The Differences in SPF, EPF and UPF

The sun's rays can be harmful, but, luckily, clothes can help protect the skin. Even though clothing can protect one from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, not all protective clothing is created equal. The weight, fiber type, amount of skin covered, weave tightness and color all determine the protection that the clothing can provide.

How Are UPF and SPF different?

Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, is the rating given to sunscreen and other products designed for sun protection. It is a measure of the time it takes for skin that has been exposed to the sink to get red. Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF, is a measure of the amount of UV radiation that reaches the skin after going through fabric.

Which fabrics offer the best protection?

Generally, loosely woven fabrics that are light in color do little in the way of sun protection. Slipping on a white t-shirt when the sun starts to burn only offers moderate protection. A white t-shirt offers an average UPF of 7. On the other end, a long sleeve denim shirt offers almost total sun block with a UPF of 1,700. As a general rule, the best protection from the sun comes from clothing that is made from tightly woven fabric. To test the fabric's ability to protect the skin, hold it up light. If it is easy to see through it, then the UV rays are able to penetrate it, and the skin. The fabric's color also plays a role in skin protection. The darker the fabric, the more effective it is at blocking the sun. The UPF of a white t-shirt is 7, but a green t-shirt would have a UPF of 10.

High-Tech clothing

When choosing clothing for sun protection, look into fabrics which have been treated specifically for sun protection. These fabrics have special chemicals that absorb UV rays. This helps to prevent some of the UV penetration. There are a number of manufactures that have created special sun protective clothing. Not only does the chemical help to block UV rays, but the clothing itself is tightly woven and dark. In order for it to be labeled as sun protective, clothing must have a UPF of at least 15. Most clothes that are marked as sun protective have a UPF of 50 or more. Similar to regular clothing, sun protective clothing can lose some of its effectiveness if it becomes damp, if it is washed repeatedly or if it is stretched out or pulled too tight.

Clothing can offer the skin moderate to high protection. Choosing the right fabric determines how well the clothing can protect the skin.