Health. In summer, do your clothes really protect you from the sun?

All clothing provides sun protection. There is an ultraviolet (UV) protection factor (UPF) for fabrics, which defines it: good, if the UPF is between 30 and 49, and excellent, if it is 50 or higher.
Dark colorsThis UPF depends on many parameters:
- Weaving,
- The type of fibers: for the most protective, opt for cotton twill, silk, or reflective polyester.
- color: preferably dark, much more effective than light ones (white, etc.);
- the degree of humidity: after perspiration or swimming, the UV protection of clothing sees its effectiveness significantly reduced;
- the degree of stretching and wear: this is why it is always better to wear loose-fitting clothing. With tight fabrics, the risk will be higher if the fibers spread out and let more UV rays through.
Since the early 2000s, there have also been clothing lines, particularly leisure clothing, designed using specific textiles that reflect ultraviolet rays.
They are most often made from synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, etc.) to which chemical treatments or other materials are applied which reinforce UV protection.
According to European standards, these clothes must protect the upper part of the body, covering the neck, shoulders and three-quarters of the arms.
On the label, check their UPF - it must be greater than 40 - and the mention of the NF EN 13758-2+A1 standard. This is the standard that defines the requirements in this area.
With sunscreenThese two elements ensure the effectiveness of photoprotective clothing. Wearing them, along with applying sunscreen to uncovered areas, is arguably the optimal solution for sun protection with minimal risk.
Sources: Ann Dermatol Venereol 2007;134:4S18-4S24 - Lu JT, Ilyas E. An Overview of Ultraviolet-Protective Clothing. Cureus. 2022 Jul 27;14(7):e27333. doi:10.7759/cureus.27333. - https://www.skincancer.org
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