What is UPF 50+?

What is UPF 50+?

Let's start by separating this term, UPF and 50+.

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Not to be confused with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) both are standards that are used to measure sunburn protection but are used in different applications. SPF, the standard used to measure the effectiveness of sunscreens, has been around for many years. The UPF system is relatively new and was created especially for sun protective fabrics. 

Tested clothing can obtain a UPF rating, this is done by testing how much UV can pass through un-stretched, dry material. This rating is assigned to the material and not the garment (i.e. a UPF 50+ singlet can have the same Ultraviolet protection rating as a UPF 50+ long-sleeved shirt, but not necessarily be the best choice of clothing on a high UV day.)

The tested material is then assigned a rating. Beginning at 15 (UPF 15) and ending at 50+, the highest assigned UPF rating available for material. For example, if a material is tested and found to block 95% of UV, allowing 1/20th of the UV to pass through the garment, then this product would be assigned a UPF 20 rating.

Garments that have a rating of UPF 50+ allows less than 1/50th of the UV radiation falling on the surface of the garment to pass through it, thus providing excellent sun protection.

UPF testing is conducted by ARPANSA, the Australian Radiation Protection And Nuclear Safety Agency. ARPANSA is the Australian Government's primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety.

ARPANSA tests clothing, fabrics, hats and other materials to determine the UPF rating. UPF testing is done in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS4399 'Sun protective clothing - Evaluation and classification' which was developed by Standards Australia.

So when you're buying a product from SunSafe Australia that is advertised as UPF 50+, you know that a lot of effort has gone into the development and manufacturing of the material that was used to make your garment. Whether its a pair of our sun safe gloves or an industrial hard hat attachment, you now that the product you're buying has been tested by an Australian Government's primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety to comply with the standards set out by AS/NZS4399 'Sun protective clothing - Evaluation and classification.