UPF Fabric 101: What Makes Our Fabric Different?
UPF 50+ fabric is a groundbreaking textile innovation that allows you to stay sun-safe without continued SPF reapplication. UPF fabric and apparel allows you to continue to live your life on your terms.
This spring and summer, the L.U.V. team has been on the road traveling to various cities to spread the word. From time to time, we receive thought-provoking questions that warrant a blog post explanation.
The Backstory
A woman came up to us at a recent pop-up shop wearing an athletic spandex shirt. For context, it was a chilly and rainy spring day, so many were bundled in athletic gear and rain coasts. The woman waked past the booth and asked, “I mean this top I’m wearing isn’t technically UPF and it still has sun protection, right?”
It’s a fantastic question! While many spandex fabrics and denim have inherent sun-safe capabilities, it is no match for a true UPF 50+ rated garment.
Her question prompted a blog post to share what makes our UPF fabric different.
UPF Fabric 101
What Makes a Fabric Sun-Safe?
As mentioned, some fabrics have inherent sun-safe capabilities like heavier spandex and denim textiles. This is because both spandex and denim are heavy synthetic textiles with a tight weave and no holes for the sun to penetrate.
Instead of allowing sun to pass through the garment, the textile instead absorbs the sun rays. In turn, this makes the fabric uncomfortably hot and deliver the sensation of “not breathing with your body.”
UPF 50+ textiles allow you to wear lighter-weight fabrics without compromising sun safety.
Why is UPF 50+ Rated Fabric Different?
UPF 50+ garments are specifically engineered on the fiber level to keep your sun safe. It is important to select sun-safe apparel with the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation, like our L.U.V. Sun Shirt. Those garments have gone through testing to ensure it does what it promises.
Typically, any garments that are not engineered to keep you sun-safe lose any inherent sun protection through wash and wear.
Think about your favorite athletic top. What happens after you wear it, sweat in it, and wash it a few dozen times? Chances are the fibers slowly being to fray, pill, and slowly break down. Our UPF 50+ fabric is engineered to keep you safe, even after wash and wear.
What Makes L.U.V. Different?
L.U.V. promotes an active lifestyle. We believe you should enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, golfing, brunching, and more. We understand the last thing you want is to overheat while enjoying your favorite activities.
Many UPF apparel items on the market are heavy and too uncomfortable to wear in the heat of the summer. Ironically, hot summer days are probably when you need sun protection the most! For this reason, all L.U.V. apparel is moisture-wicking, light-weight, quick-dry and built to keep you comfortable, even in the heat of the day.
There are many brands out there with sun-safe athletic gear. However, there are very few brands that deliver sun-safe everyday apparel. L.U.V. is on a mission to create UPF 50+ clothing brand that can go from the boardwalk to the boardroom.
“When I first set out to find sun-safe apparel, I ended up purchasing garments that left me sitting in a pool of my own sweat. The fabric wasn’t breathable and I felt absolutely miserable, overheated, and stinky.
I didn’t want other sun-safe consumers to experience this same discomfort. Each and every L.U.V. garment is designed to work with your body with moisture-wicking technology.
Our five year plan includes designing apparel that doesn’t look like traditional UPF 50+ apparel. It can be worn to the office, a wedding, or even a concert! It is trendy, on-the-pulse, and chic. ”
Final Thoughts on UPF 50+ Fabric
Not all UPF fabric and apparel brands are created equal. Our team promises each and every day to help you outshine skin cancer. The products you see now are just beginning our journey. We have big plans that revolutionize the UPF 50+ apparel industry. Come along with us on the ride!