SPF vs UPF - Ask Elmo
Can I Get a Sun Shirt with SPF 100?
No. An SPF100 sun shirt does not exist. That’s because SPF does not apply to fabrics, only sunscreens.
SPF vs. UPF
- SPF, or sun protection factor, is a rating that applies to sunscreens.
- UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, as the rating used for fabrics.
SPF indicates how long it takes skin to redden when exposed to UV radiation. Let’s say your skin normally reddens in about 20 minutes when you’re out in the sun. A SPF 30 sunscreen is designed to protect you 30 time longer (provided you use ample amounts, reapply ever two hours or so and remember it comes off if you get wet or sweat.
So much easier to just wear a sun shirt, yes?
UPF indicates how much of the sun’s rays are able to penetrate. UPF50, which is what we specialize in, allows 1/50th of the sun’s rays to get through. That means it blocks 98% of the ultraviolet rays.
Note on this SPF vs. UPF Blog Post
This post is from a series called: Short Answers to Common Sun Shirt Questions. We could have put all the info in one big-long blog but then it would be one big-long thing to read. We’re keeping it short and sweet.
Know that when it comes to sun tips and sun shirt questions, we got you covered – in UPF sun protective clothing to be exact. Visit our Cape Life shop in downtown Cape Coral or shop online right here at CapeLifeApparel.com.
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