UV Protection Fabrics
UV protective fabrics are specially designed to block ultraviolet (UV) radiation, offering enhanced safety and comfort for outdoor activities. Ultraviolet rays constitute a very low fraction of the solar spectrum, but they influence all living organisms and their metabolisms. These radiations can cause a range of effects from simple tanning to highly malignant skin cancers, if unprotected. Long-term exposure to UV light can result in the acceleration of skin ageing, photodermatosis (acne), phototoxic reactions to drugs, erythema (skin reddening), sunburn, increased risk of melanoma (skin cancer), eye damage (opacification of the cornea) and DNA damage.
With the number of cases of skin cancer growing, the textile industry has developed fabrics that have UV-Protection Factor (UPF) built-in ranging from fifteen for good protection, twenty five for very good protection to fifty for excellent protection. UV protective fabrics fabrics are made with ceramics which can be either made from staple polyester mixed with powdered ceramics or by melting the ceramic, extruding it as a very fine fiber and then blending it with other fibers. Two manufacturers produce UV protection fibers; Invista produces Coolmax and Kuraray produces Sunfit, both of which not only protect the wearers from heat but also absorb and neutralize UV light rays. Other manufacturers may use silver coatings.
Prolonged and repeated exposure to UV radiation from sunlight has been identified as the cause of an increase in the incidence of skin cancer in humans. Limiting the skin’s exposure to sunlight is not possible for everyone, especially for people working outdoors. Therefore, textiles blocking UV-light are the most suitable alternative.
Apart from drastically reducing exposure to the sun, the most frequently recommended form of UV protection is the use of sunscreens, hats, and proper selection of clothing. Because fabric is composed of fibers that can absorb, reflect or scatter radiant energy, it has the ability to absorb and/or block most of the incident radiant energy and prevent it from reaching the skin. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the different ways a fabric can prevent UV radiation from coming into contact with the skin. However, a fabric’s ability to block UVR is dependent on several parameters. Principal parameters include fiber chemistry; fabric construction, particularly porosity, thickness and weight; moisture content and wet-processing history of the fabric such as dye concentration, fluorescent whitening agents, UV-absorbers and other finishing chemicals that may have been applied to the textile material. Since a plethora of factors establish a fabrics protective ability, mere visual examination by holding up a textile material to sunlight to determine how susceptible a textile is to UV rays is of little merit. Even textiles which seem to be non-light-transmitting may pass significant amounts of erythema-inducing UV irradiation. Therefore, knowledge of the factors that contribute to the UV-protective abilities of textiles is vital as is appropriate testing and evaluation using the various test methods developed to gauge protection.
The UV protective finishing molecules can be incorporated in protective coatings to be applied on the textile structures and fabrics. Alternatively, the molecules can be dispersed or impregnated in the fibers and yarns that will be converted into UV protective textiles. Most of the coatings developed are based on dispersions of the UV finishes in polymeric matrices.
Textile finishing agents for UV protection can be incorporated into the fiber matrix or can be coated onto the surface of the fabric by spraying, transfer printing, washing, rinsing and padding. Usually sun protection effect is achieved through the use of UV absorbers, bi-reactive oxalic acid dianilide derivatives, or fluorescence whitening agents. They are able to absorb the damaging UV light range of 290 nm to 360 nm and convert it into harmless heat energy. The presence of inorganic pigments in the fibers also allocates a better light scattering by the substrate, thus providing better UV protection.
Organic UV absorbers have been used to reduce the damaging effects on textile materials and health risks of UV radiation. The UV absorber molecules must be colorless or nearly colorless compounds having high absorption coefficients in the UV range of 290–400 nm spectra. In order to offer effective protection against UV radiation, the UV protection finish molecules must quickly transform the absorbed energy into less harmful vibrational (phonon) energy before reaching the surrounding substrate, and must exhibit good photostability. One of the most important families of UV absorber molecules includes a phenolic group that forms intramolecular O–H–O bridges, such as salicylates, 2-hydroxybenzophenones, xantones.
Properties of UV Protective Fabrics
UV protective fabrics are not only functional but also comfortable and suitable for everyday wear. Key properties include:
- High UPF: Excellent ultraviolet protection, often UPF 30 to 50+
- Keeps the wearer cool: Suitable for hot and sunny conditions
- Quick-Drying: Dries rapidly after sweating or washing
- Moisture management of the body: Wicks sweat away from the skin
- Easy aftercare: It’s machine-washable and low maintenance
- Soft: Gentle texture, suitable for prolonged wear
- Comfortable: Designed for comfort during outdoor activities
- Durable: Maintains UV protection after repeated use and washing
- Lightweight: Doesn’t add bulk while providing protection
- Color retention: Resists fading even under strong sunlight
- Breathable: Allows air circulation to enhance comfort
Uses of UV Protective Clothing
UV protective fabrics are used across a wide range of clothing categories and lifestyle needs. From sports to daily wear, their application is diverse and practical. Important uses of UV protective fabrics are briefly described below.
- Sportswear: Golf, cycling, running, swimsuits, and football
- Outdoor Wear: Hiking, fishing, camping; high UPF garments are a legal requirement for Australian outdoor workers
- Active Wear: Swimsuits, shirts, shorts, blouses and skirts
- Workwear: Uniforms for construction, farming and landscaping in sunny environments
- School Uniforms: Especially in regions with high UV exposure
- Baby & Kids Clothing: Hats, bodysuits and shirts for delicate skin protection
- Swimwear: Rash guards, board shorts and UV-blocking swim tops
- Headwear: Caps, visors, and wide-brim hats with UV protection
- Accessories: UV-protective gloves, sleeves and scarves
- Home Textiles: Curtains and window shades to reduce indoor UV exposure
- Outdoor Gear: Beach umbrellas, tents, awnings and canopies for sun-safe shelter
Conclusion
UV protective fabrics are a revolutionized innovation in textiles, offering both functional benefits and safety against harmful solar radiation. With a wide range of comfortable, stylish, and functional clothing options now available, sun safety is easier to achieve than ever. Whether you’re an athlete, outdoor worker, traveler, or parent, investing in UV protective clothing ensures long-term protection and peace of mind in sunny environments.
You may also like: UV Protection for Summer Wear Using Green Technique
References
[1] Ashford, B. (2016). Fibres to fabrics. AuthorHouse.
[2] Paul, R. (2014). Functional finishes for textiles: Improving Comfort, Performance and Protection. Elsevier.
[3] Pan, N., & Sun, G. (2011). Functional textiles for improved performance, protection and health. Elsevier.
[4] Islam, S. U., & Butola, B. S. (2018). Advanced textile engineering materials. John Wiley & Sons.
[5] Scott, R. A. (2005). Textiles for protection. Elsevier.
[6] Choudhury, A. K. R. (2017). Principles of textile finishing. Woodhead Publishing.
[7] Sk, M.S.; Akram, W.; Mia, R.; Fang, J.; Kabir, S.M.M. Fabrication of UV-Protective Polyester Fabric with Polysorbate 20 Incorporating Fluorescent Color. Polymers 2022, 14, 4366. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204366
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
