What is the best colour to wear for sun protection?

The weave and weight are the most important factors in determining the sun protective effectiveness of fabrics, but scientific studies have shown that colour plays an important role too.

We were all told growing up to wear lighter colours in the sun because they keep you cool, but scientific studies have proven that darker colours are more effective at protecting us from the suns harmful UV rays.

A study conducted in Spain in 2009 found that fabrics with darker or more intense, darker colours tended to have better UV radiation protection than lighter colours. Of all colours they tested, dark blue offered the best levels of UV protection. In relation to the same study, it was reported in the Telegraph newspaper that white and yellow were the worst performing colours in terms of sun protection.

The researchers admitted that whilst the results of their tests were conclusive, however, they were not entirely sure why some colours performed better at preventing UV rays from penetrating fabrics than others.

The Cancer Council in Australia has advised on their website that darker colours absorb UV rays (which equates to blocking UV) better than white or pastel colours of the same fabric.

At Solbari we test every fabric with the Australian Government and we can confirm from our fabric testing results that darker colours in the same fabric offer better sun protection. We only offer fabrics in chosen colours if they have been tested and rated UPF 50+ by the Australian Government. So, irrespective of what colour fabrics you see on our website, those fabrics have achieved the excellent UPF 50+ rating.

Solbari Sun Protection is leading Australian sun protective clothing (UPF clothing) brand with customers in over 60 countries.

All of Solbari’s products, in all colours, are independently tested and rated UPF 50+ by the Australian government. UPF 50+ is the maximum sun protective rating for fabrics awarded by the Australian Government.

Solbari’s award-winning range includes UPF 50+ shirts, polos, trousers, arm sleeves and umbrellas.

You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF50+ sun protective range by clicking the blue links below:

Women UPF50+
Men UPF50+
Sun hats UPF50+
Accessories UPF50+

The Solbari Team

This blog is for information purposes, always consult your medical professional.

Also in Solbari Skin Health Blog

UPF and SPF: Your questions, answered

This blog provides some answers to the most common questions we get asked about sun protection and the UPF and SPF ratings.

Your Story Series: Meet Barbara

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.

Your Story Series: Meet Jen

It's all about awareness really, and people are aware, they just need to take it seriously and notice it more. Knowing the consequences and being mindful of how easy it is to avoid, life in general, being out and about, is much easier, happier and less painful.