 SunSmart Home
Understanding UV Radiation
Vitamin D and sun protection
Five ways to be SunSmart
Shade
Protetive clothing
Hat
Sunglasses
Suscreen
Sunburn, suntans & solariums
Sunburn
Suntans
Solariums
SunSmart schools
What is a SunSmart School
Early childhood
SunSmart Activities
Workplaces
Sport and Recreation
SunSmart resources
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Your clothes protect you from the sun through garment style, material, colour and UPFs.
Style
Choose shirts with high collars that sit close to the neck. Ensure shirts have sleeves that completely cover the shoulder and extend as close the elbow as possible. Cap sleeves are not recommended (It should also be noted that three quarter length or full length sleeves provide best protection).
Longer shorts and skirts, or trousers provide good protection
Loose clothing, where the fabric is not in close contact with the skin, will give you more protection
Material
The closeness of the weave, not the weight of the fabric, is important in protecting against UV radiation
The less light that passes through the fabric the better the protection
Synthetics or mixed fabrics often have a tighter weave than natural fabrics
Protection may be reduced if the fabric is stretched, wet or old
Colour
Dark colours usually absorb UV rays and prevent them from reaching the skin better than white or other light colours.
UPFs
Clothing and shade devices may be labelled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), which is a measure of the fabric's resistance to UV radiation. UPFs range from 15-24 (good protection) to 50+, which is the highest rating in Australia.
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