Sun-protective clothing and UPF: what the label means
Sunscreen gets most of the attention, but clothing is one of the most effective and simplest ways to protect your skin, and you never need to reapply it. Here's how to read UPF labels and pick clothes that actually block UV.
What UPF means
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation: Sun-protective clothing, Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) tells you how much UV radiation, both UVA and UVB, a fabric lets through to your skin. A UPF 50 fabric blocks about 98% of UV and lets about 2% (1/50th) through. The foundation rates UPF 30-49 as very good protection and UPF 50+ as excellent.
UPF vs. SPF
- UPF measures how much UV gets through fabric, for both UVA and UVB.
- SPF is a sunscreen rating based on protection against sunburn, which is caused mainly by UVB. The FDA notes that SPF is not a measure of how long you can stay in the sun (FDA: Sunscreen, how to help protect your skin from the sun). Look for "broad spectrum" sunscreens to cover UVA too (see SPF explained).
What makes clothing more protective
The Skin Cancer Foundation lists several factors:
- Color: dark or bright colors absorb more UV than light shades.
- Construction: dense weaves (denim, canvas, wool, synthetics) protect more than sheer or loose fabrics.
- Content: shiny polyesters and some silks reflect UV; some fabrics are treated with UV absorbers.
- Fit: loose clothing is better, because stretched fabric lets more UV through.
- Coverage: long sleeves and long pants or skirts cover more skin.
- Wetness and stretch: wet or stretched fabric loses some protection.
As an example, the foundation says a white T-shirt has a UPF of only about 7, and about 3 when it's wet.
Don't forget hats and sunglasses
A tightly woven hat with a brim of at least three inches shades the face, ears and neck, places where skin cancers often appear. Add UV-blocking sunglasses.
The bottom line for people who tan
There is no safe tan from UV exposure. If you want color, sunless tanning products are the lower-risk option, and covering up while outdoors protects the skin you've got.
Published October 26, 2026. Sources are linked in the text. See our Medical Disclaimer.