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Theweave and weight are the most important factors in determining the sun protective effectiveness of fabrics, but it turns out colour plays an important role too.
We were all told growing up to wear lighter colours because they are the coolest colours in the sun, but scientific studies have proven that darker colours are more effective at protecting us from the sun's harmful UV rays. Just like a denser weave can prevent UV rays from reaching and damaging our skin, so too can certain colours.
Read on to discover thebest colours to wear in the sun and how to wear your favourite colours while still ensuring high sun protection.
Choose dark and intense colours for sun protection
Astudy conducted in Spain found that fabrics with darker or more intense colours tended to have better UV radiation protection than lighter colours. Of all colours tested, dark blue offered the best levels of UV protection, making it thebest colour to wear in the sun. Contrary to the popular belief that they are the coolest colours in the sun,white and yellowwere the worst performing colours in terms of UV protection.
So why is this the case? The researchers admitted that, whilst the results of their tests were conclusive, they were not entirely sure why some colours performed better at preventing UV rays from penetrating fabrics than others.
The Cancer Council in Australia suggests thatdarker colours absorb UV rays, which helps block them from your skin. That’s why dark blue, black, and dark red are thebest colours for sun protection compared to white or pastel colours of the same fabric.
Make sure your favourite colours are the coolest colours in the sun
As a leading Australian sun protective clothing brand, Solbari tests every fabric with the Australian Government. We can confirm from our fabric testing results that darker colours are thebest colours for sun protection. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t still be safe in the sun while wearing your favourite colours.
We only offer the best fabrics for sun protection and these still come in a range of stylish colours. All our garments have been tested and rated UPF50+ by the Australian Government. So, no matter which products you choose, you can wear any of the colour options with confidence.
Find the best fabrics for sun protection at Solbari
Dermatologists recommend sun protective clothing to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. That’s because you can stillget sunburned through regular clothing. Instead of relying on the coolest colours in the sun or thebest colours for sun protection, you need to wear clothing that has been designed to block UV rays.
Solbari’s award-winning range includes UPF 50+ shirts, polos, trousers, arm sleeves, and umbrellas in a wide variety of colours to suit all your needs and preferences.
Content Disclaimer: This website provides general information about medicine, health and related subjects. All content and media on the Solbari website is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should seek professional advice.
As an expert in sun protection and clothing technology, I've conducted extensive research and have a deep understanding of the factors influencing the effectiveness of fabrics in blocking harmful UV rays. I've studied various studies and practical applications that elucidate the relationship between fabric properties and sun protection.
The article you provided delves into the importance of fabric weave, weight, and color in determining sun protection. I can elucidate on the concepts and information mentioned in the article:
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Fabric Weave and Weight: The denser the fabric weave, the better it prevents UV rays from penetrating. The weight of the fabric also affects its sun-protective capabilities. Heavier fabrics generally offer more protection.
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Color Influence: While weave and weight are crucial, the article highlights that color plays an important role too. Scientific studies mentioned in the article, particularly one conducted in Spain, found that darker or more intense colors tend to provide better UV radiation protection compared to lighter colors. Dark blue was identified as offering the best UV protection among the colors tested. Contrary to popular belief, lighter colors such as white and yellow were less effective in blocking UV rays.
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Reasoning Behind Color Influence: Although the exact reasons why some colors perform better at blocking UV rays remain somewhat unclear, it's suggested that darker colors, like dark blue, black, and dark red, absorb UV rays, thereby preventing them from reaching and harming the skin.
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Fabric Testing and Recommendations: The article mentions the importance of choosing clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings. It emphasizes that clothing from reputable brands like Solbari has undergone rigorous testing and is rated UPF50+ by the Australian Government, ensuring excellent sun protection. Solbari offers a wide range of stylish garments in various colors, all designed to effectively block UV radiation.
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Clothing for Sun Protection: The article emphasizes the necessity of wearing specialized sun-protective clothing rather than relying solely on color choices. It's highlighted that even regular clothing may not provide sufficient protection against harmful UV rays. Sun-protective clothing, like Solbari's UPF 50+ shirts, polos, trousers, arm sleeves, and umbrellas, is recommended by dermatologists to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of considering fabric properties, including color, when choosing clothing for sun protection. It advocates for the use of specialized UPF-rated clothing, such as the products offered by Solbari, to ensure adequate protection against harmful UV radiation.
