UPF vs SPF: Understanding the Difference for Skin Health

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should reach for sunscreen or a long-sleeve top before heading outside, you’re not alone. Both are vital, but they do different jobs. UPF and SPF are two protection systems that work together to protect the skin. As Australia’s leader in UPF 50+ clothing, sun hats and accessories, we’re passionate about helping people understand sun protection. This is why we created this guide that breaks down the science and shows how to use each one effectively. 

What UPF means and why it's powerful
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) tells you how effectively a fabric blocks the sun’s ultraviolet radiation before it reaches your skin. A garment rated UPF 50+ allows no more than 2% of UV to pass through, meaning that more than 98% is blocked by both UVA and UVB. 

Because UPF protection is built into the textile, it doesn’t depend on you reapplying. Put it on and the covered skin is protected for as long as you’re wearing it. That makes UPF clothing especially useful for everyday wear, outdoor workers, beach days, sports and travel, any time you need set-and-forget coverage. 

Solbari designs Australian UPF 50+ clothing and UPF 50+ sun hats that are independently tested to verify performance. Fabrics are engineered for breathability, softness and durability, so protection feels as good as it performs.

What SPF means and why you still need it
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) applies to sunscreen on skin. The SPF number primarily quantifies protection against UVB (the wavelengths that burn), while broad-spectrum formulas also guard against UVA (the wavelengths linked to faster skin ageing and deeper cellular damage). 

Sunscreen is essential for exposed areas: your face, hands, ankles and any skin not covered by UPF 50+ clothing. Apply sunscreen generously 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or after swimming, sweating or towelling. 

UPF vs SPF at a glance

What they measure: UPF measures UV blocked by fabric (UVA + UVB). SPF measures protection from sunscreen on skin (primarily UVB; look for “broad-spectrum” to include UVA).
Coverage: UPF clothing and sun hats physically shade the skin they cover—no gaps where you forgot to apply. Sunscreen reaches tricky spots clothing can’t cover.
Consistency: UPF works continuously while you wear it. Sunscreen depends on application thickness, evenness, and reapplication. 
Best practice: Dermatologists recommend clothing first for the body (UPF 50+ shirts, leggings, and a wide-brim hat), then sunscreen second on the remaining exposed skin. 

When to prioritise UPF 50+

Everyday life: walking the dog, school pick-ups, café runs; light, breathable UPF 50+ layers protect without fuss. 
Beach and pool: UPF 50+ swim tops and leggings maintain coverage when you’re in and out of the water. 
Sport and outdoor work: moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics keep you comfortable while blocking UV.
Travel: packable UPF 50+ sun hats and lightweight layers give instant shade wherever you land. 

Solbari’s range is designed so you can build an easy, wearable routine: long sleeves, a high neckline, full-length bottoms and a hat, plus sunscreen for the rest. 

Why UPF 50+ sun hats are non-negotiable
The face, ears, scalp and neck get a disproportionate amount of incidental UV and are common sites for sun damage. A UPF 50+ wide-brim sun hat provides 360-degree shade that a cap simply can’t match. For long days outdoors, a legionnaire-style hat adds a protective drape over the back of the neck and tops of the ears. Solbari hats are light, breathable and adjustable, making it easy to keep them on all day. 

How to read labels, and avoid common mistake
For clothing and hats: look for UPF 50+ clearly stated. Prioritise styles with more coverage: long sleeves, thumbholes, high collars, and generous brims, because protected surface area lowers your cumulative UV dose. 

For sunscreen: choose broad-spectrum SPF 50+. Use enough: about a teaspoon for each arm, each leg, the front of the body, the back, and the head/neck. Reapply every two hours and after water or sweat. Pair sunscreen with UPF garments rather than relying on it alone. 

The Solbari difference: tested, trusted, wearable
At Solbari, we believe sun protection should feel effortless, and that's why every fabric is tested to the highest global standards. For the past 10 years, we have been creating and developing UPF 50+ products to empower people to live a sun-smart life. Our UPF 50+ pieces are independently tested and made for real life: lightweight, breathable and soft on skin, with styles you’ll actually want to wear. 

Testing and certifications we align to include

1. AS/NZS 4399:2017 (Australia/New Zealand): a stringent benchmark that requires fabrics to block at least 98% of UV to achieve UPF 50+.
2. AATCC Test Method 183 (United States): measures UV transmission in dry and wet states for real-world reliability. 
3. ASTM D6603 (United States): governs labelling standards for sun-protective clothing. 
4. Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation: select products that carry this seal, reflecting a commitment to skin health. 
5. OEKO-TEX®: used on selected fabrics to verify they’re free from harmful substances and suitable for sensitive skin. 
6. bluesign®: where applicable, we work with bluesign®-approved partners and processes supporting responsible chemistry and manufacturing. 

A simple combo that actually works

1. Dress first: choose Solbari UPF 50+ clothing and a UPF 50+ sun hat to cover the most sun-exposed areas.
2. Add sunscreen: apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ to the skin you leave uncovered.
3. Top up your routine: seek shade when you can, wear UV-blocking sunglasses and check the UV Index—use full protection whenever it’s 3 or above. 

FAQs 

Is UPF 50+ “better” than SPF 50? 
They’re different tools. UPF 50+ is better for the skin it covers because it physically blocks ≥98% of UV without relying on reapplication. SPF 50 is essential for uncovered skin and for topping up coverage. 

Can I rely on UPF 50+ clothing instead of sunscreen? 
UPF 50+ fabric blocks at least 98% of UV rays that hit it. Unlike sunscreen, it doesn’t rub off, sweat off, wash off, or get under-applied. That’s why dermatologists often recommend “clothing first, sunscreen second” – clothing is a more reliable barrier wherever it covers your skin. 

For areas that are fully covered by UPF 50+ clothing (for example, arms in long sleeves, torso, legs in UPF tights, or the neck under a high collar or hood), you can generally consider those areas well protected in everyday use, unless you’re extremely photosensitive or have specific medical advice to do otherwise. 

You will still need sunscreen on any skin not covered by UPF 50+ fabrics, such as: 

• Face
• Ears
• Lips
• Neck if not fully covered
• Any gaps not covered by clothing, accessories, or your sun hat 

Keep in mind that reflected UV from water, sand, concrete, and snow can reach your skin from angles that clothing doesn’t fully shield. UPF clothing doesn’t protect your eyes, so UV-blocking sunglasses are still essential. 

A simple way to remember it
If UPF 50+ fabric is over it, it’s covered. If skin is showing, it needs SPF 50+. 

Do darker skin tones need UPF 50+? 
Yes. While deeper complexions have more natural melanin, UV can still damage skin and accelerate ageing. UPF 50+ helps reduce cumulative exposure for everyone. 

Will I overheat in UPF clothing? 
Solbari UPF 50+ fabrics are engineered to be lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking, so you stay cool while protected, ideal for outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, golf, racket and water sports.  

The bottom line 

• UPF is for clothing and hats; SPF is for sunscreen on skin.
• Use UPF 50+ clothing and UPF 50+ sun hats as your first line of defence to block ≥98% of UV on covered areas.
• Use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ as your second line on exposed skin and reapply.
• Choose reliable, comfortable pieces you’ll wear every day—choose Solbari. 

Solbari makes sun protection simple, stylish and effective. Explore Australian-designed UPF 50+ clothing, UPF 50+ sun hats, swimwear and accessories to build a routine you’ll keep so you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence.