UPF 50+ appears on everything from hats to clothing, but the label itself doesn't always tell you much. Many people know it's a sign of sun protection, yet few understand how the rating is measured or what it represents. If you've ever wondered what does UPF 50 mean, you're not alone.
Understanding the UPF 50+ meaning starts with understanding how sun-protective products are tested. In this guide, we'll break down what the number means and why the AS/NZS 4399:2020 standard plays such an important role. It's the same standard used to test and certify OZ Smart's UPF 50+ products, providing an independently verified measure of UV protection.
What Does UPF Stand For?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It's a standardised rating used to measure how much ultraviolet radiation a fabric allows to pass through to the skin.
Unlike SPF, which is used for sunscreen and primarily measures protection against UVB radiation, UPF is used for clothing, sun hats and other fabrics. It measures protection against both UVA and UVB rays, giving a broader picture of a fabric's sun-protective performance.
A UPF 50+ rating means less than 2% of UV radiation can pass through the fabric, blocking at least 98% of both UVA and UVB rays. The higher the UPF rating, the greater the level of protection provided by the material. This is why UPF testing plays such an important role in verifying the performance of sun-protective fabrics.
If you'd like to understand how UPF-rated clothing works alongside sunscreen, we have a helpful guide on how to layer sun protection.
The UPF Rating Scale Explained
|
UPF Rating |
Protection Level |
UV Radiation Blocked |
|
UPF 15-24 |
Good |
93-95% |
|
UPF 25-39 |
Very Good |
96-97% |
|
UPF 40-50 |
Excellent |
97.5% or more |
|
UPF 50+ |
Maximum |
At least 98% |
The UPF scale makes it easier to compare the level of protection provided by different fabrics. As the rating increases, less UV radiation is able to pass through the material and reach your skin.
When reviewing the UPF clothing standard in Australia, it's important to know that a UPF rating isn't something brands can simply assign themselves. To carry a legitimate UPF rating, clothing and accessories must be tested and classified in accordance with the AS/NZS 4399:2020 standard.
What is the AS/NZS 4399:2020 Standard?
The AS/NZS 4399:2020 standard is the recognised benchmark for evaluating and classifying sun-protective clothing and accessories across Australia and New Zealand. Published by Standards Australia, it provides a consistent way to measure and communicate UV protection.
How UPF Ratings Are Measured
The standard focuses on how effectively a fabric blocks ultraviolet radiation. This UPF testing process allows materials to be measured and assigned a rating, making it easier to compare products and understand the level of protection being offered.
Why Fabric Performance Can Change
Sun protection isn't just about the fabric itself. The standard recognises that UV protection can be affected by real-world conditions, including moisture, stretching and everyday wear. That's why a garment's performance involves more than simply looking at the material or thickness of the fabric.
What a UPF 50+ Rating Tells You
Products assessed under the AS/NZS 4399 sun protective clothing UPF standard are assigned a UPF rating based on their tested performance. A UPF 50+ rating means the material has been tested and classified under the standard. In other words, the rating is based on an established testing process rather than a number chosen by the brand.
Why This Standard Matters
Strong UV levels are something many of us deal with year-round, whether it's a morning walk or a day at the beach. As our guide to the UV index in Australia explains, UV exposure can remain high even when the weather feels mild. The AS/NZS 4399:2020 standard provides a trusted point of reference, helping you understand what each UPF rating means when comparing sun-protective products like sun umbrellas and hats.
Source: ARPANSA — Australian Sun Protective Clothing.
How Are OZ Smart Hats Tested?
How the Testing Process Works
Fabric samples undergo laboratory testing to assess UV protection performance and verify their UPF rating. This testing determines how effectively the material blocks ultraviolet radiation before a rating is assigned.
The Result: Certified UPF 50+
Testing confirms that OZ Smart hats achieve a UPF 50+ rating. This means less than 2% of UV radiation passes through the fabric, helping provide a high level of protection during outdoor activities.
Testing Backed by ARPANSA
UV protection claims are only meaningful when they're supported by testing. That's why our materials are assessed in collaboration with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) as part of the UPF rating process. This testing helps verify that the fabric meets the requirements for a UPF 50+ rating, confirming a high level of UV protection.
You can read more about how our hats are UPF tested here.
Made With Local UV Conditions in Mind
Strong UV levels are part of everyday life across much of the country, particularly during the warmer months when the UV Index can reach Extreme levels. OZ Smart creates products with these conditions in mind, including outdoor-ready wide brim sun hats, legionnaire hats and bucket hats, all designed to provide practical coverage for time spent outdoors.
What to Look For When Buying a UPF50+ Hat
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Check for Certification
When comparing hats, look for a UPF 50+ label that also references the AS/NZS 4399:2020 standard. Certification confirms that the fabric has been tested and classified using a recognised rating system.
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Consider Coverage, Not Just Fabric
A brim of at least 7.5cm is recommended to help protect the face, ears and neck and provide better coverage. For higher-exposure environments, a UPF 50+ legionnaire hat with a neck flap can provide even more protection.
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Look at the Fabric Condition
Even the best UPF clothing in Australia won't last forever. If a hat becomes heavily faded, stretched or damaged, its level of protection may be reduced. Replacing worn items helps maintain reliable coverage over time.
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Match the Hat to the Person
A well-fitting hat is more likely to stay in place during everyday use. This is especially important for children, which is why choosing properly fitting sun protection hats for kids matters just as much as the UPF rating itself.
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…and the Activity
Consider the time you'll spend outdoors and the level of sun exposure. Activities such as hiking, sports events and festivals often mean extended periods in the sun, making coverage and comfort especially important. For outdoor adventures, our hiking collection has practical options for long days on the trail.
