UV Protective Clothing: A Practical Approach To sun Care
The incidence of skin cancer has risen sharply since the 1970s – despite the widespread use of sunscreen – and has become a major public health concern in countries with fair skinned populations and high levels of solar radiation. Ultraviolet (UV) protective clothing represents the most convenient and reliable method of protecting the skin against the harmful effects of the sun and, with this in mind, several companies have been established over the past 20 years with the aim of developing clothing which resists UV radiation while also being lightweight, breathable and stylish. Furthermore, in more recent years, such companies have been joined by established clothing brands which are keen to reach a broader audience of consumers. As a result, today's consumers can choose from a broad range of UV protective garments, including children's wear, fashion wear and workwear. Despite these bright spots, however, the industry faces several challenges – most notably a lack of understanding among consumers about the advantages that UV protective garments offer over conventional clothing or sunscreen. This report provides a wealth of information on the market for UV protective clothing and the fabrics, dyes and additives used in the manufacture of such clothing. The report also discusses the role of clothing in protecting against UV rays, the effects of UV radiation on textiles, methods of protecting against UV radiation, and industry standards for UV protective clothing.
INTRODUCTION
UV RADIATION AND ITS EFFECTS
Solar UV index
Effects of UV radiation on human health
The link between UV radiation and cancer
Effects of UV radiation on textiles
PROTECTION AGAINST UV RADIATION
The need for protection against UV radiation
Sun awareness campaigns
Methods of protecting against UV radiation
Cultural considerations in UV protection
Demand for sun care products
ROLE OF CLOTHING IN PROTECTION AGAINST UV RAYS
UV protective clothing and accessories
Role of garment design and fit in protection against UV rays
Advantages of UV protective clothing over sunscreen
Measuring the penetration of UV radiation through clothing
Ultraviolet protection factor
UPF Certification Scheme
FABRIC PROPERTIES WHICH INFLUENCE UV TRANSMISSION
Effect of fabric composition
Effect of fabric construction
Optical porosity
Cover factor
Breathability
Surface finish
Effect of fabric weight
Effect of fabric stretch
Effect of moisture content
Effect of fabric condition
Effect of dyes in the fabric
Effect of finishing treatments and additives in the fabric
Combination of fabric properties which influence protection against UV rays
METHODS OF BOOSTING PROTECTION AGAINST UV RAYS IN
CLOTHING
Incorporating UV absorbers
Incorporating optical brightening agents
Laundering
MARKET FOR UV PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Suppliers of UV protective clothing
INDUSTRY STANDARDS FOR UV PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
CONCLUSIONS
UV RADIATION AND ITS EFFECTS
Solar UV index
Effects of UV radiation on human health
The link between UV radiation and cancer
Effects of UV radiation on textiles
PROTECTION AGAINST UV RADIATION
The need for protection against UV radiation
Sun awareness campaigns
Methods of protecting against UV radiation
Cultural considerations in UV protection
Demand for sun care products
ROLE OF CLOTHING IN PROTECTION AGAINST UV RAYS
UV protective clothing and accessories
Role of garment design and fit in protection against UV rays
Advantages of UV protective clothing over sunscreen
Measuring the penetration of UV radiation through clothing
Ultraviolet protection factor
UPF Certification Scheme
FABRIC PROPERTIES WHICH INFLUENCE UV TRANSMISSION
Effect of fabric composition
Effect of fabric construction
Optical porosity
Cover factor
Breathability
Surface finish
Effect of fabric weight
Effect of fabric stretch
Effect of moisture content
Effect of fabric condition
Effect of dyes in the fabric
Effect of finishing treatments and additives in the fabric
Combination of fabric properties which influence protection against UV rays
METHODS OF BOOSTING PROTECTION AGAINST UV RAYS IN
CLOTHING
Incorporating UV absorbers
Incorporating optical brightening agents
Laundering
MARKET FOR UV PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Suppliers of UV protective clothing
INDUSTRY STANDARDS FOR UV PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
CONCLUSIONS
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Precautionary measures recommended for various categories of UV radiation risk
Table 2: Global market for sunscreen, 2010-20
Table 3: UK: sales of sun care products, 2010-20
Table 4: Ranking of protective measures by their effectiveness in blocking UV radiation from the sun
Table 5: Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings
Table 6: Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) classification
Table 7: Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings of 236 types of summer fabric made from different types of fibres
Table 8: Relationship between fibre type and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)
Table 9: Relationship between the weight and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings of selected undyed cotton fabric, Modal fabric and Modal Sun fabric samples
Table 10: Relationship between the type, colour and coverage of fabrics and the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings of various clothing articles
Table 11: Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings for woven cotton and polyester fabrics, by colour
Table 12: Examples of fabric properties which provide excellent protection against UV rays and those which provide poor protection against UV rays
Table 13: Examples of fabrics and garments which provide good protection against UV rays and those which provide poor protection against UV rays
Table 14: Selected key suppliers of UV protective clothing and their products, Jan 2017
Table 15: Sun protective clothing standards in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Europe
Table 1: Precautionary measures recommended for various categories of UV radiation risk
Table 2: Global market for sunscreen, 2010-20
Table 3: UK: sales of sun care products, 2010-20
Table 4: Ranking of protective measures by their effectiveness in blocking UV radiation from the sun
Table 5: Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings
Table 6: Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) classification
Table 7: Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings of 236 types of summer fabric made from different types of fibres
Table 8: Relationship between fibre type and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)
Table 9: Relationship between the weight and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings of selected undyed cotton fabric, Modal fabric and Modal Sun fabric samples
Table 10: Relationship between the type, colour and coverage of fabrics and the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings of various clothing articles
Table 11: Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings for woven cotton and polyester fabrics, by colour
Table 12: Examples of fabric properties which provide excellent protection against UV rays and those which provide poor protection against UV rays
Table 13: Examples of fabrics and garments which provide good protection against UV rays and those which provide poor protection against UV rays
Table 14: Selected key suppliers of UV protective clothing and their products, Jan 2017
Table 15: Sun protective clothing standards in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Europe
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Ultraviolet radiation from the sun
Figure 2: Men’s swim tights
Figure 3: Cover-up dress
Figure 4: Girls’ surf shirt
Figure 5: Infants’ rash guard
Figure 6: Sun gloves
Figure 7: Sun sleeves
Figure 8: Protection against UV rays provided by Solumbra and conventional sunscreen
Figure 9: Interaction between UV radiation and fabric
Figure 1: Ultraviolet radiation from the sun
Figure 2: Men’s swim tights
Figure 3: Cover-up dress
Figure 4: Girls’ surf shirt
Figure 5: Infants’ rash guard
Figure 6: Sun gloves
Figure 7: Sun sleeves
Figure 8: Protection against UV rays provided by Solumbra and conventional sunscreen
Figure 9: Interaction between UV radiation and fabric
