Best Sun Protection Fabric: How to Choose High-Quality UPF Clothing

What Makes a Fabric the Best for Sun Protection?

When you’re investing in high-quality sun protective clothing, understanding what sets fabrics apart can make all the difference.

Sun protection isn’t just about avoiding sunburn—it’s about long-term skin health, slowing visible signs of aging, and choosing clothing that offers lasting protection.

In this article, we'll discuss what to look for in the best sun protection fabric.

Table of Contents

  • What Makes a Fabric the Best for Sun Protection

  • The Science Behind UPF 50+ Fabric

  • The Difference Between Permanent and Non-Permanent UPF Protection

  • Beyond Sun Safety: Fabric Quality, Comfort, and Style

  • Why OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Matters for Your Skin

  • Where to Find Sun Protection Without Compromise

  • The Future of Sun Protective Fashion

A Truly High-Quality Sun Protection Fabric Should Have:

  • UPF 50+ certification to block over 98% of UVA and UVB rays.

  • Permanent UV protection that won’t wash out, fade or wear off.

  • OEKO-TEX and BLUESIGN certification for skin safety and environmental responsibility.

  • A silky-soft, buttery texture that feels luxurious on your skin.

  • Stylish, versatile colors and prints that suit your modern wardrobe.

The Science Behind UPF 50+ Fabric

You may have seen UPF ratings on clothing before, but what do they really mean?

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how much UV radiation penetrates fabric and reaches your skin. This includes both UVA and UVB rays.

UPF 50+ means the fabric blocks more than 98% of UVA and UVB rays. It is the highest certified protection rating.

UPF 50+ fabrics help reduce your risk of sunburn, skin damage, and premature aging, while still allowing your skin to breathe.

  • UVA rays penetrate deeper into skin than UVBs and can even pass through glass. They damage the collagen and elastin in your skin causing wrinkles and premature skin aging. They're also linked to skin cancers.
  • UVB rays cause sunburn and can damage the eyes, leading to cataracts and other eye problems. They're a major contributor to the development of skin cancers, including melanoma. Note: They do play a role in your body's production of Vitamin D.

Why do dermatologists consider sun protective clothing the gold standard to keep your skin healthy?

Because wearing sunscreen is simply not enough. SPF sunscreen must be applied every two hours in order to remain effective because it absorbs then breaks down quickly on your skin.

That's a lot of sunscreen if you think about how much you'd need to reapply every day! Think of the mess, time and cost because a good quality, broad spectrum mineral sunscreen is not cheap.

How Sun Protection is Built into Fabric

High-quality sun protective fabrics achieve their UPF rating through one of two methods:

1) Inherent (permanent) to fabric with the mineral Titanium Dioxide woven into the individual fibers of tightly woven fabrics.
2) UV-absorbing topical treatments which are added as a finish to fabric and wash out over time, thus providing temporary protection.

But not all UPF fabrics are created equal—which brings us to the most important factor: Permanence.

The Difference Between Permanent and Non-Permanent UPF Protection

Many sun protective garments lose their effectiveness over time.

  • Temporary UPF fabrics are made by applying a UV-blocking treatment onto the material. The downside? This protection washes out over time, leaving you unknowingly exposed.

  • Permanent UPF fabrics weave sun-protective technology directly into the fibers and maintain their protection for the lifetime of the garment.

For long-lasting, permanent sun safety, always look for fabrics that:

  • Contain titanium dioxide (TiO₂) woven into the fibers.

  • Are certified by AATCC 183 (USA) or NZS 4399 (Australia/New Zealand).

  • Guarantee UPF 50+ protection that never washes out.

Beyond Sun Safety: Fabric Quality, Comfort, and Style

Sun protection is essential, but that doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or style.

The best sun protective fabrics also excel in luxury, wearability, and style:

  • Silky-soft and luxurious, perfect for sensitive skin.

  • Breathable and lightweight, so you stay cool and comfortable.

  • Stylish, with modern, fashionable colors and chic prints.

  • Ethically sourced and sustainably made.

These are the fabrics that make you feel as good as you look.

Why OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Matters for Your Skin

When you're shopping for UPF clothing, it's not just about sun protection—it's also about what’s not in your fabric. The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that every component of the textile—down to the threads and dyes—has been tested for harmful substances.

For any person with sensitive skin or wanting to reduce exposure to irritants, this certification offers peace of mind. When a fabric is both UPF 50+ certified and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, it means you're getting proven sun protection without compromising on health or skin safety.

It's one more way to protect your skin—gently and effectively—every time you get dressed.

And because OEKO-TEX® standards also help reduce the use of harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process, what's good for you is also better for the planet.

If you’re searching for the best sun protection fabric that meets every one of these standards, consider Heliades.

Why Heliades Delivers Lasting Sun Protection Without Compromise

  • UPF 50+ certified (blocks over 98% of UVA/UVB rays).

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified for your whole health and safety.

  • Titanium dioxide woven into the fibers (protection never washes out).

  • Fine-gauge knits and wovens that feel luxurious, soft, comfortable.

  • Chic colors and prints designed to coordinate with your wardrobe.

  • Sustainably made fabric by BLUESIGN certified partners with GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and/or REACH certifications.

The Future of Sun Protective Fashion

The best sun protection fabric isn’t just about UV defense—it’s about feeling confident, beautiful and empowered while protecting your skin.

Heliades is redefining UPF fashion with luxury quality, permanently sun protective, stylish fabrics that look as good as they perform.

Remember, the best sun protection is one you'll wear every single day.

Protect your skin. Elevate your wardrobe.

Shop UPF50+ clothing made with the best sun protection fabric today.

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About our founder

I started Heliades with the intent to combine fashion with function by designing sun protective apparel with an elevated look that doesn't scream beach, resort or activewear. My goal is to create stylish options to protect our skin every day, for every occasion.

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