Your TOP 5 Questions About UPF, Answered
If you spend time outdoors, you’ve probably heard the term UPF but what does it actually mean? How is it different from SPF? Do you still need sunscreen? And does your UPF clothing still protect you after a dip in the water or a trip through the washing machine?
We’re breaking down the top five questions about UPF so you can better understand how sun-protective clothing works and how to stay protected year-round.
What’s the Difference Between UPF and SPF?
The biggest difference is what they protect.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which are the rays most associated with sunburn.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how effectively a fabric protects the skin it covers from both UVA and UVB rays.
Think of it this way:
SPF = sunscreen protection
UPF = fabric protection
UPF clothing creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, reducing the amount of UV radiation that reaches covered skin.
For overall sun protection, use UPF clothing on covered areas and sunscreen on exposed skin.
Do You Still Need Sunscreen Under Your UPF Clothing?
Generally, no sunscreen is needed underneath properly rated UPF clothing when the fabric fully covers the skin.
The purpose of UPF clothing is to provide built-in protection to the areas covered by the garment. That means you don't need to apply sunscreen underneath your UPF shirt just to get the protection the fabric is designed to provide.
However, don't forget the areas your clothing doesn't cover such as your face, neck, hands, ears, and other exposed skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to those areas and reapply as directed.
At BloqUV, our proprietary BloqTek™ fabric provides UPF 50+ protection and blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays. The protection is built into the fabric rather than being a surface treatment.
Do I Need Sun Protection on Cloudy Days?
Yes!
Clouds may make the sun feel less intense, but they don't completely block UV radiation. UVA and UVB rays can still reach your skin on cloudy or overcast days.
A cloudy day can actually make it easier to forget about sun protection because you don't feel the heat or see bright sunshine.
Whether you're:
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Hiking on a cloudy afternoon
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Spending the day at a farmers market
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Gardening in your backyard
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Playing golf or tennis
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Kayaking or canoeing
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Running errands outdoors
UV exposure can still happen.
Sun protection isn't just for sunny summer days. It's an everyday habit.
Does UPF Clothing Lose Its Effectiveness When It Gets Wet or Is Washed?
This is one of the most common questions—and an important one.
Not all UPF clothing is made the same. The longevity of its protection depends on how the fabric is engineered.
Some fabrics rely on chemical treatments or coatings to provide UV protection, while others are manufactured with the protective properties built directly into the fibers.
At BloqUV, BloqTek™ technology is built into the fabric itself, rather than being a surface treatment. BloqUV fabrics are independently tested by color in both wet and dry conditions, and the UPF protection is unaffected by laundering.
Proper care is still important. Follow each garment's care instructions to help maintain its fit, fabric integrity, and performance over time.
What Do the UPF Numbers Actually Mean?
UPF numbers tell you how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach the skin it covers.
Here's a simple breakdown:
| UPF Rating | Approx. UV Radiation Transmitted |
|---|---|
| UPF 15 | 6.7% |
| UPF 30 | 3.3% |
| UPF 50 | 2% |
| UPF 50+ | Less than 2% |
So, when you see UPF 50+, it means the fabric allows less than 2% of UV radiation to pass through to the skin it covers.
That's why UPF 50+ is considered excellent protection and it's the rating you'll find throughout BloqUV's sun-protective apparel. BloqUV states that its proprietary BloqTek™ fabric blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays.
BloqUV Sun Protection Picks for The Whole Family
Sun protection is for everyone. BloqUV offers UPF 50+ styles for women, men, kids, toddlers, and babies, making it easy to build a sun-protective wardrobe for the whole family.
For kids, the Kids' Crew Neck Top provides long-sleeve UPF 50+ coverage for outdoor play, swimming, boating, biking, and more.
For men, the Men's Long Sleeve Jet Tee offers lightweight, everyday UPF 50+ coverage.
For women, the Women's 24/7 Sun Shirt is a versatile option designed to go from active days to everyday wear.
The Bottom Line: Make Sun Protection Part of Your Everyday Routine
Sun protection doesn't have to mean staying indoors or avoiding the activities you love. It's about making protection part of the way you live outdoors.
Wear UPF clothing on covered skin, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed areas, and remember that UV exposure can happen even when it's cloudy or cool.
Whether you're hiking a trail, spending the day on the water, working in the garden, playing with the kids, or simply enjoying a beautiful day outside, protect your skin so you can keep doing what you love.
