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UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor is the measure of the amount of UV radiation that is able to pass through the fabric to the skin’s surface. UPF ratings are unique to fabrics and those with the highest UPF rating of 50+ will allow at most 2% of UV rays to pass through. Depending on the level of protection they offer, they quality for the following certified ratings.

  • 15- 1/15 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 93%.
  • 30- 1/30 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 97%.
  • 50- 1/50 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 98%.

All Sparms products are rated UPF50+ against both UVA and UVB rays which is the highest attainable rating offered by ARPANSA, the Australian Government’s authority on radiation and nuclear safety. We offer the maximum protection available across our entire range of products.

So how do UPF ratings compare with SPF ratings? we are all familiar with the SPF ratings that we see on sunscreens that measure how long you remain protected from UVB rays before reddening or burning but UPF ratings are the measure used for fabrics. Unlike UPF ratings, SPF ratings do not take into account the level of protection against UVA rays that threaten an increased risk of melanoma all year round. Because the two measure different properties of sun protection, they can not be compared side by side.

The best practice is to make sure you are using both sunscreen and clothing to ensure universal protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Better yet, slip on a pair of SParms sleeves and let it do the job for you.

Find out more about SParms and it's certified UPF50+ sun protective range by clicking the links below:
Sleeves UPF50+
Shoulder Wraps UPF50+ 
Body Shirts UPF50+ 
More UPF50+ 

SP arms Team,
This is for information purposes only, always consult your medical professional

UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor is the measure of the amount of UV radiation that is able to pass through the fabric to the skin’s surface. UPF ratings are unique to fabrics and those with the highest UPF rating of 50+ will allow at most 2% of UV rays to pass through. Depending on the level of protection they offer, they quality for the following certified ratings.

  • 15- 1/15 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 93%.
  • 30- 1/30 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 97%.
  • 50- 1/50 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 98%.

All Sparms products are rated UPF50+ against both UVA and UVB rays which is the highest attainable rating offered by ARPANSA, the Australian Government’s authority on radiation and nuclear safety. We offer the maximum protection available across our entire range of products.

So how do UPF ratings compare with SPF ratings? we are all familiar with the SPF ratings that we see on sunscreens that measure how long you remain protected from UVB rays before reddening or burning but UPF ratings are the measure used for fabrics. Unlike UPF ratings, SPF ratings do not take into account the level of protection against UVA rays that threaten an increased risk of melanoma all year round. Because the two measure different properties of sun protection, they can not be compared side by side.

The best practice is to make sure you are using both sunscreen and clothing to ensure universal protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Better yet, slip on a pair of SParms sleeves and let it do the job for you.

Find out more about SParms and it's certified UPF50+ sun protective range by clicking the links below:
Sleeves UPF50+
Shoulder Wraps UPF50+ 
Body Shirts UPF50+ 
More UPF50+ 

SP arms Team,
This is for information purposes only, always consult your medical professional