A groundbreaking study from Oregon Health & Science University found that UPF-protective clothing offers superior UV protection to sunscreen, and recommended UPF apparel as the “cornerstone of UV protection” for those who love the outdoors. “Dermatologists have long debated the pros and cons of sun-protective clothing and sunscreen, but we’re one of the first to compare the two head-to-head,” said Dr. Elizabeth Berry, co-founder of the OHSU Multi-Disciplinary Melanoma and Skin Cancer Clinic.” “Our study showed that the tested fabrics provided superior UVB, UVA, and overall broad-spectrum protection when compared to two commercial sunscreens.” Why UPF Clothing Outperforms Sunscreen The study tested four types of UPF fabric against UPF 30 and UPF 50 sunscreen, and in each test, UPF clothing consistently blocked a higher percentage of harmful rays. The UPF fabrics blocked over 99% of UVB rays — the rays most associated with skin cancer — while sunscreen offered a lower range of protection, between 76% and 94%. Researchers also found that UVA protection, which is linked to skin aging, wrinkles, and conditions like melasma, is significantly higher in UPF fabrics, with protection rates between 96% and 98%, compared to the sunscreens’ 54% to 82%. “The big take-home of this study is that UV-protective clothing works so much better than sunscreen. The data really supports it. If you look at all the UVA- and UVB-blocking protection that clothing provides, it exceeds sunscreen in all measures.” — Dr. Elizabeth Berry UVA rays are concerning because they don’t cause visible sunburn, making it difficult to detect damage to your skin in real time — which means relying solely on sunscreen can leave your skin vulnerable to long-term harm. If your goal is to maintain healthy skin, the best protection is wearing UPF clothing designed to block both UVA and UVB rays, like the apparel we design here at Kastel. The Practical Advantages of UPF Clothing Dr. Haskell Beckham, a co-author of the study who has overseen the development of UPF fabric technologies, noted that beyond its UV-blocking power, UPF clothing offers practical advantages over sunscreen: “UPF apparel isn’t sticky, and it doesn’t block sweat pores, making it an easy choice for anyone looking to stay protected without sacrificing comfort.” Sunscreen can also wash away with sweat or water, leaving skin exposed, but UPF clothing provides consistent protection, shielding your skin from the sun without the need for reapplication. UPF Clothing By Kastel Kastel’s name means ‘castle’ or ‘fortress’ in Danish, reflecting our mission to create elevated activewear that protects you from the sun. As innovators in UPF apparel, we continuously seek out the latest in textile technology and design inspiration from around the world to create cutting-edge, beautiful clothing that keeps you sun-safe in style. Our advanced fabric technology offers UPF 30+ protection, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial properties, ensuring you stay comfortable and fresh throughout your day. Just as this study suggests, we believe that UPF clothing should be the foundation of sun safety — and we’re here to help you enjoy every moment outdoors with confidence.