Does sleeve colour matter for sun protection?

Does a white sleeve protect as well as a black one? It is a fair question, and the honest answer has two parts. Colour does play a part in how much UV a fabric blocks. But for most people, the best colour is the one they will actually wear.

What colour does to UV

Cancer Council explains that many dyes absorb UV. For the same type of fabric, darker colours such as black, navy and dark red absorb more UV than light pastel shades such as white, sky blue and light green. ARPANSA says the same thing: in general, darker colours and stronger dyes absorb more UV than lighter colours.

Notice the words "the same type of fabric". Colour is only one factor. ARPANSA lists several things that change how much UV a fabric lets through:

• How tight the knit or weave is. The less space between the threads, the less UV gets through.
• How thick the fabric is. Thicker fabric generally blocks more.
• How much it is stretched. Stretching a knitted fabric opens up the gaps.
• Colour and dye. Darker and stronger dyes usually absorb more.
• Condition. Old, worn or faded fabric can protect less.

So a light colour in a tightly made fabric can still do a good job. When you choose a lighter colour, Cancer Council says the fabric's structure becomes more important.

What our test covered

IceRays sleeves were tested by ARPANSA in 2015 (black sample). The report, reference 10484-1B, rated a Black Aqua-x/Spandex sleeve sample UPF 50+, in the Excellent category.

We are careful about what that means. The test was on black. We have not published a test report for each of the other colours. We do not claim the other colours have been tested, and we do not claim they protect less. We simply do not have a separate report to show you. The full details are on our test report page (PDF, opens in a new tab).

Why only black? A UPF test is done on a specific sample, and a report can only speak for the fabric that was tested. That is why we name the colour every time we mention the result.

If having a tested colour matters to you, choose black. That is the colour the report covers.

A common mix-up: white reflects the sun

Many people assume white must protect best, because white clothes feel cooler in the sun. Whatever you feel about warmth, that is about visible light and heat, not UV. You cannot see UV, and how a fabric feels in the sun tells you very little about how much UV gets through it.

The guidance from Cancer Council and ARPANSA points the other way for UV: for the same type of fabric, darker colours and stronger dyes generally absorb more UV. A white fabric can still protect well if it is tightly made, but you cannot judge that by eye or by how warm it feels. That is why a tested rating matters more than colour alone.

The colours you can choose

The Australian store lists six colours:

• White
• Black
• Beige
• Light Blue
• Light Grey
• Charcoal

Stock can differ between Australia and the US, so check the named colour photos when you order. In a twin pack or 4-pack, you can mix colours.

Practical things to think about

Club rules

Some lawn bowls clubs ask for white or club colours on pennant days. Check with your club before you buy. See our lawn bowls guide for more.

Matching your shirts

Many golfers like a neutral that goes with their polos, such as white, beige or light grey. A 4-pack of mixed colours covers most outfits. Our golf guide has more tips for the course.

Dirt and wear

In the garden, white shows soil quickly, and darker shades such as charcoal hide it better. See our gardening guide.

Comfort in the sun

Some people prefer lighter colours on hot days, and others do not notice a difference. Comfort is personal, so go with what you like wearing.

Buying as a gift

If the sleeves are a present, think about what the person already wears. A bowler may need white for club days. A golfer may want something that goes with most polos. A gardener may prefer a darker shade that hides soil. If you are not sure, a mixed 4-pack gives them choices, and one size fits all adults, so there is no size to guess.

Fading

All coloured fabric can fade over time. Cancer Council notes that old, threadbare or faded clothes may protect less, so replace sleeves when they look worn. Follow the care label that comes with your sleeves.

A simple habit helps you notice when that time comes. Every few weeks, lay a sleeve next to one from a newer pair, or next to the photo of that colour on our shop page. If it has gone noticeably paler, looks thin when stretched over your arm, or has snags and pulled threads, it is time for a new pair. Our guide on how to care for sun sleeves covers washing, drying and storing them.

Picking a colour by activity

If you are still deciding, here are some practical picks:

• Golf: white, beige or light grey to go with most polos, or black if you want the colour our test covered.
• Lawn bowls: white for club and pennant days, if your club asks for it.
• Gardening: charcoal or black, which hide soil and grass stains.
• Driving: any colour you like. Some people keep a pair in the car for the window-side arm. See sun through a car window.
• Walking and travel: a mixed pack, so there is always a clean pair that goes with what you are wearing.

Whatever you choose, the fit is the same. One size fits all adults, and our page on how one size fits explains how to put them on.

Our suggestion

Pick a colour you will reach for every time you head outside. A sleeve that stays in the drawer protects nothing. If you want the colour our test covered, pick black. If you want a mix, a 4-pack is AUD 120, which is $30 a pair and saves $31.80 compared with four single pairs. In the US a 4-pack is USD 100.

For more on how fabric ratings work, read what UPF 50+ means, or start with the complete guide to UV arm sleeves.

Related guides

• Choosing golf sun sleeves: six things to check
• Cycling sun sleeves: check coverage in the riding position
• Do Arm Sleeves Protect from Sun?
• Hiking sun sleeves: prepare for exposed parts of the trail
• Sun sleeves for cricket: arm cover for a long day in the field
• Sun sleeves for horse riding: arm cover for long hours in the saddle
• Sun sleeves for seniors: easy arm cover for the things you love
• Sun sleeves for tennis: cover for every set on an open court
• Sun sleeves for walking and everyday outdoor time
• UPF 30 vs 40 vs 50+: what is the difference?