There have been sun protective clothing standards in the USA since 2001.In the USA, testing is performed according to the standard AATCC 183 available from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.
In Australia, the fabric is tested in new condition. In the USA there is an additional preparation stage in which the fabric is first laundered, exposed to simulated sunlight and chlorinated water. This is done according to ASTM D6544 available from the American Society for Testing and Materials .Labeling in the USA is specified in ASTM D6603.
British and European clothing standards .The recently-released European standard EN 13758-1 replaced BS 7914. BS 7949 (UV protection requirements for children’s clothing)remains current but will eventually be replaced by EN 13758-2.
Similarities and differences among clothing standards
The calculation and expression of results is similar in EN 13758-1,AATCC-183 and AS/NZS 4399. All three standards report results as a UPF rating. When samples are found to have a UPF rating over 50, EN 13758-1 reports them as > 50 whereas ASTM D6603 and AS/NZS4399 report them as 50+.
EN 13758-1 (and BS 7914) stipulates that fabric samples are to be conditioned at a specified temperature and humidity before testing.
AS/NZS 4399 does not specify any conditioning.
ASTM D6603specifies that the fabric samples should be conditioned with laundering,UV exposure and chlorinated pool water equivalent to two years of normal use.
EN 13758-1 and AATCC 183 uses a solar spectrum measured in Albuquerque whereas.
AS/NZS 4399 uses a solar spectrum measured in Melbourne. UPF results calculated with either spectrum do not differ significantly.
EN 13758-1 and AATCC 183 provide for reporting of measurements made when the fabrics are wet and/or stretched.
AS/NZS 4399 currently specifies testing in the dry and relaxed state only.
AS/NZS 4399 specifies testing and labeling requirements whereas.
EN 13758-1 is concerned only with testing. ASTM D6603 specifies.
USA labeling requirements.
