SPF vs UPF: Why Clothing Plays a Bigger Role in Sun Protection Than We Realise

If you live in Australia, sun protection is just part of life. Beach days, backyard play, coastal walks, school drop-offs. We spend a lot of time outside, and most of us are very aware of how strong the sun can be.

For years, sunscreen has been the go-to solution. It’s what we were taught, what we grew up with, and what most families still rely on. But as we learn more about how UV exposure really works, many parents are starting to realise that sunscreen alone doesn’t always make life outside as easy or as effective as we’d like.

That’s where UPF clothing comes in.

So what’s the difference between SPF and UPF, and why is sunwear becoming such an important part of modern sun protection?

What SPF actually means

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays. These are the rays that cause sunburn and visible redness.

An SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98 percent. On paper, that sounds incredibly effective.

But SPF doesn’t tell the whole story. It doesn’t account for how evenly sunscreen is applied, how quickly it wears off, or whether it’s protecting against UVA rays, which are present all day and are linked to long-term skin damage.

Sunscreen only works properly when it’s applied generously and reapplied every two hours, or sooner if you’re swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. And while that’s achievable in theory, in real life it can be hard to keep up with, especially when kids are involved.

The reality of sunscreen with kids

Most parents know the routine well. Applying sunscreen takes time. Reapplying it takes even longer. Kids wriggle, complain, get sticky hands, and often want to be anywhere else.

It’s also very easy to miss spots. Ears, shoulders, the back of the neck, behind knees. Even with the best intentions, areas get overlooked.

Sunscreen is still important, but it requires constant attention. It turns sun protection into something you have to manage all day, instead of something that just works in the background.

What UPF actually is

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it measures how much UV radiation a fabric allows through to your skin.

UPF clothing with a rating of 50+ blocks around 98 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike sunscreen, this protection is built into the fabric itself. It doesn’t wear off, wash out, or need reapplying.

When you put on UPF clothing, protection starts immediately. There’s no waiting period and no timer going off every couple of hours.

Why clothing can be more reliable than sunscreen alone

One of the biggest advantages of UPF clothing is consistency. As long as the fabric is covering your skin, it’s doing its job.

There’s no concern about whether you applied enough, whether it rubbed off, or whether you forgot to reapply after a swim. It creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun.

This is especially valuable in Australia, where UV levels are high year-round and UVA rays are present even on cooler or cloudy days.

Not all clothing offers sun protection

It’s worth noting that regular clothing isn’t the same as sunwear. A standard cotton t-shirt might only offer minimal UV protection (around UPF 5), and less when it’s wet or stretched.

UPF-rated sunwear is designed differently. The fabric is tightly woven, carefully constructed, and tested to ensure it consistently blocks UV radiation while still being breathable and comfortable.

That’s why true sunwear feels different to standard shirts and performs differently in the sun.

Why sunwear matters so much for children

Children’s skin is more sensitive than adult skin, and much of our lifetime sun exposure happens during childhood. This makes reliable sun protection especially important in the early years.

UPF clothing removes a lot of the pressure from parents. It protects areas that are commonly missed with sunscreen and stays effective no matter how active kids are.

It also allows children to play more freely. There’s less stopping, less reapplying, and less fuss, which makes outdoor time more enjoyable for everyone.

Does UPF clothing make you hotter?

This is a common concern, and the answer depends on the fabric. Well-designed sunwear uses lightweight, breathable materials that allow air to circulate while blocking UV rays.

By preventing direct sun exposure on the skin, UPF clothing can actually help keep the body cooler, especially during long days outside.

Do you still need sunscreen?

UPF clothing doesn’t replace sunscreen entirely, but it does reduce how much you need.

Sunscreen is still recommended for areas that aren’t covered, such as the face, hands, and feet. Together, UPF clothing and sunscreen create a much more effective and low-stress approach to sun protection.

Why sunwear is becoming a lifestyle choice

Sunwear isn’t about fear or avoiding the outdoors. It’s about making sun protection easier, more comfortable, and more suited to real life.

Instead of constantly managing sunscreen, families can focus on being present, playing longer, and enjoying time outside without the ongoing mental load.

That’s why sunwear is becoming such an important part of how families approach summer. It simplifies protection, supports an active lifestyle, and lets sun safety happen with no stress.

And when sun protection is simple, it’s much easier to make the most of those sun-filled days.

- Sun protection, made easy ☀️

https://solandtide.com.au/collections/sunwear