UPF vs. SPF: What's the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

We all know the ritual: before hitting the sand or heading outside, you 'slip, slop, slap'. The goal is simple: to stay protected from the sun’s rays. But when you look at a bottle of lotion, you see SPF, and when you look at fabric, you see UPF.

While they both feature numbers and the word “protection”, but they are actually performing two different jobs. Understanding the distinction between Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is crucial for ensuring your skin - and your outdoor gear - is up to the task of a long, sunny day.

Here is the breakdown of the two ratings:

Sun Protection Factor (SPF): The Sunscreen Standard

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it is the rating system used exclusively for topical products like sunscreens and lotions.

The key thing to know about SPF is that it is a measure of time and primarily focuses on one type of radiation, UV-B.

• UV-B (B-rays): These are the shorter rays responsible for sunburn and redness.
• SPF is a 'Time Multiplier'. The SPF number tells you how much longer your skin should take to redden compared to having no protection. For instance, if you normally burn in 10 minutes, an SPF 30 sunscreen theoretically allows you to stay in the sun for 30 times longer (300 minutes) before burning.
• A caveat: This rating depends entirely on you applying enough sunscreen (about a shot glass full for your body) and reapplying it every two hours (or more often if you’re swimming or sweating). If you miss a spot or forget to reapply, the protection is lost.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF): The Fabric Shield

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it is the standard used to rate the efficacy of fabrics and textiles, including your swimwear, sun shirts, and the canopy of a high-quality outdoor umbrella.

UPF is a much more comprehensive rating than SPF for one simple reason: it measures how much protection a fabric is giving you by physically blocking both UV-A and UV-B rays.

• UV-A (A-rays): These are the longer, deeper-penetrating rays associated with skin aging and long-term damage.
• UV-B (B-rays): The burning rays.
• The Percentage Block: The UPF number indicates the percentage of UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) that is blocked by the fabric, and does not depend on time or reapplication.

Why UPF Matters for Your Outdoor Kit

When you choose quality outdoor gear - like a well-made beach or patio umbrella - the UPF rating speaks to the core functionality of the product's fabric.

Unlike sunscreen, which is a critical last line of defence for your exposed skin, a high-rated UPF fabric acts as an unwavering shield. It provides consistent protection that doesn't wash off, doesn't need to be reapplied, and comprehensively blocks both the burning (UV-B) and aging (UV-A) rays.

For continuous, reliable sun safety in your favourite outdoor space, always look for the highest possible UPF rating. Basil Bangs outdoor fabrics and all beach and patio umbrellas are rated UPF50+ for best in class sun protection.

While knowing your UPF from your SPF is a great start, staying sun-safe is about more than just checking the label. Think of it as the ultimate buddy system: combine your favourite shade spot with plenty of sunscreen, a great hat, and regular check-ins with your skin to keep things sweet.

For the full lowdown on staying protected while you play, we recommend diving into the Melanoma Institute’s prevention guide and checking out the Cancer Council’s top tips. After all, the best way to enjoy the sunshine is knowing you’ve got yourself (literally) covered!