What does the UV rating mean on sun mesh cover products?Updated 2 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.