SOLARSEALZ™ UV PROTECTION
Do Clothes Block UV Rays? Everything You Need to Know about UV Protective Clothing
BY ISABELLA WHARTON
MAY 2026
Featured in this article
Shropham
Shropham
Lightweight Foldable Trail Cap
3 colors available
Matlask
Matlask
Quick Dry Perforated Cap
4 colors available
Broomhill
Broomhill
Kid's Foldable Cap with Neck Protector
2 colors available
Barford
Barford
Kid's Rash Vest
2 colors available
DO CLOTHES BLOCK UV RAYS?
The short answer is yes, clothes can block some UV rays, but not all clothing offers the same level of protection.
Many everyday fabrics provide some degree of defence against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, the level of protection depends on factors such as fabric type, weave, colour, and condition.
That means whilst your regular cotton T-shirt might reduce UV exposure, it may not be enough to fully protect your skin, especially during prolonged sun exposure and/or physical outdoor pursuits.
CAN UV RAYS PENETRATE CLOTHING?
Yes, UV rays can go through clothes, particularly if the fabric is:
- Lightweight
- Loosely woven
- Light in color
- Stretched or worn
This is why you may still tan or, worse, burn through certain garments. Your standard summer clothing often allows a startling amount of UV radiation to pass through.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can UV rays go through clothing?” or “Does UV light go through clothes?”, the answer is yes, unless the clothing has been specifically designed to block harmful rays from the sun.
WHAT MAKES CLOTHING UV-PROTECTIVE?
Tightly woven fabrics (like our performance materials) block more UV radiation than loosely woven fabrics like linen or thin cotton. Thicker materials tend to provide better coverage, reducing how much UV penetrates through to your skin. Our Solarsealz™ UV protective fabric combines the benefits of UPF 50+ protection with a breathable, lightweight feel, so you can stay outdoors longer this summer, unaffected by the heat.
Wet clothing becomes less effective at blocking UV rays, as water can stretch fibers and allow more radiation through.
All Aquasealz™ waterproof products are also integrated with UPF 50+ protection so your clothing will never be weighed down by water during warmer months. Not only are you protected from sudden downpours, but also from skin damage!
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how much UV radiation a fabric blocks:
- UPF 15–24: Good protection
- UPF 25–39: Very good protection
- UPF 40–50+: Excellent protection
All Solarsealz™ UV protective pieces in the collection are rated at UPF 50+, meaning you can feel secure on your outdoor excursions in the sun.
DO CLOTHES PROTECT FROM UV RAYS ENOUGH?
While regular clothing offers some protection, it’s often inconsistent. If you’re spending extended time outdoors, whether hiking, cycling, or at the beach, Solarsealz™ UV-specific clothing is a more reliable choice.
That’s where purpose-built apparel comes in.
WHY CHOOSE UV-SPECIFIC APPAREL?
Unlike everyday clothing, UV-protective garments are designed to:
- Block a high percentage of UVA and UVB rays
- Maintain protection even when wet or stretched
- Provide consistent coverage across all conditions
- Offer lightweight, breathable comfort
Whether you're training outdoors or heading off on a summer adventure, our Solarsealz™ collection provides a more dependable barrier than standard clothing.
FAQs
Yes, thicker fabrics provide better UV protection. Denser materials reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation that can penetrate through to your skin.
Normal clothes can block some UV rays, but the level of protection is often limited and inconsistent. Thin, light-colored, or loosely woven fabrics allow more UV radiation to pass through, meaning your skin may still be exposed.
Yes, UV rays can pass more easily through wet clothing. When fabric becomes wet, it can stretch and lose density, reducing its ability to block UV radiation effectively.
Darker clothes generally block more UV rays than lighter ones. Dark colours absorb more UV rays, preventing it from reaching your skin.
