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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:

Reed
A toothed, comb-like part of a LOOM. Its function is to hold the strands of longitudinal yarn (WARP) in alignment between its teeth and also to push each transverse thread (PICK) tight against the...
Patka
A girdle or kamarband, worn usually over payjama (q.v.), and often very sumptuous and decorative. PESHWAZ Long gown-like dress, consisting essentially of a choli (q.v.) worn rather high to which a...
Flock Printing
A process in which a fabric is printed with an adhesive, followed by the application of finely chopped fibres over the whole surface of the fabric by means of dusting-on, an air blast, or...
Weaves
Two basic methods of weaving upholstered fabrics. Each needs different equipment. a. Flat Weave Tweeds. Matelasse and Tapestries b. Pile Weave Velvets Yarns: In order to weave a fabric, the fiber or...
Selvedge
The longitudinal edges of a fabric that are formed during weaving with the weft not only turning at the edges but also passing continuously across the width of the fabric from edge. NOTE: Selvedges...

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