What does the UV rating mean on sun mesh cover products?Updated 10 months ago

We always advocate for the use of sun protection in any condition, with any product. Sunscreen is the best method of protection in all cases.

UPF: What it is and why it matters? Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sunÕs rays and allows two percent (1/50th, thats where the ÔUPF 50Õ comes from) to penetrate.

Yes, your clothing shields you from the sun, but not all fabrics and colors provide equal protection. Luckily, we have options; most of our sunhood materials will deliver UPF50.

Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, is based on the time it takes for UV-exposed skin to redden; if you burn after 20 minutes, if used correctly, an SPF 15 sunscreen may protect your skin 15 times longer. Another important distinction: UPF measures both UVB and UVA rays, while SPF measures only UVB.

Our black out covers have been tested independently to provide a UPF50 level of sun protection, with a high level of airflow.

Our UV sun mesh has been tested at independent testing facilities to deliver UPF5 (itÕs obviously low because itÕs a mesh, as it has holes that let the sun through). Using the maths above UPF5 means 20% of the UV comes through/ 80% doesnÕt. But 5 is better than zero, right? It was tested for UVA and UVB. Also, keep these factors in mind:

• Color: Dark or bright colors keep UV rays from reaching your skin by absorbing them rather than allowing them to penetrate. ThatÕs why we use a black mesh.
• Construction: Of course, densely woven cloth, like denim, canvas, wool or synthetic fibers, are more protective than sheer, thin or loosely woven cloth.
• Content: Unbleached cotton contains natural lignins that act as UV absorbers. Shiny polyesters and even lightweight satiny silks can be highly protective because they reflect radiation. High-tech fabrics treated with chemical UV absorbers may exceed REACH or CPSIA codes for toxicity with childrenÕs products.
• Fit: Tightness can stretch and reduce the level of protection offered, as the fibers pull away from each other and allow more UV light to pass through.
• Coverage: The more skin covered, the better your protection. Whenever possible, use sun creams and cover-up clothing for kids.