When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, not all clothing is created equal. You might have seen UPF ratings on clothing tags and wondered: is there really that much of a difference between UPF 40 and UPF 50? And what does the plus in UPF 50+ mean?
Let’s walk through what these numbers really mean, why they matter more than you might think, and how choosing the right UPF rating can make a big difference over time, especially when it comes to keeping your skin healthy and aging gracefully.
What Do UPF Ratings Mean?
UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, measures how much UV radiation (both UVA and UVB rays) a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example:
| UPF Rating | % of UV Rays Blocked | % of UV Rays Let Through | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPF 30 | 96.7% | 3.3% (1/30) | Very Good |
| UPF 40 | 97.5% | 2.5% (1/40) | Excellent |
| UPF 50 | 98% | 2% (1/50) | Excellent |
| UPF 50+ | 98% or more | 2% or less | Maximum |
As you might notice, UPF 50 offers roughly 25% more UV-blocking power than UPF 40 by reducing UV penetration from 2.5% to just 2%, or even less with UPF 50+. That might not sound like a huge difference, but over time, especially with repeated sun exposure, that extra margin can go a long way in protecting your skin’s health and maintaining its appearance.
Is UPF 40 Good Enough?
Though it isn’t the maximum level of protection, UPF 40 clothing is still considered excellent protection. It blocks 97.5% of UV rays, which is just slightly below the 98% blocked by UPF 50. So yes, UPF 40 is definitely good enough for everyday sun protection. But that small percentage difference adds up over time.
Let’s say you wear the same UPF shirt for several years. That half-percent of additional UV exposure every day can lead to noticeably more cumulative UV damage over the years, especially if you’re outdoors often or live in a sunny area.
Why Choose UPF 50 Over UPF 40?
The difference between UPF 40 and UPF 50 may seem small, but it becomes meaningful with time, wear, and sun exposure. Fabrics naturally experience wear and tear from washing, stretching, and environmental factors, which can reduce their UV protection over time. Starting with a higher UPF rating gives you a better margin of sun safety.
If you're especially mindful of your skin's health and appearance, or if you're outdoors frequently, choosing UPF 50+ is a smart choice. It’s like choosing a more effective sunscreen. A small difference in daily protection adds up over the years and can help reduce the visible signs of aging and lower your long-term risk of skin damage.
If the sun protective clothing is just as comfortable as regular clothing, why not go with the highest available protection? That’s why many dermatologists recommend going with UPF 50+ when you can.
What Does the “+” in UPF 50+ Mean?
The “plus” means that the fabric has been tested to go beyond the standard UPF 50 mark. While UPF 50 blocks 98% of UV rays, UPF 50+ indicates that the fabric blocks more than 98%, offering the highest level of UV protection currently recognized in textiles. It’s a label you’ll typically find on apparel that is designed for extended sun exposure.
UPF Clothing vs. Sunscreen
Sunscreen works great, but it has limits. It needs to be applied generously and reapplied every two hours, and even more often if you’re sweating or in the water. Many people also miss spots or don’t use enough. Plus, regular clothing may offer little to no UV protection unless it’s specifically labeled with a UPF rating.
UPF clothing, on the other hand, makes sun protection much easier.
- You don’t need to apply sunscreen underneath it
- It doesn’t wash off or wear away with sweat
- It offers broad spectrum protection from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays
- It provides consistent coverage without needing reapplication
UPF clothing also protects parts of your body that are commonly overlooked (or out of reach) with sunscreen, such as your back, shoulders, and arms.
The Comfort and Benefits of Sun Protection Clothing
One of the biggest misconceptions is that sun-protective clothing is stiff, not breathable, and uncomfortable. But Essuntials is changing that. Our UPF 50+ clothing is soft, lightweight, breathable, and feel just like your favorite everyday tee, with powerful UV protection built in.
Each Essuntials UPF shirt blocks at least 98% of UV rays and is independently lab-tested to maintain that protection for at least 40 washes. That means long-term, reliable coverage that feels as good as it looks. And since just one Essuntials shirt can replace the need for up to 8 bottles of sunscreen, you’ll save time, mess, and about $57 in sunscreen costs over its lifespan.
Why the Difference Between UPF 40 and UPF 50 Matters
The gap between UPF 40 and UPF 50 might seem small on paper, but over time it can mean the difference between aging gracefully or dealing with sun damage like spots, wrinkles, and worse. Since 90% of visible aging is caused by UV exposure, choosing a higher UPF rating helps preserve the health and appearance of your skin.
This is especially true if you spend a lot of time outdoors, live in a high UV Index area, or are simply trying to cut back on how often you need to use sunscreen. Every little bit of protection counts, and over the years, those small differences in daily exposure make a big impact.
The Bottom Line
UPF 40 is a great level of protection, but UPF 50+ is the gold standard. It offers the highest level of defense and the most peace of mind. It’s not just about what gets through your shirt today, but what that means for your skin tomorrow.
Choosing UPF clothing that is both comfortable and effective, like Essuntials, makes it easier to stay protected every day. That’s what real sun protection comes down to: something that works, something that you’ll actually wear, and something that truly lasts.
Live well under the sun!
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