UV Sun Protection

UPF vs. SPF
UPF is an abbreviation for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This rating system is used to measure the effectiveness of fabric to protect skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. For example, a UPF rating of 40 will allow only 1/40th of the sun's harmful rays to penetrate the textile. A rating of 40 or higher is considered excellent, blocking 97 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.

SPF, typically associated with sunscreen, is short for Sun Protection Factor. This measurement determines the length of time it takes for redness to occur as a result of sun exposure. If applied correctly, a sunscreen rated at SPF 15 will protect 15 times longer than unprotected skin. This amounts to approximately 93 percent of UVB rays. Some experts believe that no sunscreen should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication. Sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB radiation is preferred.

UVA and UVB
Simply stated, UVA exposure contributes to premature aging by damaging the skin's elasticity. Perhaps 90 percent of wrinkles, age spots, and visible signs of aging occur as result of the sun's harmful UVA rays which penetrates the skin more deeply. The carcinogenic effects of UVB rays are believed to cause tanning which is the skin's natural defense against the sun. Unfortunately, it is believed that UVB contributes to the development of skin cancer.

UPF Chart

Protection	UPF Ratings	Approximate UV Blocked
Good UV Protection	15 - 24	93 - 96%
Very Good UV Protection	25 - 39	96 - 97%
Excellent UV Protection	40 - 50+	97 - 99%

Disclaimer
The content at www.aquadesign.com is provided for general information only and is not intended to be utilized as advice, to diagnose or provide care. If you have questions concerning your health, seek the advice of a physician or your healthcare professional.

You understand and agree that you are responsible for your own actions and exposure to nature’s elements, including but not limited to the potential impact of prolonged exposure to the sun. You should take reasonable care and preventative measures to decrease prolonged exposure to the sun. Aqua Design’s products cannot protect you from any and all conditions and you must act in a reasonable manner given your individual risks to prolonged exposure to the sun. You understand and agree that you know your own risks regarding sun exposure and that you will not attempt to hold Aqua Design liable in any and all respects related to your failure to reasonably limit your exposure to the sun.

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Aqua Design has been innovating water-infused activewear since 1995. Clothing that feels comfortable, looks great and has all the technical performance you need to stay cool and protected from the sun’s harmful UVA and UBV rays. The 3-D water colors blend into nature for wearing camouflage on the saltwater flats, wooded shoreline, raining coastal regions, or rocky canyons. For vibrant color choices, Aqua Design offers surf, swim and sun protection clothes for all your water-related outdoor adventures from fly fishing to snorkeling to windsurfing or everyday use. New undergarment styles are also available.

Size Charts

Measurement Guidelines

Shirts: [1] Bust/Chest. Measure around largest part of chest with measuring tape around shoulder blades and under arms. [2] Sleeves. Bend elbow and measure from the center back neck, around the shoulder, past elbow, to the wrist. Note: All long sleeve shirts feature a button tab that allows it to double as a rolled-up short sleeve. [3] Neck. At the narrow-most part of the neck, measure around the circumference.

Pants: [1] Waist. Measure around the waistline with a loose tape. Round to the next size up. Note: All waistbands have elastic in the rear of pant that provides a flexible, comfortable fit. [2] Seat. Measured 8" below the top of the waistband. [3] Inseam (Voyager Pants). Measured from crotch to leg opening. [4] Rise. Measured from crotch to top of the rear waistband.

Headwear: OSFM is an acronym for "one size fits most."

[1] Measure circumference across the forehead (above brow) above the ears to the back. For all headwear, one size fits all from hat sizes:
6 1/2 (20.5" [or] 52cm) to 7 7/8 (24.625" [or] 63cm)

Select the size range that fits your actual measurements.

Headwear (Left) and Face Mask Tube (Right) Size Chart

Aqua Design | Men

Aqua Design Mens Size Chart

Aqua Design | Women

Aqua Design Womens Rash Guard Size Chart

Aqua Design Womens Sports Bra Size Chart

Aqua Design Womens Skort and Short Size Chart

Aqua Design Womens One Piece Swimwear Size Chart