The use of clothing as a means of sun protection has been recommended in recent education campaigns. However recent academic studies show that contrary to popular opinon, many fabrics offered an insufficient ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Light cotton and linen fabrics do not give sufficient protection against sun damage and skin cancer, nor do suncreams.

In a paper first published in BMC Dermatology 2001, 1:6 doi:10.1186/1471-5945-1-6, Consultant Dermatologist Dr Thilo Gambichler investigated 236 apparel textiles used in spring/summer clothing collections.

UPF of fabrics

According to Dr Gambichler's study, more than half the fabrics tested failed to satisfy the European recommended standard for UV protective clothing of UPF30. Of the fabrics tested, only wool, polyester and some fabric blends offered a UPF factor of 30+.

Popular Summer Fabrics:

The most popular natural summer fabrics performed worst in the tests. Most of these, including linen, fell well below the recommended UPF standard. The most popular synthetic fabrics also performed poorly in the tests, with 89% of viscose samples failing the test.

Best UV Protection:

In all the tests, only one fabric offered the best protection - Merino. Of the samples tested, the worst UPF merino provided was 40+, whilst the majority of the Merino samples provided a UPF of 50+.

Protection AND Comfort:

Of the fabrics tested that achieved a UPF of 40+, all except the merino samples were either heavier or thicker than the merino. Only Superfine Merino can offer UPF of 40+ combined with lightness, breathability, moisture management, body-climate regulation, as well as being eco-friendly in that Merino is a naturally renewable resource, biodegradable and recyclable. There is no substitute, summer or winter, for Superfine Merino.

Most people think wool is only for keeping you warm in winter. Think again! Why do you think the Bedouin wear wool in the heat of the desert? Simple - because it also keeps you cool! Merino wool's amazing ability to absorb up to 30% of it's weight in moisture before it even begins to feel damp, plus its ability to allow this moisture to evaporate gently into the atmosphere, leaves you feeling cool and comfortable. Add to this the fact that Merino is anti-microbial and resistant to the fungus and bacteria that causes the stink you so often get with synthetics, plus Merino's high (~40) Sun Protection Factor, and you have the perfect fabric for summer T-shirts and tops. Merino T-shirts will work just as well for you on hot summer days as, or if you're in the mountains and the sun has gone down - freezing cold summer nights.

However, when choosing summer T-shirts and tops the fabric weight is important. Too heavy and you coul feel uncomfortable, too light and it will not absorb and release enough moisture to keep you comfortable. Both research and experience has taught us that a weight of around 180-190 gsm is the ideal weight for both summer and winter wear. anything lighter will not give the performance in terms of odour-resistance, moisture control or durability. With a 190gsm weight, your Taranaki T-shirts will perform just as well as a summer T-shirt and a winter baselayer T-shirt.

CSIRO, one of the world's leading science research organisations has published numerous research papers on the properties of merino wool. These are just some of their findings:

Temperature control

Merino garments protect you from extremes of temperature because they offer superior insulation to most textiles.