UPF 50+ Fabric
Material Composition
100% Polyester or Nylon (High-Density Blend)
Weight (GSM)
100gsm - 220gsm (Lightweight to Mid-Weight)
High-Performance UPF 50+ Fabric for Maximum Sun Protection
Our UPF 50+ Fabric is a specialized technical textile engineered to provide industry-leading ultraviolet (UV) protection for outdoor apparel and sun protection garments. As the core offering in our UV Protection Fabric collection, this material blocks over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB radiation, offering a reliable shield for consumers in high-UV environments. It is the global standard for manufacturing sun shirts, beachwear, outdoor caps, and active lifestyle gear.
Understanding UPF 50+ Protection
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is the international standard for rating fabric performance. A fabric rated UPF 50+ allows only 1/50th (2%) of the sun's UV radiation to penetrate the textile, compared to standard clothing which may offer a UPF of only 5-10. This superior protection is achieved through two primary mechanisms:
- Tight Fabric Construction: We utilize high-density knitting or weaving techniques to minimize the gap between fibers, physically blocking UV rays from reaching the skin.
- Advanced Fiber Technology: We incorporate specialized UV absorbers or intrinsic UV-blocking polymers into the fiber matrix itself, ensuring that protection is permanent and unaffected by stretching or washing.
Technical Testing & Quality Assurance
To guarantee consistent safety and performance, our UPF 50+ fabric undergoes rigorous laboratory testing based on international standards:
- AATCC 183 / ISO 24444-2: These are the standard methods for determining UV transmittance in fabrics. Our fabric consistently tests above the 50+ threshold.
- Color Fastness to Light (ISO 105-B02): Verified to resist fading, ensuring that the fabric’s protective qualities and aesthetics remain intact even after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- Durability Testing: Confirmed to maintain UV blocking effectiveness after 50+ industrial wash cycles, ensuring long-term reliability for end-users. All fabrics are certified under OEKO-TEX Standard 100, ensuring they are free from harmful substances and safe for sensitive skin.
Comparison: UPF 50+ vs. Standard Cotton vs. Standard Polyester
| Feature | Standard Cotton | Standard Polyester | UPF 50+ Fabric |
| UV Protection | Low (UPF 5-10) | Moderate (UPF 15-25) | Excellent (UPF 50+) |
| Wet Performance | Absorbs water, loses protection | Retains some protection | High resistance to UV loss when wet |
| Breathability | High | Moderate | Optimized for airflow |
| Durability | Low (weakens when wet) | High | Excellent (Long-term protection) |
| Best For | Casual indoor wear | General outdoor apparel | Sun shirts, swimwear, hats |
Ideal Applications
This versatile technical fabric is widely specified for the following outdoor apparel applications:
- Sun Protection Clothing: Long-sleeve fishing shirts, hiking t-shirts, and sun jackets
- Beachwear & Swimwear: Cover-ups, board shorts, and rash guards
- Head & Footwear: Sun hats, caps, and athletic socks for outdoor activities
- Travel & Commuter Gear: Packable windbreakers and lightweight summer apparel
- Children’s Apparel: Safe and comfortable clothing for sensitive skin protection
Why Partner with Us?
As a factory-direct manufacturer, we offer full customization for GSM, color (using UV-resistant dyes), and finish. Whether you are producing high-performance fishing gear or affordable everyday sun protection clothing, our production lines deliver consistent quality.
Need chlorine-resistant options? Explore our Swimwear Fabric. For extreme weather protection, check out our Outdoor Shell Fabric.
Related Products & Applications
UPF 50+ Fabric sits at the core of our UV Protection Fabric category, engineered to block the highest tier of harmful ultraviolet radiation while remaining lightweight and breathable. It complements our broader range of sun-blocking textiles, working alongside UV Resistant Polyester Fabric for durable, color-stable performance and Sun Protective Apparel Fabric for garment-focused comfort. Where end uses demand elasticity and freedom of movement, UV Protection Stretch Fabric offers a natural pairing, giving buyers flexibility to match the right material to each application within a single sourcing relationship.
Thanks to its certified UPF 50+ rating, this fabric is ideal for Outdoor Apparel such as hiking shirts, sun hoodies, fishing shirts, and activewear designed for prolonged sun exposure. It also performs reliably in Workwear & Protective Clothing, shielding field crews, agricultural workers, and construction teams who spend long hours outdoors. The material balances UV defense with moisture management and durability, making it suitable for both fashion-driven and function-driven programs.
These qualities make UPF 50+ Fabric a trusted choice across the Outdoor & Adventure Industry, where performance and comfort are essential for consumer-facing brands, as well as the Industrial Safety & Workwear Industry, where consistent protection and long-term wear resistance are priorities for procurement teams.
For wholesale and custom orders, we support flexible MOQs starting at 500 meters per color, full OEM and ODM customization including weight, width, finish, and color matching, and standard lead times of 15 to 30 days depending on order volume and treatment requirements. Sample swatches are available on request to help buyers evaluate hand feel, performance, and compliance before committing to bulk production.
Request UPF 50+ Fabric Specifications
Need custom widths, colors, or tensile requirements? Our engineering team can configure this product to match your exact B2B specifications.
Request a Technical Quote