10 FAQs about UV clothing

1. What is UV clothing and how does it work?
2. How should I wash and maintain UV clothing?
3. Does UV clothing protect against all types of radiation?
4. Can UV clothing also be worn in water and does it provide the same protection as on land?
5. Is UV protective clothing more expensive than regular clothing?
6. How do I know that my UV clothing provides the right protection and meets the required standards?
7. Why is it preferable to wear UV clothing rather than applying sunscreen?"
8. Why is it extra important to protect children from UV radiation and how does UV clothing help?"
9. Should I still use sunscreen if I am wearing UV clothing?
10. What is UPF and what is SPF?

1. What is UV clothing and how does it work?

UV clothing, also known as sun protective clothing, is clothing specifically designed to protect the skin from UV radiation from the sun. The fabrics used in UV clothing are woven with a tight weave and made of synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon and spandex. These fibers have the ability to block and absorb UV radiation while being breathable and lightweight. UV clothing has several advantages over traditional clothing, such as its ability to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation even when wet. Traditional clothing does not provide the same level of protection from UV radiation and can get wet, exposing the skin to even more harmful UV radiation.

2. How should I wash and maintain UV clothing?

To maintain the protection of UV clothing, it is important to wash and maintain it properly. Here are some tips for washing and maintaining UV clothing:

  • Rinse clothing with cold water immediately after wearing to remove salt, sand or chlorine
  • Wash UV clothing by hand or in the washing machine on a cold cycle using a mild detergent with no bleach or fabric softener
  • Do not use fabric softener as it may reduce the UV protection of the fabric.
  • Dry UV clothing flat out, avoid using a dryer as this can damage the fabric and reduce UV protection.
  • Avoid wringing or squeezing the clothing, as this can damage the fibers and reduce the UV protection.
  • Do not use an iron or steam, as this can damage the fabric and reduce UV protection.
  • Check the fabric of the UV clothing regularly to see if there is any wear or damage that can reduce the protection.

3. Does UV clothing protect against all types of radiation?

There are different types of UV rays, and UV clothing protects against all types of radiation. There are three types of UV rays, namely UVA, UVB and UVC.

  • UVA rays have the longest wavelength and penetrate the skin the deepest. They are associated with skin aging and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
  • UVB rays have a shorter wavelength than UVA rays and are associated with skin burning and the development of skin cancer.
  • UVC rays have the shortest wavelength and are generally blocked by the ozone layer, making them less relevant to human exposure to UV radiation.

UV clothing is designed to provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Therefore, wearing UV protective clothing is an effective way to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, regardless of the type of radiation. It is important to note, however, that UV clothing does not provide 100 percent protection from UV radiation and it is still important to take other protective measures, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses and applying sunscreen regularly, to reduce exposure to UV radiation.

4. Can UV clothing also be worn in the water and provide the same protection as on land?

Yes, UV clothing can be worn in the water and provides the same protection as on land. In fact, wearing UV-protective clothing in the water is even more important than on land because water can reflect UV rays, increasing UV exposure. These fabrics are lightweight, breathable and dry quickly, making them perfect for use in the water. UV clothing provides the same protection in the water as it does on land, as the fabrics are still able to block and absorb UV rays. However, it is important to note that wearing UV clothing does not provide 100 percent protection from UV radiation. It is still important to take other protective measures, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses and applying sunscreen regularly.

5. Is UV-protective clothing more expensive than ordinary clothing?

UV-protective clothing can generally be more expensive than regular clothing because of the additional materials and technologies required to protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation. However, it is important to consider that UV-protective clothing can help reduce the risks of skin damage and skin cancer caused by sun exposure. Thus, in the long run, wearing UV protective clothing can be cost-saving by preventing medical expenses.

6. How do I know that my UV clothing provides proper protection and meets the required standards

To be sure that your UV clothing provides the right protection and meets the required standards, it is best to look at the labeling and certification of the clothing. UV-protective clothing must have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of at least 30, meaning it protects the skin from at least 97% of UVB radiation and 95% of UVA radiation. When buying UV-protective clothing, look at the label and look for the UPF rating. You can also look for clothing certified by an independent organization, such as the Skin Cancer Foundation. This organization grants the "Seal of Recommendation" to clothing that meets standards for UV protection.

7. Why wear UV clothing rather than apply sunscreen ?

Sunscreen and UV clothing both aim to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation from the sun, but the way they do it is different.

  • Better protection: UV-protective clothing provides better protection from UV radiation than sunscreen because the fabric blocks most of the harmful rays. With sunscreen, you must apply the right amount and reapply it regularly to provide the best protection, whereas UV-protective clothing provides immediate protection.
  • Long-term protection: UV-protective clothing provides long-term protection from UV rays, while sunscreen must be reapplied after several hours to maintain protection.
  • Comfort: UV protective clothing can be very comfortable to wear, especially during hot and humid conditions. Unlike sunscreen, which can feel sticky and lead to sweat stains and skin irritation.
  • Environment: UV protective clothing is a more environmentally friendly option than sunscreen, as sunscreen contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and oceans.
  • Easy: UV-protective clothing is easy to use because it only needs to be put on, whereas sunscreen needs to be applied properly to the skin, which can sometimes be tricky in hard-to-reach areas.

Although sunscreen can still play an important role in protecting against UV radiation, UV-protective clothing can be a useful addition and provide a better option in certain situations. 

8. Why is it extra important to protect children from UV radiation and how does UV clothing help with this?

  • Protecting children from UV radiation is critical because their skin is more sensitive than adults' and can be more damaged by sun exposure. In addition, children spend more time in the sun, often play outside and are less likely to protect themselves from the sun.
  • UV clothing can help protect children from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Wearing UV clothing can reduce the exposed skin surface area and reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. UV clothing can also be an alternative to using sunscreen, which is often difficult to apply to children and can lead to skin irritation.
  • UV clothing also offers advantages over traditional summer clothing. While traditional clothing does provide some protection from UV rays, it may not provide sufficient protection for prolonged sun exposure. UV clothing, on the other hand, is specially designed to protect against UV radiation and meets specific standards.
  • In addition, wearing UV clothing can reduce stress in parents who are concerned about their children's health when exposed to the sun. It can reassure parents that their children can safely play outside and enjoy the sun without the risks of UV radiation.

In short, protecting children from UV radiation is critical and UV clothing can help protect children from the harmful effects of UV radiation and reassure parents that their children can safely enjoy the sun.

9. Should I still use sunscreen if I am wearing UV clothing?

Yes, even if you are wearing UV clothing, it is still important to use sunscreen on the uncovered parts of the skin to provide full protection. Important areas here include the face, ears, neck, neck, (top of) feet and bare arms and legs. We recommend applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to uncovered skin at least every two hours. Even with "water-resistant" sunscreen, it is important to reapply it after you have taken a dip in the sea or pool. Or if you have showered or sweated. 

10. What is UPF and what is SPF?

UPF is used to measure the protection that clothing provides against the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. It measures the amount of UVA and UVB radiation that is blocked by the fabric. The higher the UPF value, the better the protection. For example, a UPF value of 50 means that only 1/50th of the UV rays pass through the fabric and thus the fabric provides a high level of protection. SPF, on the other hand, measures the protection that sunscreen provides against sunburn and skin damage from the sun. It measures how long you can stay in the sun before your skin begins to burn. For example, an SPF value of 30 means you can stay in the sun 30 times longer without getting sunburned than without sunscreen. SPF primarily protects against UVB radiation, while UPF is more focused on UVA and UVB radiation. It is important to use both sunscreen and clothing with a high UPF rating for optimal sun protection.