How much UV protection does wool/silk offer?
Wool is considered a classic winter material – but what many people don't know is that wool also protects against the sun. When combined with silk, it creates a lightweight, breathable fabric that not only regulates temperature but also offers natural UV protection. We at ENGEL explain how this works – and why wool/silk clothing is the best choice for babies in particular.
Why does wool have UV protection – and how can this be explained in physical terms?
The natural UV protection of wool is based on several physical properties of the fibre:
- Wool fibres have an irregular structure and a rough surface, which disperses and reflects some of the UV radiation before it reaches the skin
- In addition, wool naturally contains keratins and pigments that can absorb UV rays.
- The loose structure of wool allows air to circulate, but at the same time ensures that some of the light is refracted – comparable to a natural filter.
This combination makes wool a highly effective shield against UV radiation, without the need for chemical additives.
How high is the UV protection in wool and wool/silk?
At ENGEL, we have had our wool and wool/silk fabrics tested in accordance with DIN EN 13758-1 – a standard for determining the UV protection of textiles.
The result: the UV protection factor (UPF) of our fabrics ranges from a minimum of 22 to a maximum of 50, depending on the colour and quality.
Please note: wearing our clothing does not replace other UV protection measures such as shade, headgear or sunscreen.
What else influences the UV protection of wool and wool/silk clothing?
In addition to the material, the following factors have a significant effect on UV protection:
- Structure of the fabric
The denser and heavier the knit, the fewer UV rays can penetrate. Loosely woven fabrics offer correspondingly less protection. - Fit
Tight-fitting clothing stretches the material, enlarging the mesh structure and reducing protection. Loose fits are therefore more effective. - Colour
Dark and strong colours absorb more UV rays than light colours. A navy-blue bodysuit therefore provides better protection than a natural white one. - Moisture
Wet clothing – from sweating or splashing, for example – can significantly reduce UV protection, as water allows UV rays to pass through more easily. - Use & age
Over time, fibre abrasion and fading can reduce UV protection. High-quality care and regular checks prolong the protective function. - Layered look
Multiple layers of wool/silk increase protection – especially in sensitive areas such as the shoulders, back and arms.
Why is UV clothing particularly important for babies?
Babies have very thin, sensitive skin that offers little protection against UV rays. The skin's own melanin production is not yet fully developed, and the skin's natural sun protection factor is less than 5.
In addition, babies cannot move out of the sun by themselves. It is therefore crucial to protect them with fabrics that are not only breathable but also UV-filtering.
Wool/silk offers a rare combination: gentle on the skin, regulating heat and yet protecting against the sun's rays.
Our wool/silk baby bodysuits have a UV protection factor of 22-50 SPF (depending on colour and fabric quality).
Did you know?
Even in ancient times, indigenous peoples knew about the climate-regulating effect of wool – and used it not only against the cold, but also as protection against heat and sun.
One example of this are the Scythians and Sarmatians – nomadic peoples who lived in the vast steppes of Eurasia between the 8th/7th century BC and the 4th century AD. Their clothing consisted largely of fulled wool, an early form of boiled wool. This was worn all year round to protect against extreme weather conditions – both the scorching sun in summer and the cold in winter.
Nature has always known this: Wool can do both.
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