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SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Sun protection from clothing is perhaps the oldest, most common, and possibly the best form of sun protection. Obviously, covering up with clothing is the simplest method to avoid sunburn and prevent skin
cancers. The challenge with sun protective clothing is to find a fabric that is comfortable, practical, and durable with high standards of ultraviolet protection.
 The rule of thumb is, if you can see light through a
fabric, ultraviolet light is penetrating. The current accepted quantitative scale for measuring sun protection in clothing is called the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). The UPF is determined by
ultraviolet light exposure causing a reddening of the skin. This is called the MED or the minimum erythema dose. The higher the UPF, the greater the sun protection.
Fabric weight and construction play an essential role in establishing the UPF. Generally, the heavier the weight and the tighter the weave, the higher the UPF rating.
Certain fibers are more protective than others. Cotton, wool and silk all absorb ultraviolet light and subsequently increase the UPF. In addition,
fabric color may influence the UPF. Darker shades have a higher UPF than lighter shades. It is also of interest that wet fabric has a significantly lower
UPF than dry fabric. Water in the garment reduces ultraviolet scattering with increased penetration of the ultraviolet rays. Polyester and polyamide
garments are poor water absorbers and are good for sun protection.
One problem with all sun protection clothing is wash and wear durability while maintaining UPF stability. Washing using detergents and bleaches
lighten the fabric’s coloring and ultimately decrease a garment’s UPF over time. Shrinkage, which usually takes place during the first laundering cycle,
actually increases the UPF because the fabric’s weave is tighter allowing less light to penetrate. This is especially true for cotton products.
The public’s concern about sun damage has led to innovative products, creative designs and fashionable protective garments that are affordable and sun safe.
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