What Does UPF 50+ Mean in Kids’ Clothing? A Parent Guide

UPF 50+ means the fabric provides a very high level of tested protection against ultraviolet radiation. A UPF 50 fabric allows approximately 1/50th of UV radiation to pass through, meaning it blocks about 98% of UVA and UVB rays on the areas covered by the fabric.

For parents, the simplest way to think about it is this: UPF tells you how well clothing helps protect the skin underneath it from the sun.

UPF 50+ clothing does not replace sunscreen on exposed skin, a protective sun hat, sunglasses, shade, or other sun-safety measures. It helps make protection more consistent for the areas the fabric covers.

At Ember & Ray, we believe sun protection should feel like a natural part of getting dressed. Our UPF 50+ tested clothing is designed for school mornings, park visits, family travel, summer camp, water days, and the ordinary outdoor moments that make up childhood.

If you are building a simple sun-protection routine, these guides may also help: choosing the right type of UPF clothing for kids, UPF vs SPF, whether regular clothing protects kids from the sun, everyday sun protection for kids, and the UV Index for kids.

What does UPF stand for?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor.

It is a rating used for fabrics and clothing. The rating describes how much ultraviolet radiation can pass through the material and reach the skin underneath.

The higher the UPF number, the greater the tested level of UV protection provided by the fabric.

For example:

• UPF 15 allows approximately 1/15th of UV radiation to pass through
• UPF 30 allows approximately 1/30th to pass through
• UPF 50 allows approximately 1/50th to pass through

UPF 50 and UPF 50+ are generally considered the highest commonly used protection category for sun-protective clothing.

How much UV does UPF 50+ clothing block?

UPF 50 fabric blocks about 98% of UVA and UVB radiation on the skin covered by the fabric.

Another way to say this is that approximately 2% of UV radiation passes through.

UPF 50+ is used for garments that fall within the highest commonly used UPF protection category.

This does not mean the garment protects every part of the child’s body. It protects the areas covered by the tested fabric, so sunscreen and other protection are still needed for the face, ears, neck, hands, feet, lower legs, and any other exposed skin.

What is the difference between UPF and SPF?

UPF and SPF both relate to sun protection, but they apply to different things.

• UPF measures the UV protection provided by fabric.
• SPF is the rating used for sunscreen and is based on protection against sunburn.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB. Clothing is labelled with a UPF rating, while sunscreen is labelled with an SPF rating.

This means phrases such as “SPF clothing” or “SPF 50 shirt” are not technically the standard terms. For clothing, the correct rating is UPF.

For a fuller comparison, read our guide to UPF clothing versus SPF sunscreen.

Does regular clothing provide sun protection?

Regular clothing can provide some protection from UV radiation, but the amount varies.

Factors that can affect the protection provided by ordinary fabric include:

• how tightly the fabric is woven or knitted
• the type and weight of the material
• the colour of the fabric
• how much the garment stretches
• whether the fabric is wet or dry
• how worn or faded the garment has become
• how closely the fabric sits against the skin

A shirt may cover the skin but still allow more UV radiation through than a tested UPF garment.

The benefit of a stated UPF rating is that parents are not relying only on appearance or assumptions. The fabric has a measured protection level.

Read more about whether regular clothing protects kids from the sun.

Why do parents choose UPF 50+ clothing for kids?

One of the biggest benefits is consistency.

Once the clothing is on and remains properly positioned, it continues protecting the areas covered by the fabric without needing to be reapplied like sunscreen.

That can make sun protection easier during:

• school mornings and outdoor recess
• park visits and playground time
• summer camp and field trips
• family travel and road trips
• backyard play
• walking, hiking, and outdoor events
• swimming and splash-pad days
• cloudy or cooler days when UV may be underestimated

UPF clothing does not make a child fully protected on its own. It can, however, reduce the amount of exposed skin that requires sunscreen and make the routine feel more manageable.

What should parents look for in UPF clothing?

Not every UPF garment is equally practical for children.

Look for clothing that combines a clearly stated UPF rating with coverage, comfort, and a design the child can realistically wear throughout the day.

A clearly stated rating

Look for a garment that clearly identifies its rating, such as UPF 50 or UPF 50+.

A vague phrase such as “sun aware,” “sun friendly,” or “UV resistant” does not give parents the same clear measurement.

Useful coverage

Consider how much skin the garment covers.

Useful features can include:

• long sleeves
• higher necklines or collars
• thumbholes that help keep sleeves in place
• full-length pants
• rashguards with higher neck coverage
• jackets that can be layered over shorter sleeves

Comfort for the activity

The best sun-protective clothing is clothing the child will keep on.

Choose fabrics and silhouettes that allow movement, suit the weather, and work for the activity. A garment may offer excellent protection, but it is less helpful if it feels too stiff, heavy, restrictive, or uncomfortable for the child to wear.

Reliable fit

A garment should fit well enough to provide coverage without constantly shifting, riding up, or stretching excessively.

Clothing that becomes very stretched may provide different protection than fabric in its intended condition, depending on the material and construction.

Care instructions that fit family life

Check the garment’s washing and care directions.

UPF clothing for children should be practical enough for repeated wear, outdoor play, sunscreen marks, food spills, water days, and regular laundering.

Does UPF 50+ clothing replace sunscreen?

No.

UPF clothing protects the skin covered by the fabric. Sunscreen is still important for exposed areas.

Depending on the outfit, exposed areas may include:

• the face
• the ears
• the neck
• the hands
• the feet
• the lower legs
• areas where clothing shifts during movement

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen according to the product label and reapply as directed during continued sun exposure, swimming, sweating, or towelling off.

Protective clothing works best as part of a broader routine that can also include a protective sun hat, UV-protective sunglasses, shade, and attention to the UV Index.

Can children wear UPF 50+ clothing every day?

Yes. UPF 50+ clothing can be worn for ordinary daily activities, provided the clothing is comfortable and appropriate for the temperature and activity.

Sun-protective clothing is not only for swimming, sports, or beach vacations.

Everyday uses can include:

• walking to school
• outdoor recess
• school pickup
• playgrounds and parks
• summer camp
• family travel
• outdoor birthday parties
• cottage weekends
• errands and car rides

The right garment depends on the day. A soft long-sleeve shirt may work for school, travel, and outdoor play, while a lightweight jacket may be useful for cool mornings or changing conditions. A rashguard is more appropriate for swimming and water play.

Is UPF clothing only needed on hot, sunny days?

No. UV radiation is not determined only by temperature or how bright the sky looks.

Children may still receive meaningful UV exposure on cooler, breezy, or cloudy days.

This is why checking the UV Index can be more useful than judging the day only by heat or cloud cover.

Use our UV Index checker for kids before longer periods outside.

You can also read more about whether kids can get sunburn on cloudy days.

How should parents care for UPF clothing?

How a garment maintains its UPF performance depends on the fabric, construction, treatments, wear, and manufacturer instructions.

Some fabrics provide protection through their fibre type, density, weave, knit, colour, or construction. Other garments may use additional treatments.

Always follow the garment’s care label. Avoid assuming that every UPF item behaves the same way after repeated washing, stretching, damage, or wear.

Replace clothing that becomes overly thin, damaged, very stretched, or worn in ways that may affect its coverage or fabric structure.

What should kids wear with UPF 50+ clothing?

UPF clothing is most helpful when it is part of a complete, practical outfit.

A simple outdoor outfit may include:

• a UPF 50+ long-sleeve shirt
• lightweight pants or activity-appropriate bottoms
• a protective sun hat
• UV-protective sunglasses
• comfortable, secure footwear
• sunscreen on exposed skin

For changing weather, add a lightweight jacket. For pools, splash pads, or beach days, use a long-sleeve rashguard and appropriate swimwear.

Which Ember & Ray pieces provide UPF 50+ tested coverage?

Each piece serves a slightly different part of a child’s outdoor routine.

For soft everyday coverage

The UPF 50+ Thumbhole Long Sleeve Crewneck provides long-sleeve coverage, thumbholes, and a soft fit for school, parks, travel, and outdoor play.

For a collared everyday option

The UPF 50+ Thumbhole Long Sleeve Polo combines long-sleeve coverage with a more polished collared finish.

For lightweight leg coverage

The UPF 50+ Grow With Me Pants provide lightweight stretch, pockets, an adjustable waist, and an adjustable hem designed to change as the child grows.

For cool mornings and changing weather

The UPF 50+ Thumbhole Lightweight Jacket can be layered over clothing for school drop-off, travel, field trips, breezy outdoor periods, and changing conditions.

For swimming and water play

The UPF 50+ Quarter Zip Rashguard provides long sleeves, a higher neckline, thumbholes, and UPF 50+ tested coverage for pools, splash pads, beach days, and water activities.

All Ember & Ray clothing pieces provide UPF 50+ tested coverage for the areas covered by the fabric. Sunscreen remains important on exposed skin.

Frequently asked questions about UPF 50+ kids clothing

What does UPF 50+ mean?

UPF 50+ means the fabric falls within the highest commonly used UPF protection category. A UPF 50 fabric allows approximately 1/50th of UV radiation to pass through, blocking about 98% of UVA and UVB rays on the skin covered by the fabric.

Is UPF 50+ the highest rating?

UPF 50 and UPF 50+ are generally considered the highest commonly used protection category for sun-protective clothing.

Is UPF 50+ good for children?

UPF 50+ clothing can provide a high level of tested UV protection for the skin it covers. Choose clothing that is comfortable, fits properly, and suits the child’s activity and weather conditions.

Does UPF 50+ block both UVA and UVB?

A UPF rating considers both UVA and UVB transmission through fabric. UPF 50 fabric blocks approximately 98% of UV radiation on the covered areas.

Is UPF clothing better than regular clothing?

UPF-rated clothing provides a clearly stated, tested level of UV protection. Regular clothing may provide some protection, but the amount can vary based on the fabric, weave, colour, stretch, moisture, wear, and construction.

Do children still need sunscreen with UPF clothing?

Yes. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin and any areas where clothing may shift. Follow the sunscreen product label and guidance from your child’s healthcare provider when relevant.

Can kids wear UPF clothing to school?

Yes. Comfortable UPF clothing can be worn for school, recess, field trips, school pickup, and other ordinary outdoor activities.

Can UPF clothing be worn on cloudy days?

Yes. Clouds do not block all UV radiation. Check the UV Index and use sun-protection measures appropriate for the day, even when the weather looks grey or feels cool.

Can UPF clothing go in the washing machine?

Follow the specific garment’s care label. Many UPF garments are designed for regular laundering, but care instructions vary by product and fabric.

Does UPF clothing make children overheat?

Comfort depends on the fabric, fit, temperature, activity, and individual child. Choose breathable, lightweight clothing suited to the weather, encourage water and cooling breaks, and adjust layers when needed.

The bottom line

UPF 50+ clothing provides a very high level of tested UV protection for the skin covered by the fabric.

A UPF 50 fabric allows approximately 1/50th of UV radiation to pass through, meaning it blocks about 98% of UVA and UVB rays on covered areas.

Its biggest practical benefit is consistency. Once the clothing is on and remains properly positioned, it continues covering the same areas while children move, play, travel, learn, and explore outside.

UPF clothing does not replace sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, shade, or attention to the UV Index. It makes one part of the sun-protection routine easier to repeat.

Read next

• Learn whether regular clothing protects kids from the sun.
• Compare UPF clothing and SPF sunscreen.
• Build an everyday sun-protection routine for kids.
• Find out whether kids can get sunburn on cloudy days.
• Check the UV Index for kids before heading outside.
• Learn how often to reapply sunscreen on children.

Sources

• The Skin Cancer Foundation: Sun-Protective Clothing
• Cancer Council Australia: Sun-Protective Clothing
• Health Canada: Sun Safety Basics
• Health Canada: Sunscreens

This article is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace guidance from your child’s healthcare provider. Always follow sunscreen product-label instructions and the care instructions provided with the garment.