrics.
A fabric with a UPF rating of 5 indicates that 1/5th of the sun’s UV rays pass through the fabric. That is, 20% of all sunlight passes through a fabric with a UPF rating of 5. A regular cotton t-shirt may only have a UPF rating of 5.
Whereas, a fabric with a UPF rating of 50+ indicates that up to only 1/50th (or 2%) of UV rays pass through the fabric with that rating. Put another way, a fabric with a UPF 50+ rating blocks at least 98% of UV rays. UPF 50+, which is also known as an “excellent” rating is the maximum UPF rating awarded in Australia.
It is important to note that not all fabrics protect the same from the sun. Individuals with a certain type of skin may be susceptible to sunburn through their clothing if the UPF rating is very low.
Solbari is the leading Australian sun protective clothing (SPF clothing) brand with customers in over 60 countries. Solbari offers an award-winning range of sun protective clothing, sun hats, arm sleeves and umbrellas.
It’s people like Natalie who inspire and embody Solbari’s mission. So we’ve sat down with her to find out a little bit about herself and how she feels about the sun protection landscape in Australia.
As a teenager growing up in England my favourite summer pastime was sunbathing with friends. I have been extremely lucky to have not developed skin cancers (to date) and I am willing to start to take better care.
