Couple on the golf course in UVEEKAI UV clothing

Our Fabrics & Technology

Protection That Is Part of the Fabric

UV protection from the dense knit structure of the fabric — not applied as a coating. Independently tested to UV STANDARD 801.

01

Why the Protection Is in the Fabric

Many UV textiles rely on chemical coatings applied to finished fabric. These coatings can degrade with washing and wear. Our approach is fundamentally different: the UV protection is the fabric itself.

Sleeve of a UVEEKAI long-sleeve shirt with logo, dense knit

Conventional approach

Coating-based protection

  • Surface treatment applied after manufacturing
  • Can degrade with washing and wear over time
  • Studies show that coatings can lose considerable effectiveness after repeated washing

UVEEKAI approach

Dense knit structure

  • The protection is the fabric — the dense knit structure physically keeps out UV radiation
  • No coating to wash out — tested after washing, too
  • Tested to UV STANDARD 801 in the least favorable wearing condition: wet and stretched

Sources: Gambichler et al. 2006, British Journal of Dermatology; Hohenstein Institute, UV STANDARD 801

02

Two Fabric Systems, One Goal

Every UVEEKAI product uses one of two high-performance fabrics, each developed for its purpose. Both deliver UPF 80 — certified to UV STANDARD 801.

UV-Tech 168
For long-sleeve and hooded shirts & men’s swim shorts · 168 g/m²
UPF 80BreathableQuick-dryChlorine-resistantSalt-water-resistant
  • 82 % polyester, 18 % elastane — UV protection from the dense knit structure
  • 4-way stretch for unrestricted movement
  • Moisture-wicking & quick-drying — ideal for active days in the sun
  • UV STANDARD 801 · test no. 24.1.10.0433-80-1

Developed for maximum breathability without compromising on protection.

UV-Tech 231
For leggings, long pants & women’s swim shorts · 231 g/m²
UPF 80Firm supportShape-retainingChlorine-resistantSalt-water-resistant
  • 74 % polyamide, 26 % elastane — firm support, UPF 80 across the whole surface
  • Close-fitting, keeps its shape even after many washes
  • Chlorine & salt-water resistant — made for sea and pool
  • UV STANDARD 801 · test no. 24.1.10.0434-80-1

Developed for high-performance activities where coverage and support matter.

03

The T-Shirt Problem

Most people assume a T-shirt protects them from the sun. But a regular cotton T-shirt has no tested UV protection factor: how well it protects depends mainly on fabric type and density, and moisture, stretching and washing can change the protection.

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UPF

White cotton T-shirt

No tested UV protection factor. The denser the fabric, the better the protection.

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UPF

Same shirt, wet

Water can make cotton more transparent to UV radiation.

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UPF

Stretched sportswear

Stretching can open the knit and let UV through.

80
UPF

UVEEKAI

Tested wet, stretched and after washing. Certified UPF 80.

UPF 80 — mathematically, the fabric keeps out more than 98 % of the sunburn-effective UV radiation. UPF 80 is the highest of the certification levels in UV STANDARD 801 (UPF 10–80), tested by the Hohenstein Institute. (Sources: German Federal Office for Radiation Protection; uvstandard801.com)

04

Construction Details

Every seam, panel and zipper is designed to minimise UV gaps and maximise comfort during activity.

Hood covering face and chin

Multi-panel hood

Covers face, chin and lips. Women’s version with extra volume for hair.

Thumb loop on the sleeve

Thumb loops

Extends coverage to hands and wrists. Fewer gaps between sleeve and glove.

Zipped pocket

YKK zipper

YKK brand zipper, salt-water resistant.

Zipped key pocket

Zipped key pocket

YKK zipped pocket for keys, cards or small items.

High collar

Neck protection up to the chin.

Extended back

A longer cut keeps skin covered when bending or stretching.

Flatlock seams

Flat and soft against the skin — during any activity, wet or dry.

05

Quality Without Compromise

Every fabric undergoes rigorous independent testing — because your skin depends on it.

UV STANDARD 801

Tested wet, stretched and after washing — not just flat in a lab. Certified by the Hohenstein Institute, Germany.

Source: Hohenstein Institute

Dense knit structure

A densely knitted structure physically keeps out UV radiation — without chemical treatment.

Salt & chlorine resistant

Yarn properties defined during manufacturing. Made for sea and pool.

Nothing to wash out

No coating — the protection comes from the structure of the fabric and is tested after washing, too.

Source: UV STANDARD 801, Hohenstein Institute

Independently tested

UPF 80 tested and certified by the Hohenstein Institute to UV STANDARD 801.

UPF 80 · UV STANDARD 801

Ready for Real Protection?

Discover our collection — UPF 80, tested under real conditions.

Couple with bikes in the dunes in UVEEKAI UV clothing
Important notice
UV protection clothing does not replace comprehensive sun protection. We additionally recommend:
  • Sunscreen on uncovered skin (minimum SPF 30)
  • Avoid direct midday sun (11 AM – 3 PM)
  • Wear a sun hat and sunglasses
  • Check the daily UV index and seek shade when it is high
Sources
  1. Hohenstein Institute — UV STANDARD 801: Test Methodology and Certification Guidelines. hohenstein.com
  2. Gambichler, T. et al. (2006). Ultraviolet Protection by Summer Textiles. British Journal of Dermatology.
  3. Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) — UV protection through clothing. bfs.de
  4. International Test Association for Applied UV Protection — UV STANDARD 801 certification levels. uvstandard801.com
  5. Internal technical testing and fabric development documentation.
  6. Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) — UV Radiation and Skin Protection. bfs.de
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