UPF

abbreviation for

1. ultraviolet protection factor: the effectiveness of clothing fabrics in protecting the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet UVA and UVB radiation, rated on a scale of increasing protectiveness, the number being the ratio of the radiation dose needed to produce minimal redness when wearing the fabric compared to the dose needed to produce the same redness when not wearing it:

   A shirt with a UPF of 50 will reduce your ultraviolet exposure by 50 times (98% UV blockage).

Word History and Origins

Origin of UPF¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

The hoodie offers UPF 20+ sun protection and has a jersey-like breathable fabric.

From Los Angeles Times

According to a new study in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe in which 300,000 people were observed over a decade, over 14,000 Type 2 diabetes cases were identified over the years in conjunction with a 10% "increment of total daily food intake from UPF."

From Salon

DeMel adds that to prevent your pet from licking the sunscreen off after you apply it, as well as an added layer of sun protection, pet owners can dress their pets in a custom-made pet UPF 50 sunsuit, such as a K9TopCoat.

From Los Angeles Times

Twenty-four percent of participants said they were opposed to the idea of taxing UPF manufacturers, while 21% said they did not know.

From Salon

DeMel adds that to prevent your pet from licking the sunscreen off after you apply it, as well as an added layer of sun protection, pet owners can dress their pets in a custom-made pet UPF 50 sunsuit, such as a K9TopCoat.

From Los Angeles Times