UPF Golf Clothing: Ratings, Fabrics and Protection

Golf often means spending hours in the sun. The clothing you wear also plays an important role in protecting your skin from the sun.  That's where UPF golf clothing comes in.

You may have seen labels such as UPF 50+ on golf shirts, jackets, or base layers and wondered what they actually mean. Does a higher number provide better protection? And do you really need UPF clothing for golf? These are common questions for golfers who play in sunny weather.

In this guide, you'll learn what UPF ratings mean, how they differ from SPF, and why they matter for golfers. You will also find what to look for when choosing sun protection golf clothing for warm, sunny days. 

What Is UPF Golf Clothing? 

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It measures how well a fabric blocks the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays before they reach your skin. Unlike regular clothing, UPF golf clothing is tested to measure how much UV radiation passes through the fabric.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a garment with a UPF 50 rating blocks about 98% of UV rays, allowing only around 2% to pass through. That extra protection can make a real difference when you're spending several hours on the golf course, especially during spring and summer.

What Does a UPF Rating Mean? 

Now that you know what UPF golf clothing is, the next step is understanding the number on the label. Whether it's UPF 30, UPF 40 or UPF 50+, the number simply tells you how much of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation the fabric blocks before it reaches your skin. A higher rating means the fabric allows less UV radiation to pass through. 

A UPF 40 garment allows only 1/40, or 2.5%, of UV rays to pass through the fabric, meaning it blocks at least 97.5% of harmful UV radiation. UPF 30 blocks about 96.7% of UV rays, while UPF 50 blocks around 98%. That small difference can be worthwhile if you regularly spend several hours on the golf course in bright sunshine. 

For example:

Unlike sunscreen, UPF clothing doesn't need reapplying; it keeps protecting the covered areas while you wear it. However, it doesn't protect exposed skin, so you should still use sunscreen, wear a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses when playing in sunny conditions. 

If you're planning to attend a major summer tournament, our guide on what to wear to a golf tournament also includes practical clothing tips for staying comfortable and protected outdoors.

UPF vs SPF: What's the Difference? 

Many golfers think UPF and SPF mean the same thing because both relate to sun protection. While they have a similar goal, they work in different ways. Understanding the difference makes it easier to choose the right protection before heading out onto the course.

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is used to measure how well clothing blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is used for sunscreen. The SPF number primarily indicates protection against UVB radiation, which is closely associated with sunburn. Sunscreens labelled broad spectrum also protect against UVA radiation.

Another difference is how they are tested. UPF is measured by testing the fabric in a laboratory, while SPF is tested on human skin to see how well sunscreen delays sunburn.

The table below shows the difference between UPF and SPF: 

The important thing to remember is that UPF and SPF are designed to work together, not replace one another. UPF golf clothing protects the skin covered by the fabric, while sunscreen protects exposed areas such as your face, neck, ears and hands. Using both gives you better protection during long rounds in the sun.

Why Do Golfers Benefit from UPF Golf Clothing?

Golf is one of the few sports where you can spend four or five hours outdoors with very little shade. Whether you're playing a casual weekend round, practising on the driving range or watching a tournament, your skin is exposed to the sun for much longer than you might realise. That's why sun protection is just as important as choosing the right clubs or shoes.

This is where golf clothes for hot weather can help. Unlike ordinary clothing, sun-protective golf garments are designed to block more UV radiation while keeping you comfortable on the course. Many UPF garments also use lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics, so you stay cooler without restricting your swing.

For example, the Druids Ladies Block Pique Polo includes built-in UV protection with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and added stretch. Across its wider ladies polo collection, Druids also offers shirts described as featuring UPF 50+ protection for warm, sunny rounds. 

If you're updating your wardrobe for summer golf, look for comfortable golf clothes with a UPF rating. For more warm-weather outfit ideas, see our guide to the best summer golf wear.

What Makes Golf Clothing More Sun Protective? 

Not all golf clothing provides the same level of sun protection. A UPF rating depends on several factors, including the fabric, its construction, colour, fit, and how much skin it covers. Understanding these features helps you choose clothing that offers better UV protection.

Fabric Construction  

The way a fabric is woven has a big impact on UV protection. Tightly woven fabrics have smaller gaps between the fibres, making it harder for ultraviolet rays to pass through. Lightweight or loosely woven materials allow more UV radiation to reach your skin. 

Many modern UV-protection golf shirts use tightly woven performance fabrics that remain lightweight, breathable, and comfortable while offering excellent sun protection. 

Fabric Material

Fabric type can influence UV protection, but the material alone does not determine the UPF rating. Polyester, nylon and technical blends can provide strong protection when they use a dense fabric construction. Fabric weight, colour, treatments and how tightly the fibres are woven also affect how much UV passes through.

Colour and Coverage

Colour plays a part too. Darker and brighter colours generally absorb more UV radiation before it reaches your skin, while lighter colours may allow more to pass through. However, a light-coloured garment with a certified UPF rating can still provide excellent protection.

Coverage is just as important. Long sleeves, high collars, quarter-zip tops and lightweight jackets shield more skin from direct sunlight than short-sleeved garments. UPF-rated headwear can provide additional coverage too. The Druids Palm Bucket Hat, for example, combines UPF 50+ sun protection with a wide brim that helps shield the face and neck.

These features can make a noticeable difference when you spend several hours walking an exposed golf course.

Fit Matters

A comfortable, slightly relaxed fit offers better protection than clothing that is too tight. When fabric stretches across the body, the fibres spread apart, creating small gaps that allow more UV rays to pass through. Choosing the right fit helps the fabric maintain its protective performance throughout your round.

FAQs

How do I know if clothing really has UPF protection?

Look for a clearly labelled UPF rating, such as UPF 30, UPF 50 or UPF 50+. These garments have been laboratory tested to measure how much UV radiation the fabric blocks. A shirt without a UPF label may still provide some protection, but its performance hasn't been verified.

What features should I look for in UPF golf clothing?

A UPF rating is only one part of the equation. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking properties to stay comfortable during warm rounds. Long sleeves, higher collars, and a relaxed fit also improve coverage without restricting your swing.

Does stretching or getting clothing wet affect its UPF rating?

Protection may be reduced when clothing is stretched tightly or becomes wet, although the effect varies by fabric. Stretching can create larger spaces between the fibres, while moisture can change how much UV passes through certain materials. Choosing the correct size and a quick-drying fabric can help the garment perform more consistently. 

How long does UPF protection last?

It depends on how the garment is made. Clothing with UV protection built into the fabric generally retains its protection throughout the life of the garment. Some garments that rely on chemical UV treatments may gradually lose effectiveness after repeated washing and wear, so it's worth checking the manufacturer's care instructions.

Choosing the Right UPF Golf Clothing for Sunny Days

Understanding UPF golf clothing helps you choose the right apparel for sunny days on the course. A higher UPF rating means less harmful UV radiation reaches your skin, which helps you stay protected during long practice sessions.

When shopping, look for lightweight, breathable clothing with a UPF 50+ rating, along with moisture-wicking fabrics and a comfortable fit. These features help you stay cool while reducing UV exposure.

Pair UPF clothing with broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Seek shade where possible, particularly during periods of strong sunlight.