Research reveals nature’s “wonder fabric” which offers more sun protection than its man-made counterparts

With summer approaching, sustainable fashion brand Thought Clothing were curious as to which of the common summer clothing fabrics was best at offering protection from the sun, online research from various sources including the National Library of Medicine and the Hemp Foundation showed that Hemp outperforms similar fabrics when it comes to UPF protection. 

The results: 

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection factor, which indicates how much UV radiation (UVB and UVA), is allowed to reach your skin. A higher UPF rating of 40 and greater is considered excellent protection, whereas lower numbers suggest less protection.

Other materials such as polyester and wool come in at 30+ which gives very good protection, and Linen comes in at a UPF rating of 5+, offering significantly less protection. A lower UPF rating can actually give you sunburn if you don’t use alternative precautions to protect yourself. 

As well as the strong sun ray protection, Hemp is also said to be one of the strongest and most durable of all natural textile materials, which will save you from having to replace your hemp items down the line. 

Dispelling some of the most common myths around hemp clothing

Despite this great protection and durability, there are a lot of misconceptions around hemp that means it has not quite hit the mainstream yet, here Thought have also compiled some of the common myths around hemp clothing. 

1. Hemp clothing is scratchy and uncomfortable

Many people assume that hemp fabric is rough and uncomfortable, but this is a myth. Hemp fibres actually soften with wear and washing, making the fabric more comfortable over time. Additionally, hemp can be blended with other materials such as cotton or silk to create a softer, more luxurious feel.

2. Hemp clothing is expensive 

While some high-end hemp clothing brands can be pricey, there are many affordable options available as well. Additionally, because hemp fabric is so durable, it may actually be a more cost-effective option in the long run since it will last longer than other types of clothing.

3. Hemp clothing is illegal 

Many people associate hemp with marijuana and assume that hemp clothing is illegal. However, hemp fabric is made from the fibres of the industrial hemp plant, which contains only trace amounts of THC and is legal to grow and use in many countries.

About Thought Clothing

Thought Clothing is a sustainable UK-based fashion brand founded in 1995 by husband and wife duo John Snare and Rachel Kelly, with the goal of creating clothes which are both beautiful and earth-kind at its core. It has become particularly well known for its timeless and elegant womenswear - crafted in natural fabrics and featuring standout exclusive hand-drawn patterns, designed in its London studio.

Research methodology: Online research was conducted into the most common fabrics for summer clothing, and their respective UPF ratings. Sourcing include the following, data was then compiled into the top 4 list: 

Sources: 

NCBI | LUMINORA | HEMP FOUNDATION | WILEY