Free & Fast shipping on all orders

What is the best color to wear for sun protection?

The weave and weight are the most important factors in determining the sun protective effectiveness of fabrics, but scientific studies have shown that color plays an important role too.

We were all told growing up to wear lighter colors in the sun because they keep you cool, but scientific studies have proven that darker colors are more effective at protecting us from the suns harmful UV rays.

A study conducted in Spain in 2009 found that fabrics with darker or more intense colors tended to have better UV radiation protection than lighter colors. Of all colours they tested, dark blue offered the best levels of UV protection. In relation to the same study, it was reported in the Telegraph newspaper that white and yellow were the worst performing colors in terms of sun protection.

The researchers admitted that whilst the results of their tests were conclusive, however, they were not entirely sure why some colors performed better at preventing UV rays from penetrating fabrics than others.

The Cancer Council in Australia has advised on their website that darker colors absorb UV rays (which equates to blocking UV) better than white or pastel colors of the same fabric.

At Solbari we test every fabric with the Australian Government and we can confirm from our fabric testing results that darker colors in the same fabric offer better sun protection. We only offer fabrics in chosen colors if they have been tested and rated UPF 50+ by the Australian Government. So, irrespective of what color fabrics you see on our website, those fabrics have achieved the excellent UPF 50+ rating.

Solbari Sun Protection is leading Australian sun protective clothing (UPF clothing) brand with customers in over 60 countries.

All of Solbari’s products, in all colors, are independently tested and rated UPF 50+ by the Australian government. UPF 50+ is the maximum sun protective rating for fabrics awarded by the Australian Government.

Solbari’s award-winning range includes UPF 50+ shirts, polos, trousers, arm sleeves and umbrellas.

You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF50+ sun protective range by clicking the blue links below:
Women UPF50+
Men UPF50+
Sun hats UPF50+
Accessories UPF50+

The SOLBARI Team
This blog post is for information purpose only.

Also in Solbari Blog

Raising awareness about sun protection on Skin Cancer Action Week 2019

Over the coming weeks, we will be publishing some stories from the Solbari Community to help raise awareness about the benefits of sun protection, skin cancer and melanoma.

If you are interested in sharing your story, please answer the following questions from the relevant questionnaire and send us a picture of yourself being sun safe in the outdoors.

Can skin damage caused by the sun be repaired or even reversed?

Your skin is your largest organ and has a long memory. Sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) damage is cumulative throughout your life. Research shows that sun damage contributes to more than 90% of wrinkles, brown spots, premature skin ageing as well as precancerous and cancerous skin lesions.

Limiting sun exposure is very important. As the UV rays cause the most damage to the skin.

Who should I talk to if I am concerned about skin cancer?

This blog explains who you should talk to if you have concerns about skin cancer or melanoma. In the first instance, your GP should be able to address your skin concerns. If the mole or skin lesion in question is suspicious or needs more specialist attention you are likely to be referred to a dermatologist.