*.-Objectives: Protection against UV radiation is the most effective tool for skin damage in outdoor sports. The use of technical sportswear is now widespread but the degree of protection these fabrics offer against UV radiation is not known. We have analyzed the capacity of different types of technical sportswear fabrics to protect against solar erythema and other harmful effects of UV radiation.
*.-Methods: We tested 34 100% polyester t-shirts classified by color, fabric structure, cover factor, number of washes and also evaluated the effects of moisture and sweat. Ultraviolet protection factor, based on protection against erythema was calculated according to UNE-EN13758-1:2003+A1:2007. We also evaluated the influence of fabric type on pre-vitamin D3 production, nonmelanoma skin cancer, photoimmunosuppression, and photoaging.
*.-Results: Eighty-five percent of the fabrics analyzed offered very good or excellent UV protection. Cover factor was the main determinant of UPF. The reflectance effect of fabrics treated with an optical brightener increased UPF values. Color and washing did not significantly modify UPF values. Sweat, by contrast, led to a significant increase.
*.-Conclusions: Technical sportswear offers sufficient protection against the harmful effects of the sun’s rays regardless of color and number of washes. Sweat enhanced the fabrics' protective capacity.
