UPF Ultraviolet Protection Factor, think of it as the clothing equivalent of sunscreen SPF
When it comes to jobsite safety, flame resistant (FR) clothing is essential, but protection shouldn’t stop there. For workers exposed to long hours in the sun, UPF rated FR clothing adds another critical layer of defense.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is the clothing equivalent of SPF. While SPF measures how long it takes skin to burn, UPF measures how much harmful UV radiation (UVA and UVB) a fabric blocks before it reaches your skin.
The higher the UPF rating, the greater the protection.
Why UPF Matters in FR Workwear
Many industries that require flame resistant clothing, oil & gas, utilities, energy, and industrial trades also involve constant sun exposure. Over time, this exposure increases the risk of skin damage and long term health issues.
UPF rated FR clothing helps protect workers by:
• Blocking harmful UV rays all day
• Reducing the need for constant sunscreen reapplication
• Providing consistent protection in high heat environments
• Improving comfort during long outdoor shifts
For workers in high altitude or high heat environments, combining FR protection with UV protection is a game changer.
How UPF Ratings Work
UPF ratings show how much UV radiation a fabric blocks:
|
UPF Rating |
Protection Level |
UV Radiation Blocked |
|---|---|---|
|
1524 |
Good |
93.3% 95.9% |
|
2539 |
Very Good |
96.0% 97.4% |
|
4050+ |
Excellent |
97.5% 98%+ |
When selecting FR shirts, FR hoodies, or FR base layers, choosing higher UPF ratings ensures better sun protection throughout the workday.
Benchmark FR Fabric Testing Results
At Benchmark FR, we design American made FR clothing for real world performance including sun exposure. We tested some of our most popular warm weather, single layer fabrics for UV protection:
|
Material |
UPF Rating |
UV Radiation Blocked |
Products |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GOAT Flex Mesh |
26 |
95.80% |
|
|
Polartec Power Dry |
47 |
97.90% |
|
|
Second Gen Jersey, 8 Cals |
50+ |
98.00% |
|
|
Benchmark 3.0 Jersey, 8.9 Cals |
38 |
97.20% |
|
|
Silver Bullet |
50+ |
99.70% |
These results show that high performance FR fabrics can deliver both flame resistance and UV protection, without sacrificing comfort or breathability.
FR Clothing That Works as Hard as You Do
Benchmark FR designs flame resistant clothing that works as hard as you do. Not all FR apparel is built the same, which is why we focus on American made garments, advanced fabric technology for heat and sun protection, durable construction for demanding environments, and lightweight materials built for hot weather performance. By combining FR compliance with UPF protection, our gear helps keep workers safer in more ways than one.
If you work outdoors, your gear should protect you from more than just flames. UPF rated FR clothing provides built in sun protection, long lasting performance, increased comfort in hot conditions, and added safety throughout the workday. When choosing FR workwear, it is important to look beyond basic compliance and choose gear that protects you from every element on the job, including the sun.