You will see "UPF 50+" on sun-protective clothing, including ours. Here is what it means and what it does not mean, without the jargon.
UPF in one line
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It tells you how much UV a fabric lets through to your skin. A UPF 50 fabric lets through about one fiftieth of the UV that hits it, so roughly 98% is blocked. "50+" is the top band used on labels.
How is UPF different from SPF?
SPF is for sunscreen and is measured on skin. UPF is for fabric and is measured on the fabric. The bigger practical difference: a fabric's UPF does not wear off during the day the way sunscreen does.
Is any shirt the same?
No. Ordinary clothing varies a lot. A thin, loosely woven, light-coloured cotton shirt can let a meaningful amount of UV through, and many fabrics let more through when they are wet with sweat. A UPF rating tells you the fabric has been made and checked for sun, not just for looks.
What affects how well a fabric blocks UV
- Weave: tighter weaves block more.
- Fibre: some fibres absorb or scatter UV better than others.
- Fit: fabric stretched tight over skin can block less than the same fabric worn a little loose.
- Coverage: a high rating does not help skin the garment does not cover. Hoods and thumb loops matter.
What UPF 50+ will not do
It will not protect your face, and it will not cover skin left open at the wrist or neck. That is why we put a hood and thumb loops on the VEYIL Cooling UV Jacket: the rating only helps if the fabric is actually over your skin.
Looking after it
Cold hand-wash and dry in shade. Avoid wringing hard or tumble drying, which can stretch the fabric over time.
Want to check your size before ordering? See the fit guide or ask us on WhatsApp.