You likely already know to protect exposed skin from the sun’s rays using sunscreen, but what about skin that’s not directly exposed? Are your clothes enough to prevent sunburn?

Unfortunately, not all clothes fully protect you against the sun’s UV rays. It depends on the type of clothing.

If you can see light through the material of your clothes when you hold them up, this means that UV rays can get through.

This means it’s possible to get a sunburn through your clothes. However, some types of clothing offer better protection than others.

The two most important types of UV (ultraviolet) radiation to know about are UVA and UVB.

UVA accounts for the majority of the radiation that reaches our planet (95%). It contributes to skin cancer and can cause skin aging.

UVB causes reddening and burning of the skin. Though it only accounts for 5% of the radiation that reaches us, it is the type responsible for most skin cancers.

A handy tip for remembering what each type does is: “A” for aging and “B” for burning.

However, it’s important to protect yourself from both UVA and UVB, since both can cause skin cancer.

Also, remember that even though it may not be warm outside, UV rays can still be present. The feeling of warmth you get from the sun is from the infrared rays, not UV. So, the sun’s UV rays are not necessarily the strongest when it’s hottest.

The sun’s UV rays are strongest when it is higher in the sky.

This is typically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thick clouds can reduce this radiation, but on days with little cloud, UV radiation will be higher.

We can measure UV intensity using the UV index.

UV Index (UVI)UV intensity
0 to 2Low
3 to 5Moderate
6 to 7High
8 to 10Very high
11Extremely high

Check the weather forecast where you are to find out the UV index.

The higher the UV index, the more likely you are to get a sunburn. When the UV index is higher, you’ll need more protection, as you may burn faster.

Yes, UV rays can pass through your clothes. To determine this, check if you can see light through the material. If light passes through, then UV rays are able to get through.

The CDC notes that clothes with tightly woven fabric are best to protect you from UV rays. As are darker-colored clothing. If your clothes get wet, however, they offer less protection.

Some clothing is certified via the UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating system. Check labels for the UPF number. Higher numbers mean more protection.

Yes, you can get a sun tan and sunburn through your clothes.

Since UV light passes through some clothing, this means you may tan or even burn despite covering up.

But some clothing options offer better protection.

What to look for:

  • tightly woven fabrics
  • darker colored clothing
  • clothing with UPF rating

Also, make sure your clothes don’t get damp. Wet clothing offers less UV protection than dry clothing.

The short answer is yes, it is possible to get a sunburn through your clothes. However, some clothes, such as those with tightly woven fabrics, dark colors, and those with UPF, offer more protection.

UVA and UVB can contribute to skin cancer, so be sure to protect against both.

You’ll need more protection when the UV intensity is the highest, which is typically from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., whether it’s warm or not. Check your weather forecast to find out the UV intensity where you are.