Sun protection by a summer-weight garment: the effect of washing and wearing.
other · Level V
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of use (washing and wearing) on the photoprotection provided by a cotton fabric. METHODS: Twenty jersey-knit pure cotton T-shirts were worn for 4-8 hours per week and washed weekly for 10 weeks. Fabric samples taken before and after use were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fabric ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) was calculated from spectrophotometric ultraviolet radiation transmission data. Changes in fabric structure and hole size were determined for samples from one T-shirt by light microscopy and image analysis. RESULTS: UPF increased consistently and significantly after use, from a mean of 19.0 to 40.6. A corresponding reduction in fabric hole area was seen under the light microscope and confirmed on image analysis (from 8.0% to 3.9% of total image area). CONCLUSION: UPF of pure cotton garments may improve after use, at least in the short term. The increase is mostly accounted for by reduction in fabric hole area due to shrinkage.