Determination of UV Protection Factor of Textiles

Sun yes. Sunburn no.

Solar radiation is essential for human health. The body needs it to form vitamin D. But, ultraviolet rays present great potential stress to the skin. Dermatologists have seen a significant increase in skin cancer worldwide. In the U.S., skin cancer is diagnosed more than all other cancers combined.

Risk is especially high for children and outdoor workers.

Children, whose skin is still very thin and without the full protective mechanisms that develop around age 15, are at higher risk. People who work outdoors for extended time periods (i.e. construction workers, road workers or gardeners) require optimized workwear.

Durable sun protection.

Even the strongest cosmetic sunblock offers a maximum Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50. What’s more, for long-lasting protection, it must be applied several times and used correctly: before sun exposure and reapplied after being washed or rubbed off.

In comparison, clothing and shading textiles are ideal for practical protection that far exceeds the maximum UV protection factors (UPF) of the strongest sunblock cream. Depending on the design, textiles can achieve an ultraviolet protection factor of up to UPF 80, meaning the wearer can stay protected in the sun for up to 80 times longer than the intrinsic protection time allows (dependent on skin type).

Help customers choose.

Consumers cannot judge a product's ability to protect against UV rays by sight or touch. Based on standardized measurement procedures and neutral testing, we assign comparable and reliable values for the UV protection of garments or shades. We also offer certifications based on international standards, with the Hohenstein Quality Label or UV STANDARD 801 label for consumer communication.

Tested and proven for safety.

In new condition

We test according to various international standards and award the Hohenstein Quality Label.

American (AATCC TM 183): textiles in new condition under the Albuquerque, New Mexico solar spectrum
Australia-New Zealand (AS/NZS 4399): new, unstretched and dry textiles under the Melbourne, Australia solar spectrum on January 1st
European (DIN EN 13758-1): new, unstretched and dry textiles under the Albuquerque, New Mexico solar spectrum

For real life

For the UV STANDARD 801, we consider important aspects of use, including stretching of the textile, wetting of clothing, weathering of shading textiles, aging by certain abrasion and washing cycles and many more. We also assume maximum radiation intensity with the solar spectrum in Melbourne, Australia on January 1st (peak of the Australian summer).

Learn about UV STANDARD 801

Optimize material or design for max UV protection.

In addition to consumer safety and claim verification, Hohenstein tests the UPF for product and material optimization during development.

Physical behavior of rays on a textile

Physical Behavior of UV Rays on a Textile

Combining materials for maximum UPF

Measure transmission, reflection & absorption of UV, VIS, IR wavelengths

Higher Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) means lower transmission of UV radiation to the skin

Factor calculation considers the solar spectrum, typical skin reddening, etc., not just the pure measurements.

Individual skin type affects protection time

Protection against UV radiation

Textile UV protection during welding processes.

Skin is also damaged by artificial UV radiation. To specify the UV protection factor of protective clothing for welders, for example, we calculate the UV transmission for personal protective equipment, which can then be used to determine the maximum usage duration of the textiles in the respective welding process.