Protective Clothing: A Key to Sun Safety

Protective Clothing: A Key to Sun Safety

Clothing plays a vital role in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but not all fabrics offer the same level of protection. Understanding the factors that influence a fabric’s effectiveness can help you make informed choices to safeguard your skin.

Factors Affecting Sun Protection in Clothing

The level of UV protection provided by clothing depends on several characteristics of the fabric, including:

  1. Weave: Fabrics with a tighter weave or knit provide better protection as they allow less UV light to pass through.
  2. Fibre: Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon generally offer better UV protection compared to natural fibers like cotton.
  3. Colour: Darker colours absorb more UV rays, offering greater protection compared to lighter shades.
  4. Stretch: Stretching fabric reduces its UV protection as it thins the material and allows more light to penetrate.
  5. Moisture: Wet fabrics typically have lower UV ratings as water reduces the effectiveness of the fibers in blocking UV rays.
  6. Condition: Worn, faded, or damaged garments may lose their protective capabilities.
  7. Finishing: Some fabrics are treated with UV-absorbing chemicals during production to enhance their protective qualities.

Understanding Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)

The table below shows how garments are classified based on their UPF:

UPF Range

Protection Category

Effective UV Transmission (%)

UPF Rating

15–24

Good

6.7–4.2

15, 20

25–39

Very Good

4.1–2.6

25, 30, 35

40–50

Excellent

2.5–2.0

40, 45, 50

50+

Ultimate

Less than 2

50+

For example, a typical white cotton shirt has a UPF of only 5–10 when dry, meaning it allows 10–20% of UV rays to penetrate. When wet, the UPF drops to about 2, allowing 50% of UV rays to pass through.

How to Maximise Protection with Clothing

To ensure maximum UV protection, follow these tips:

  • Choose high UPF-rated clothing: Look for garments labeled with a UPF rating of 40 or higher.
  • Opt for darker, thicker fabrics: These provide better protection by absorbing more UV radiation.
  • Test your clothing: Hold the garment up to the light—if you can see through it, UV rays can penetrate it.
  • Be mindful of wet conditions: Wet clothes offer significantly less protection, so consider quick-drying, moisture-resistant fabrics.
  • Avoid stretched fabrics: Over time, stretching and repeated washing can lower the garment’s UPF rating.

Clothing vs. Sunscreen

While sunscreen is a valuable tool in sun protection, clothing should be your first line of defense. Here’s why:

  • Most people apply sunscreen unevenly or fail to reapply it regularly.
  • Clothing provides consistent coverage and doesn’t wash off or wear off like sunscreen.
  • UV-protective garments are particularly beneficial for outdoor workers, swimmers, and anyone spending extended time in the sun.

Conclusion: The Ideal Sun Protection Strategy

Sun-protective clothing is an effective and reliable way to reduce your UV exposure. Combined with other strategies like seeking shade, wearing hats, and applying sunscreen to exposed areas, high-UPF clothing is your best defense against sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Invest in quality garments with high UPF ratings to enjoy outdoor activities safely while keeping your skin healthy for years to come.

Why Choose Shire Doctors and Dentists

At Shire Doctors and Dentists, our team of experienced doctors follows the Australian Cancer Council guidelines and is committed to providing the best care for patients with skin cancer. We offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments, ensuring that all your skin cancer care needs are met in a professional, caring environment.

  • Expert Care: Our doctors are highly trained in diagnosing and treating skin cancers according to the latest Australian guidelines.
  • Comprehensive Treatment Options: We provide a full range of treatments, from topical therapies to surgical options, depending on your diagnosis.
  • Convenient Location: Located in the heart of the Shire, we offer accessible care with minimal wait times.



Book Your Skin Check Now

Regular skin checks are essential for early detection of skin cancer. At Shire Skin Cancer Clinic, our doctors can help assess your skin for any concerning changes. Call 02 9063 8650 or email info@shiredoctorsanddentists.com.au to book your skin check at Shire Skin Cancer Centre. Don’t wait—take charge of your skin health today. Contact us now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Complete a few details below to book an immediate appointment at our clinic.

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Start 2025 Healthier, with Protected Skin!

We’re excited to announce the expansion of our Skin Cancer Clinic. In addition to Dr Sherif Francis, who has nearly 30 years’ experience in providing comprehensive skin checks and both surgical and non-surgical skin cancer treatments, Dr Christene Mikhail will be joining us. She has completed her Master of Medicine in Skin Cancer and is now providing comprehensive skin checks and advanced treatment for all types of skin lesions.

Begin the year with peace of mind and book your skin check today if it’s been more than a year. Your health matters!

Our fees will increase effective Monday, February 10th, 2025. Please visit our “Fees” page for a full list of our pricing.