What is UPF?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is the rating given to clothing for its broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

SPF in sunscreen measures only effectiveness against UVB rays, while UPF measures protection against the full spectrum of ultraviolet radiation.

All UPF 50+ Luminora clothing,  offer broad-spectrum protection that blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays. No Luminora products have a rating of less than UPF 50.

What is SPF?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the rating given to lotions, liquids, sprays, and solids sunblock and sunscreen products.

SPF only measures the product’s effectiveness against UVB rays and how much time you can stay in the sun before getting burned.

Experts recommend an SPF 30 or higher, particularly if you are fair skinned, light-eyed, have freckles and red hair or have a family history of skin cancer.

While all skin tones can be affected by UV rays, lighter skin tones are recorded to have the highest incidence of skin cancer.

Why UPF clothing?

It is more cost-effective than sunscreen products since you don’t need to re-apply every few hours. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UPF clothing can protect your skin against UVA and UVB radiation and decrease the chance of skin cancer and sunburn, especially in summer.

Why SPF clothing?

The term “SPF Clothing” does not exist! SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it is only used to rate a sunscreen's ability to protect against UVB rays. UPF is a rating used for clothing & fabrics that protect you from both UVA & UVB rays.

SPF Fabric vs UPF Fabric? Which is right?

The straightforward answer is that SPF is a factor for lotions and UPF is a factor for clothing and fabrics. Clothing brands labeled as SPF protection are misleading.

Why SPF is different from UPF? SPF vs UPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which measures the amount of time it takes for sun-exposed skin protected with sunscreen products to redden from UVB ( burning ) rays.

UPF is a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB measure for fabric, and it rates the amount of UV radiation that penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin.

A garment with a UPF of 50 only allows 1/50th of the UV radiation falling on the surface of the garment to pass through it. It blocks 49/50ths or 98% of the UV radiation. Clothing brands that cite SPF are not full spectrum protection.

What is UPF clothing? What is UPF 50+ fabric?

UPF (Sun protective) clothing is clothing specifically designed for sun protection and is produced with fabrics rated for its level of ultraviolet protection. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, only 2% of UV rays can go through UPF clothing whereas up to 20% of the UV rays can pass through regular clothing, substantially increasing the chance of skin cancer.

What does the rating of UPF clothing mean?

The UPF rating is a factor to measure the UVA and UVB rays will reach the skin. For example, 50 UPF means 1/50 of the sun’s rays will reach the skin. The higher the UPF, the lower the radiation and harm is transmitted to the skin.

Is there a big difference between UPF 50+ and UPF 30? UPF 30 vs UPF 50+

In the world of sun protection, more is better is generally better. UPF 30 blocks 97% of UV radiation while UPF 50+ blocks 98%-100%.

Truly a case of more is better. Of note, when looking at SPF in sunscreens, a larger number does not necessarily mean a higher level of protection.

Look for “broad spectrum” coverage of at least SPF 30 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

What does your “+” in UPF 50+ stand for?

The fact is Luminora’s level of sun protection exceeds all worldwide published standards for UPF 50 ratings.

That means when we test our fabrics and clothing, or ultraviolet protection factor far exceeds the protection level of 50.

But, because the standard for certification stops at UPF 50, we indicate that we go above and beyond by using the “+” symbol, so you know our clothes can block more than 98% of UV rays.

Does UPF clothing work?

Yes! While technically all clothing can be considered sun-protective if it covers up the skin, sun protection clothing carries a UPF rating that's designed to provide more protection. According to the skin cancerfoundation, by UPF clothing with rating 50+, only 2% of UV rays will reach the skin.

While This number of regular clothing can be up to 20%.

Just like SPF in sunscreen, the numbers range for UPF in clothing, in this case from 15 to 50-plus.

Is UPF clothing safe?

Yes, but be aware that some UPF brands coat their garments with chemicals to protect from the sun, but those wash out and can be harmful to your skin and the environment. Our Luminology technology(r)  fabrics are naturally infused with a plant-based oil which gives it all of its functional properties without the use of chemicals, and which lasts wash after wash.

Luminora’s UV protection clothing also passes variant series of tests for their UPF rating and quality check. As such, if you have decided to buy from our store we guarantee your satisfaction.

What is UV testing and why does it matter?

It matters because your sun safety is our first concern. While most other brands only test against one UV safety standard, Luminora invests in testing our fabrics multiple times against multiple published UPF standards for UV transmittance and safety.

Testing evaluates UV transmittance before and afterlife cycle tests – laundering, sunlight and chlorinated water. What’s equally important to know is that UV rays react differently to colors, patterns, and fabrics.

What is organic UPF clothing?

Organic means it is derived from natural ingredients. Luminora’s formula for its UPF fabric is all plant-based, so it is organic and Chemical-free, which makes them safe on your skin and on our environment.

Is UPF clothing worth it?

Yes. Dealing with the consequences of skin cancer and skin damage is devastating and costly. Sunscreen is expensive and needs to be reapplied every few hours to be effective. According to Luminora’s co-founder Dr. Ali Hendi, one must apply a shot of sunscreen every few hours to warrant its effectiveness. Accordingly investing in clothing that stays on and keeps its UPF factor wash after a wash is the wisest line of defense against harmful UV rays.

What are UVA rays and UVB rays?

UVA (aging) rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer, while UVB (burning) rays are primarily responsible for premature skin aging, brown spots, wrinkling, and blotching.

UVA rays have been shown to cause skin damage at the cellular level and may cause a great deal of internal damage, such as organ problems.

Unprotected exposure can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging), and suppression of the immune system.

UVB rays are more intense rays that usually burn the superficial layers of your skin and damage the outer layers of the skin. UVB rays play a key role in the development of skin cancer.

How does your fabric block UV rays?

All of our garments are made with Luminology Technology® fabric. This proprietary fabric has been infused with a plant-based oil, which gives it all of its functional properties.

Since the oil is woven into the fabric, our fabrics are naturally UPF 50+, wrinkle resistant, antimicrobial, temperature regulating, and quick drying.

Never coated with chemicals to attain functionality, our fabrics will last wash after wash after wash.

What is Broad Spectrum?

Broad spectrum, in sunscreen and clothing, defines protection against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).

Luminora clothing offers broad-spectrum UPF 50+ protection and protects against the full spectrum of ultraviolet radiation.

*Tip* When choosing a sunblock, be sure to read the label and look for broad spectrum as well.