What is UV protection?
UV protection is the ability to block out harmful Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) from the sun. Without UV protection one can get sun burnt, skin damage (ageing) and with continuous exposure, a higher risk of skin cancers. In summer it is recommended to use sun lotions, UV blocking creams or wear appropriate clothing when outdoors to prevent UV damage.

What determines UV protection in fabrics?
The type of fiber in the fabric, its weave and color are the primary factors in screening out UVR.

• Fiber type – normally synthetic fibers nylons, polymers and blended fibers perform better than natural fibers. However some natural fibers such as denim, canvas are have good UV blocking properties. The disadvantage of   “heavy” natural fibers are heat retention (remember you are in the sun) and discomfort from humidity and sweating.
• Weave – the density and type of weave; the more closely the fiber is knitted – the better the protection.
• Color – dark colors and dyes absorb UVR better but at the expense of absorbing more heat as well.

UVR protection clothing may also be pretreated with UV inhibiting ingredients to enhance its efficiency.

What is UPF and SPF?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and SPF for Sun Protection Factor.

Traditionally SPF has been the measure for sun screens and sun barrier lotions. An SPF of 15 means you can stay out in the sun 15 times longer than if you are not protected. So if on average you get sun burnt in 10 minutes of exposure unprotected; then slapping on SPF15 sunscreen will allow you stay in the sun safely for 150 minutes. Although SPF15 is considered the minimum standard, the Cancer Society of New Zealand recommends using broad spectrum SPF30 products.

UPF is the newer and more comprehensive standard as it measures both long (UVA) and medium (UVB) wavelength radiation; while SPF only measures UVA. The ozone layer absorbs UVB which constitutes the burning rays of the sun. While specialists may distinguish between both types of radiation – when you are out in the sun you cop both and combined they are responsible for sunburn, skin damage and even skin carcinomas.

Although both SPF and UPF scales from 1 to 45, UPF has been adopted as the defacto measure for radiation absorbed by the fabric. So a UPF of 30 means only 1/30th of the radiation will pass through; UPF 50 means 1/50th is passed.

A standard cotton T shirt will have a UPF7 but when wet (e.g. sweating) its efficiency decreases by 50%.

So here is a UPF table for the layman.

Apart from UV protection what other advantages are associated with performance headgear ?
Although UV protection cannot be ‘felt’ by the wearer of a UV protection cap or hat, it does prevent painful sun burn, premature skin ageing and reduces the risk of skin cancers from continuous exposure.

Many UV protection caps and hats are also built with comfort in mind so when you are in hot and humid conditions; the superior sweat wicking and extra breathability will go a long way to making it a worthwhile investment.

Studies have shown UV fabrics can withstand repeated washings with no loss of efficiency. Some fabrics also have anti bacterial properties which prevent unpleasant odors from use.