Columbia UV protective clothing label information
Anti-UV clothing from Columbia provides effective protection from the sun's rays.
Here's some important information to know about their labeling.
Here's some important information to know about their labeling.
The label on a Columbia anti-UV garment features a pictogram "40+", whereas the garment is certified UPF 50+. We will explain why.
To justify the anti-UV claim on a garment, a brand must rely on a standard to prove that its fabric does indeed protect against UV rays. There are a number of different standards for testing fabrics used in clothing. Here are the three main ones:
- The European standard: EN 13758-1
- The American standard: AATCC 183
- The Australian and New Zealand standard: AS/NZS 4399
- The Australian and New Zealand standard: AS/NZS 4399
These three standards are all very similar, and the differences in results are minimal. As long as a product is labeled UPF 50+ according to one of these standards, rest assured, you're well protected! ☀️
At KER SUN, we are equipped to test fabrics according to these different standards. This allows us to control existing materials and innovate new ones for our Nuvées brand.
Columbia anti-UV garments also comply with European standard EN 13758-2, which advises on the markings to be affixed to anti-UV garments. In order to comply with this standard, we must affix the sun-shaped pictogram (as shown in the image above). This pictogram includes the words "40+" even when the garment is UPF 50+. This is the case for Columbia anti-UV garments.
Recently, it has also been possible to indicate "50+" on the sun pictogram if the fabric exceeds UPF 50. However, the Columbia brand has decided to continue using the original label on all its sun protection garments.
At KER SUN, as UV protection specialists, we only sell Columbia garments with UPF 50+ fabric on our website.
We are available by phone or e-mail to answer any questions you may have about your UV protection garments, or for any other advice you may need.
