UV protective clothing
Do you work outdoors? If so, the sun isn't always your friend. After just 20 minutes of exposure to intense sunlight, your skin can already start to burn. For builders, landscapers, road workers, and other outdoor professionals, this is a daily reality. Standard workwear isn’t enough to protect against this. That's where UV-protective workwear comes in - specially designed to fill that gap. Discover the UV-protective clothing range at 71workx.
Uv-protective workwear: what is it and what does the certification mean?
UV-protective workwear shields outdoor workers from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Clothing certified under the EN 13758 standard has a UPF rating of at least 40+, meaning it blocks more than 97.5% of UV radiation. For anyone working outdoors daily, this level of protection is essential.
What is uv-protective workwear?
This type of clothing is specifically designed to shield the skin from ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. While regular clothing blocks some UV rays, it does not offer sufficient protection for prolonged outdoor work.
Certified UV-protective workwear is made from fabrics tested for their protective capabilities. This is measured using the UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). The higher the UPF rating, the more UV radiation the fabric blocks.
Why is uv protection important for outdoor workers?
UV radiation comes in two forms: UVA and UVB. Both can cause harm with long-term exposure.
- UVB radiation leads to immediate skin burning.
- UVA radiation penetrates deeper, accelerating skin ageing and causing damage beneath the surface.
Repeated sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer, even years later. For outdoor workers, this risk is a consistent concern. That's why proper protection is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
In addition to UV-protective clothing, consider these precautions:
- Wear a cap or helmet with neck protection.
- Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.
- Use sunglasses with UV filters.
- Alternate between sun and shade, and stay hydrated.
What factors affect the uv protection of clothing?
Four key factors determine how much UV radiation a piece of clothing can block:
- Weave structure and density — The tighter the weave, the less space UV rays have to pass through.
- Fabric type — Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon typically provide better protection than cotton or linen.
- Colour — Darker colours absorb more UV rays than lighter ones. For example, wearing a white cotton shirt on a sunny day offers minimal protection.
- Moisture and tension — Wet or stretched fabrics allow significantly more UV radiation to penetrate.
What does en 13758 certification mean?
EN 13758 is the European standard for UV-protective clothing. It specifies how the protection level of a fabric is measured and how clothing should be labelled.
What is en 13758-1?
EN 13758-1 outlines how the UV-protection of a fabric is tested. Fabrics are exposed to UV light in a lab, simulating sunlight conditions similar to those in New Mexico, USA. The test is performed on new, dry, and unstretched fabric.
Only fabrics that block at least 97.5% of UV radiation, corresponding to a UPF rating of 40 or higher, can carry the EN 13758 label.
What is en 13758-2?
EN 13758-2 focuses on labelling UV-protective clothing. It specifies what information must be included on the label so users can quickly understand the level of protection offered.
If you see this certification on a garment, the protection has been officially tested and approved.
What does upf 40+ mean?
| UPF Rating | Percentage of UV Radiation Transmitted | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|
| 15–24 | 6.7%–4.2% | Good |
| 25–39 | 4.1%–2.6% | Very Good |
| 40–50+ | 2.5% or less | Excellent |
Workwear certified under EN 13758 always has a minimum UPF rating of 40+. This means at least 97.5% of UV radiation is blocked, providing the level of protection required for a full day of outdoor work.
What is the difference between en 13758 and uv standard 801?
UV Standard 801 is a stricter, internationally recognised testing method. The key difference lies in the testing conditions:
- EN 13758 tests new, dry fabrics under sunlight conditions from New Mexico.
- UV Standard 801 tests fabrics under realistic working conditions, including when wet, stretched, or after repeated washing, using sunlight conditions from Australia—one of the most intense UV environments in the world.
Clothing certified under UV Standard 801 provides superior protection in real-world conditions, making it the best choice for professionals in demanding outdoor environments.
Who benefits most from uv-protective clothing?
UV-protective clothing is useful for anyone spending extended time outdoors, but it’s particularly crucial for:
- Outdoor workers — Builders, landscapers, road workers, and similar professionals who spend hours in the sun, often without realising the exposure.
- Water sports enthusiasts — Sunlight reflects off water, increasing exposure. Burns often go unnoticed until later.
- Children — Their skin is more sensitive. Childhood sunburn significantly raises the risk of skin cancer later in life (Cancer Research UK, 2026).
- People with fair skin or skin conditions — Less pigment means less natural protection.
- Those taking certain medications — Some drugs increase UV sensitivity.
Ultimately, UV-protective clothing is a smart choice for anyone working or exercising outdoors.
What should you look for when choosing uv-protective workwear?
Not all outdoor workwear offers UV protection. When shopping, keep these factors in mind:
- Check the label. Look for EN 13758 certification or a UPF rating of 40+—this ensures tested protection.
- Consider the fit. Clothing should not be too tight or stretched, as this reduces its protective ability.
- Opt for long sleeves. The more skin covered, the better the protection.
- Pay attention to materials. Tightly woven fabrics offer better protection, and darker colours absorb more UV rays.
How should you care for uv-protective workwear?
Improper care can reduce UV protection. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, and keep these tips in mind:
- Wash garments at the recommended temperature.
- Avoid bleach or harsh detergents.
- Air-dry clothing, as excessive heat can damage the fabric's protective properties.
- Regularly inspect for wear and tear.
If a garment becomes visibly worn or deformed, its UV protection can no longer be guaranteed. Replace it promptly.
How do uv-protective clothing and sunscreen work together?
UV-protective clothing and sunscreen complement each other—they’re not interchangeable.
- UV clothing provides consistent protection for large areas of the body throughout the day with no need for reapplication.
- Sunscreen covers exposed areas like your face, ears, neck, hands, and feet.
The Cancer Council Australia suggests this approach: wear a shirt, apply sunscreen, and put on a hat. Combine these methods as part of a system, not alternatives. Also, avoid the sun between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, when UV radiation is strongest.
Protect yourself and your team—against uv too
UV-protective workwear isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential part of personal protective equipment for anyone working outdoors. The EN 13758 certification ensures clothing blocks more than 97.5% of UV rays and meets rigorous European standards.
At 71workx, you’ll find a wide range of protective workwear, from flame-resistant clothing to high-visibility and rain gear. Explore our full range of protective workwear and find the protection that suits your working environment.
Frequently asked questions about uv-protective workwear
Is uv-protective clothing mandatory for outdoor work?
UV-protective clothing isn’t legally required for all outdoor jobs. However, employers do have a duty of care to protect workers from health risks caused by long-term sun exposure.
How long does uv-protective clothing last?
UV-protective clothing remains effective as long as the fabric is in good condition and worn correctly. Damage, wear, and excessive stretching can reduce protection.
Does uv-protective clothing help with heat?
UV-protective clothing shields against harmful UV rays but isn’t inherently cooling. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick moisture for hot conditions.
How can I identify genuine uv-protective workwear?
Look for certifications like EN 13758 and a clearly stated UPF rating. Only certified clothing is tested for UV protection.
What uv-protective clothing is best for construction work?
For construction, choose durable, breathable UV shirts, polos, and jackets with EN 13758 certification. Ensure proper fit, adequate coverage, and comfortable materials.
Can uv-protective clothing be worn in winter?
Yes, UV radiation is present year-round. Outdoor workers exposed to sunlight daily can benefit from UV-protective clothing, even in colder months.