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What is "Ultraviolet Protection Factor UPF" - Definition & Explanation

The UPF rating indicates how effective a fabric is at blocking out solar ultraviolet radiation from reaching the skin. UPF ratings range from 15 to 50 with higher ratings indicating more effective blocking and therefore better protection for the wearer of a garment. Fabrics that test higher than UPF 50 are rated as UPF50+. UPF testing involves exposing a fabric to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and measuring how much is tranmitted through the sample. Different wave-lengths of radiation in the UVR spectrum have different effects on human skin and this is taken into consideration when calculating the UPF rating. Factors that contribute to the UPF rating of a fabric are: *Composition of the yarns (cotton, polyester, etc) *Tightness of the weave or the knit (tighter improves the rating) *Color (darket colors are generally better) *Stretch (more stretch lowers the rating) *Moisture (many fabrics have lower ratings when wet) *Condition (worn and faded garments may have reduced ratings) *Finishing (some fabrics are treated with UV absorbing chemicals)

Some other terms

Some more terms:

Duvetyne
A good quality wool. If it is made in cotton, it is usually called suede cloth. Duvetyn has a close satin weave that is brushed, singed, and sheared to conceal the weave. It has a smooth plush...
Bleaching
The procedure, other than by scouring only, of improving the whiteness of a textile by decolourising it from the grey state, with or without the removal of the nature colouring matter or extraneous...
Sailcloth
cotton, linen, nylon. Plain weave, some made with a crosswise rib. A strong canvas or duck. The weights vary, but most often the count is around 148 x 60. Able to withstand the elements (rain, wind...
Polythene Fibre
The generic name for fibres made from a synthetic linear polymer of ethylene and that has the structure: NOTE: The two types of commercial production are: a) high-density polyethylene *HDPE),...
Board foot
A measure of wood, 144 cubic inches, for example, a board 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide and 1 foot long or 1 inch thick, 6 inches wide and 2 feet long. The usual measure for random length and width...

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