Are sun-protective fabrics government-regulated like chemical sunscreens?
Some are. The FDA regulates any fabric or garment that makes specific claims of a medical nature. If the manufacturer claims the fabric prevents skin cancer or protects against other health risks, it must be able to prove the claims have been substantiated by rigorous testing. If a sun-protective garment simply carries a statement that it protects the skin from UV radiation or carries an SPF rating, it doesn’t require FDA approval, but still must be able to prove any claims made. Are special fabrics really necessary to protect the skin? This depends upon the level of protection required. The tightly constructed, darker garments hanging in your closet may provide adequate protection. For example, cotton denim blocks nearly all UV rays, but can be too heavy for summer comfort. There are so many variables in fabric construction that the only way to know how much protection is provided is to test each one individually. Currently, this isn’t feasible, and for people with serious sun-related
