Influences on UVR transmission of undyed woven fabrics

Manufacturers of sun-protective clothing face a confusing array of information because the published literature contains many contradictory claims. This study was undertaken to shed more light on the influence of fiber type, fabric porosity, thickness, and thread count on the UVR-blocking properties of undyed fabrics. Results of this study show that fabric porosity, as estimated by image analysis, was the single best predictor of an undyed woven fabric's UVR-blocking properties. Fiber type and thickness also proved to be important determinants. Polyester, silk, and wool fabrics exhibited better UVR-blocking properties than cotton or rayon when porosity and thickness were taken into account. These findings will prove useful to manufacturers of sun-protective clothing who supply clothing to skin cancer victims and patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Designers of protective clothing for industrial welders and astronauts could also find the image analysis technique described useful for quantifying fabric porosity.