The IceRays field guide
What does UPF 50+ mean?
You will see "UPF 50+" on swing tags, shirts, hats and arm sleeves. Here is what it actually means, in plain words, and what it does not mean.
The one-line answer
UPF tells you how much of the sun's UV gets through a fabric. UPF 50+ means no more than one fiftieth of the UV gets through, so the fabric blocks 98% or more.
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is a rating for fabric, worked out in a laboratory. It is not the same as SPF, which is a rating for sunscreen on skin. Our guide to UPF vs SPF explains the difference.
The simple maths
The UPF number tells you what fraction of UV gets through. Divide one by the number:
- UPF 15 lets through about one fifteenth, or 6.7%. It blocks about 93.3%.
- UPF 30 lets through about one thirtieth, or 3.3%. It blocks about 96.7%.
- UPF 50 lets through one fiftieth, or 2%. It blocks 98%.
- UPF 50+ lets through less than that again. It blocks more than 98%.
Those percentages look close together, but look at what gets through instead. A UPF 30 fabric lets through about 3.3% of UV. A UPF 50 fabric lets through 2%. So UPF 30 lets through roughly two thirds more UV than UPF 50.
How Australia groups the ratings
According to Cancer Council and ARPANSA, the current Australian standard for sun protective clothing uses three groups:
| UPF rating | Group | UV blocked |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Minimum protection | About 93.3% |
| 30 | Good protection | About 96.7% |
| 50 and 50+ | Excellent protection | 98% or more |
Cancer Council recommends UPF 50 and 50+. The standard has no rating higher than 50+, so the "plus" simply means the fabric tested above 50. For how the numbers compare, see UPF 30 vs 40 vs 50+.
How it is tested
In a UPF test, a laboratory shines UV through samples of the fabric and measures how much passes through. Cancer Council notes the rating describes the fabric dry and unstretched. That matters, because real life is not always dry and unstretched.
Cancer Council also explains that, under the Australian standard, a UPF rating for a garment also takes in its design, meaning how much skin it covers.
What UPF 50+ does not mean
- It does not cover what the fabric does not cover. A UPF 50+ sleeve protects your arm, not your face, neck or hands.
- It is not a time limit. It does not mean you can stay out 50 times longer. Use the UV index and the SunSmart steps instead.
- It can drop when fabric is stretched. ARPANSA says stretching a knitted fabric usually lowers its UPF as the gaps open up.
- It can drop when fabric is wet. Cancer Council says fabrics give less protection when wet.
- It can drop as fabric wears. Old, threadbare or faded clothes may protect less over time.
None of this means UPF clothing does not work. It means you get the most from it when it fits well, stays dry where possible and is replaced when worn out.
What the IceRays report says
IceRays sleeves were tested by ARPANSA in 2015 (black sample). ARPANSA is the Australian Government's radiation protection agency, and it offers a fabric testing service. Here is what the report records:
- Report reference 10484-1B.
- Sample: Black Aqua-x/Spandex UV Sleeves.
- Analysed on 18 May 2015, with eight specimens tested.
- Rated UPF 50+, in the Excellent protection category.
The report rates the material, not the design of the sleeve. It covers the black sample tested in 2015, not every colour sold today. It is a test result, not an endorsement of IceRays by ARPANSA. You can read the details and open the full report on our test report page (PDF, opens in a new tab).
Putting it to work
A UPF 50+ sleeve is one part of a sun-safe day. Check the UV index for your town. When it is 3 or above, Cancer Council recommends clothing, SPF 50+ sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, shade and sunglasses together.
If you want UPF 50+ cover for your arms, see our 4-pack, which is AUD 120, or $30 a pair, saving $31.80 compared with four single pairs. In the US it is USD 100. One size fits all adults. Read more in do arm sleeves protect from the sun? and the complete guide to UV arm sleeves.
Related guides
- Arm sleeves vs sunscreen: which suits your arms?
- Does sleeve colour matter for sun protection?
- Fishing sun sleeves: keep arm cover in your tackle routine
- 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
- The best time to garden by the UV index
Common questions
Does UPF 50+ block all UV?
No fabric blocks everything. UPF 50+ blocks 98% or more, so a small amount can still get through.
Is UPF 50+ better than UPF 50?
Both are in the Excellent group. The "plus" means the fabric tested above 50.
Does UPF wear off?
Fabric can protect less as it gets old, thin or faded, and some garments rely on treatments that need special care. Follow the care label and replace sleeves when they look worn.
Does UPF 50+ clothing still protect when wet?
The rating is for dry fabric. Cancer Council says fabrics give less protection when wet, so carry a dry spare on long, sweaty days.
Is the IceRays result an ARPANSA endorsement?
No. ARPANSA tested a black sample in 2015 and rated it UPF 50+. That is a test result, not an endorsement.