Of 28 white fabrics tested, 19 offered less protection than a sunscreen with SPF 15. Polyester fabrics offered increased protection over cotton. The presence of dyes increased protection considerably.

One of the growing concerns of the present decade is the health risk associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and its link with problems such as carcinogenesis, cataracts, sunburn, and photoaging. For protection from UVR, medical experts recommend avoiding exposure, using sunscreens, donning hats, and covering up with clothing. Research on the solar‐protective value of clothing, however, still leaves many questions unanswered. This review of literature identifies the need for appropriate protection from the sun, especially for children, and the benefits of clothing as protection. The methods and difficulties associated with assessing the UVR protection and the definition of the sun protection factor (SPF) of clothing are outlined and discussed. Studies using in vivo, radiometric, and spectrophotometric methodologies to assess the UVR transmission throughfabrics are examined. Fabric variables, identified in the literature, that have beenfound to affect UVR transmission values are discussed.

The relationship between the comfort rating of men's knit slacks and the amount of garment ease, available fabric stretch, wearer's weight/height ratio, and activity level was investigated. The comfort rating during fifteen wear periods was significantly correlated to knee ease and attivity level. Other variables which contributed to the prediction of comfort rating were leg ease and weight/height ratio. These variables accounted for 54% of comfort score variability. The comfort rating was found to be correlated with garment wear performance properties such as clinginess, waist roll-up, and pilling and snagging. As a whole, the majority of wearers reported over-all satisfaction with the double-knit slacks tested in the study.