Do normal clothes have UPF?

First, let's clarify what UPF means. UPF, short for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is a rating system used to measure how effectively a fabric blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which applies to sunscreen and focuses mainly on UVB rays, UPF evaluates a fabric's overall ability to prevent UV radiation from reaching the skin. A UPF rating of 50+, for example, means the fabric blocks over 98% of UV rays—similar to high - performance sun - protective clothing. But do normal clothes meet this standard?

The material of the clothing plays a big role. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk can offer some UPF, but their protection level varies. Cotton, a common material in everyday clothes, typically has a low UPF (around 5 - 15) when it’s dry. However, when cotton gets wet—from sweat or rain—its UPF drops even more, sometimes to as low as 2. This is because water fills the gaps in the fabric, making it more transparent to UV rays. On the other hand, synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and spandex often provide better UPF than natural fibers. Polyester, for instance, can have a UPF of 15 - 30 when dry, and it retains much of its protection when wet. This is why many athletic wear or quick - drying clothes, which are often made of synthetic blends, offer more UV protection than a basic cotton T - shirt.

Another factor is the weave density of the fabric. Think about a loose - knit summer sweater versus a tight - woven button - down shirt. The loose sweater has bigger gaps between the threads, allowing more UV rays to pass through. In contrast, a tightly woven fabric has smaller spaces, creating a better barrier against the sun. For example, a thin, loosely woven linen shirt might have a UPF of less than 10, while a thick, tightly woven denim jacket could have a UPF of 50 or higher.

The color of the clothing also affects its UPF. Darker colors, such as black, navy, and dark green, absorb more UV rays than lighter colors like white, beige, and pastels. This means darker clothes generally offer better UPF. A black cotton T - shirt, for example, might have a UPF of 15 - 20, while a white cotton T - shirt of the same thickness and weave could have a UPF of only 5 - 10. However, this doesn't mean light - colored clothes are useless—they still provide some protection, especially if they're made of a tightly woven synthetic material.

It's important to note that most normal clothes are not designed with UPF as a primary feature, unlike specialized sun - protective clothing (which is labeled with a specific UPF rating and often treated with UV - blocking chemicals). So while your everyday clothes can offer some UV protection, their UPF is usually lower and less consistent than that of dedicated sunwear.

We have a natural white fabric which rated to UPF 30 by european standard. The fabric is soft and breathable for hot or warm days. It's worthy to try the fabric.