UPF vs. SPF – What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Golfers

When it comes to sun protection, terms like SPF and UPF get thrown around a lot—but do you know what they actually mean?

If you're spending hours on the golf course under the sun, understanding the difference between UPF and SPF can help you make smarter choices for your health and performance. At Enjoy the Vu, we're all about helping you play longer and safer with UPF 50+ apparel designed for the course.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it's used to rate sunscreens. SPF measures how well a product protects your skin from UVB rays—the rays that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.

SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays

SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays

But here’s the catch: SPF only measures protection from UVB rays, not UVA rays (which cause long-term skin damage and aging). That’s why you need to choose broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers both.

And remember—SPF needs to be reapplied every 2 hours, especially when sweating.

What is UPF?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it applies to clothing, not lotions. UPF measures how much UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) a fabric allows to reach your skin.

A UPF 50+ shirt blocks 98% of UV rays, allowing only 1/50th to pass through.

The higher the UPF rating, the greater the protection.

Unlike SPF, UPF is built into the fabric, so you don’t have to reapply it. That’s a game-changer for golfers who are outside for hours at a time.

Why Golfers Need UPF 50+ Apparel

Golf is unique—you're outside for long stretches, often during the hottest part of the day. Sunscreen is helpful, but it’s not enough on its own. That’s where sun-safe, UPF-rated clothing comes in.

At Enjoy the Vu, our UPF 50+ long sleeve golf polos and performance gear offer stylish, breathable protection that’s designed for the game. You get:

All-day coverage without needing to reapply

Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric for cool comfort

Stylish, tailored fit that looks as good as it performs

Final Thoughts: Use Both for Maximum Protection

Think of SPF and UPF as your two best defense players. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin, and wear UPF 50+ apparel to cover your arms, shoulders, and back—the areas most often exposed while golfing.