Effects of Fabric Type, Color, and Moisture Condition on Ultraviolet Radiation Transmission Through Clothing

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a significant environmental risk factor that contributes to skin damage and increases the likelihood of developing skin conditions, including skin cancer. While sunscreen is widely recommended for protection, clothing can also act as an important barrier against UV exposure. This study examined the impact of various fabric characteristics on the transmission of UV radiation through clothing materials. Four experiments were conducted examining fabric type, fabric color, moisture condition, and fabric layering. UV-sensitive beads were used as indicators of radiation exposure and were evaluated using a standardized color scale from 1 to 10. Results indicated that heavier fabrics tested in this experiment, such as denim (mean = 8.33) and wool (mean = 8.67), provided the strongest UV protection, while lighter fabrics, such as cotton (mean = 5.00) and linen (mean = 3.33), allowed greater UV transmission. Darker fabrics blocked more UV radiation than lighter fabrics, and wet fabrics allowed more UV radiation to pass through compared to dry fabrics. Increasing the number of fabric layers also significantly reduced UV transmission. These findings suggest that clothing characteristics such as fabric structure, color, and moisture condition play an important role in determining the effectiveness of clothing as protection against ultraviolet radiation.