What makes effective UV - proof clothing?

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    Clothing Proof Uv
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of various materials and methods for creating UV-proof clothing, particularly in the context of managing UV aggravated eczema. Participants explore different fabric types, layering strategies, and innovative ideas for enhancing UV protection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests sewing a lining with aluminum foil into a jacket to block UV rays, expressing concern about the effectiveness of close woven fabrics recommended by doctors.
  • Another participant mentions that manufacturers produce clothing specifically designed for UV protection, noting that densely woven, preferably black fabrics are effective.
  • Some participants raise concerns about the practicality of using aluminum foil due to its tendency to tear easily.
  • A suggestion is made to consider wearing additional layers, such as a breathable undershirt, and to use a wide-brimmed hat for added protection.
  • There is a discussion about the color of fabrics, with one participant arguing that black is not necessarily better at blocking UV than other colors, referencing the UV transmission properties of materials.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of "tan-through" clothing, which allows some UV to penetrate, questioning the assumption that black clothing is superior for UV blocking.
  • A suggestion is made to consider leather as a potential material for UV protection, along with the application of SPF cream for added safety.
  • Links to UV-blocking swim shirts are provided as an alternative option for UV protection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the effectiveness of different materials and methods for UV protection, with no clear consensus reached on the best approach. There are competing views regarding the role of fabric color and the practicality of certain suggestions, such as the use of aluminum foil.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about fabric effectiveness depend on specific conditions and definitions, such as the relationship between color and UV blocking capabilities. The discussion does not resolve the practical limitations of proposed solutions.

mikewinnipeg
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I am 67 and three years ago I was diagnosed with uv aggravated eczema. The doctors recommend wearing close woven fabrics to block uv but i find they don't really cut the mustard. my idea is to sew a lining into the back (where most irritation occurs) of a lightweight jacket and insert a sheet of aluminium foil to block the uv. What do you think? i would be extremely grateful for some feedback or do you have any more ideas?
 
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Quite a number of manufacturers specifically make clothing for this purpose, unsurprisingly it's popular in Australia,
but densely woven fabrics, preferably black should do a fairly good job.
I think your aluminium foil idea might not be practical as it tears very easy and you would likely get fed up with continually having to replace it.
 
thankyou for your reply. i appreciate the point about tearing but I'm hoping that if i put it in a loose fitting pocket it will survive an outing, besides I'm desperate. yes the hospital said i should choose black will search for aussie stuff.
 
Have you tried simply putting on another layer of clothing? Perhaps a thin undershirt that breathes? Also remember to wear a hat, preferably one with a brim all the way around.
 
rootone said:
... I think your aluminium foil idea might not be practical as it tears very easy and you would likely get fed up with continually having to replace it.

Clothes made of "space blanket" would be very noisy : you'd be guilty of rustling :¬)

Here's some USA links for UV proof clothing ... http://www.lupusmctd.com/index.php?topic=3253.0;prev_next=prev [old 2006]

rootone said:
... preferably black should do a fairly good job ...
Black is not necessarily better at blocking UV than other colours : window-glass blocks UV , but is transparent to visible light, (rather than opaque black), i.e. the UV transmission properties of a material are not necessarily the same as its visible-light properties.
 
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B0b-A said:
Black is not necessarily better at blocking UV than other colours : window-glass blocks UV , but is transparent to visible light, (rather than opaque black), i.e. the UV transmission properties of a material are not necessarily the same as its visible-light properties.

e.g. You can get "tan-through" clothing, which admits UV, some of which is black ... http://www.tanthrough.com/index.htm

If black is better at blocking UV she's going to get a zebra-stripe tan :¬)

zebra.png
 
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mikewinnipeg said:
I am 67 and three years ago I was diagnosed with uv aggravated eczema. The doctors recommend wearing close woven fabrics to block uv but i find they don't really cut the mustard. my idea is to sew a lining into the back (where most irritation occurs) of a lightweight jacket and insert a sheet of aluminium foil to block the uv. What do you think? i would be extremely grateful for some feedback or do you have any more ideas?
How about leather, tightest weave out there. A vest would not be a terrible fashion statement.
And while leather is hard to test in UV blocking ability you could go for the extra safety of applying a bit of SPF cream to it, as it would not be washed away easily like on our skin.
 
You can get UV-blocking Swim Shirts:

http://www.swimoutlet.com/rash-guards-c11705/
UV-Blocking Swim Shirt.jpg
 
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