We’ve All Heard of SPF, but What About UPF?

UPF—what is it, and why you need it

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protective Factor (if it sounds similar to SPF, that’s because it is!).  UPF is a designation given to clothing (rather than sunscreen) on its ability to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.  

Is there really that much of a difference between regular clothes and UPF-wear?  

The long and short answer? Yes.  

According to the Cleveland Clinic article, “Does Sun Protection Clothing Actually Work?”, dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, says that “[m]ost cotton shirts give you an equivalent of about a UPF of 5 when you’re wearing it”. 

Um, that’s not exactly helpful if your goal is to truly protect your skin from the sun.  But don’t fret!  There is clothing with UPF of as high as 50+!  

The experts at the Skin Cancer Foundation say that “[a] UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ rates as excellent.”  

Basically, the higher the UPF number (like SPF!), the more significantly you’re “reducing your exposure risk”.  

And everyone agrees—the American Academy of Dermatology states that one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer is to wear sun-protective clothing. And, for even greater and more effective sun protection, “select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label”.  

That’s where we come in—Fishers Finery EcoFabric™ Collection is rated UPF 50+  

We are incredibly proud to have every piece in our EcoFabric™ Collection be rated UPF 50+.

What does that mean for you?  

Easy—all you have to do to be confident in the sun is shop our specially-curated Active & Athleisure Collection.