What does UPF mean?

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What does UPF mean?
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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.

Content Disclaimer: This website pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion about med­i­cine, health and related sub­jects. All content and media on the Solbari website is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should seek professional advice.

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