Where do we manufacture our UV protective clothing in Europe?
We source our fabrics from Italy and France. Our iQ-UV protective clothing is manufactured in Poland and Portugal. (Exception: UV caps and UV hats, which are made in Myanmar and China.)
How safe and reliable is the UV protection of iQ clothing and accessories?
In addition to our many years of experience and specialization in wearable UV protection, our UV protective clothing is regularly tested by independent and well-known testing institutes such as TÜV Rheinland and Hohenstein Institute. With iQ-UV, we guarantee your safety in the sun.
Can my body produce enough vitamin D even when wearing UV clothing?
Yes, the body absorbs enough sunlight through the face, hands, and eyes to produce sufficient vitamin D.
What does Natural Cool and Extra Cool mean?
Natural Cool:
Natural Cool combines the excellent wearing comfort of the natural fiber Tencel® with an outer layer made of polyester that protects against UV radiation (UV protection 50+). The two-layer structure gives the fabric a very pleasant feel. Naturally Cool feels silky soft and actively wicks moisture away from the body. This ensures a cool and dry feeling on the skin at all times—ideal for wearing at outdoor temperatures between 15 and 25°C. Composition: 64% recycled polyester and 36% Tencel®️
Extra Cool:
Extra Cool is a single-layer, synthetic high-performance fabric made from recycled materials with permanent UV protection of 50+. It is extremely lightweight, breathable, and especially comfortable to wear in midsummer. Extra Cool is designed to perform even on hot days. The fabric quickly transports moisture to its surface, where it evaporates—creating an active cooling effect on the skin. Ideal for wearing at outdoor temperatures starting at 22°C. Composition: 100% recycled polyester.
How is the high UV protection achieved?
The high UV protection results from two components: the UV-reflective properties of the raw materials and fabrics used, and the fine-mesh structure and special processing of the iQ-UV fabrics and textiles. iQ UV protection is purely physical—without chemicals and without additional coatings. iQ-UV protective clothing is made exclusively from the raw materials listed in the fabric composition, mostly recycled. We do not use any chemical or mineral UV blockers. As a result, iQ-UV protection is long-lasting and reliable, and remains intact even after frequent use and many washes.
What does UPF 50+ mean?
UPF 50+ means that you can increase your skin's natural protection by a factor of 50. With iQ-UV 50+ clothing, you can stay in the sun 50 times longer than without protection. Naturally, only the skin covered by the UV clothing is protected. Example: If you are skin type 2, you have a natural protection time of about 15 minutes without damaging your skin. With iQ-UV 50+, you are perfectly protected for 50 x 15 minutes and can enjoy the sun all day.
Do I still need sunscreen under a UV shirt?
No, with an iQ-UV shirt, you are perfectly and safely protected. However, uncovered skin areas should be protected with sunscreen—we recommend at least SPF 30.
What do UPF, SPF, and LSF mean?
UPF stands for "Ultraviolet Protection Factor", SPF for "Sun Protection Factor", and LSF (German) means "Lichtschutzfaktor". All three refer to the time factor by which your skin's natural protection is extended.
How much UV radiation does iQ UV clothing block?
Our clothing blocks over 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation.
What does PPE stand for?
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It refers to equipment worn or held by a person to protect against risks that could endanger their health or safety (e.g., UV radiation from the sun).
PPE may only be marketed if it complies with the provisions of the European PPE Regulation ("Regulation (EU) 2016/425").
(Source: https://www.baua.de/DE/Themen/Anwendungssichere-Chemikalien-und-Produkte/Produktsicherheit/Persoenliche-Schutzausruestungen/Persoenliche-Schutzausruestungen_node.html)
Does iQ-UV protect against UV-A and UV-B radiation?
Clothing and caps from iQ-UV protect against over 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Does the color of the clothing affect the UV protection factor?
Darker colors have a higher UV protection factor than lighter ones. However, even our lightest colors meet the specified UV protection factor.
How is the UV protection at iQ-UV tested?
All iQ-UV protective products are tested according to the world-renowned AS/NZS 4399 standard—also known as the Australian Standard UV 50+. Our elastic water sports collection is also tested according to UV Standard 801.
Does the UV protection wear off in water?
The UV protection of our clothing and caps remains UPF 50+ in both dry and wet conditions.
Does iQ-UV clothing release microplastics during washing?
Does our UV protective clothing contain nanoparticles?
No, our UV protective clothing does not contain nanoparticles.
Does our clothing protect against UV-C rays?
UV-C rays only exist in space; Earth's atmosphere only allows UV-A and UV-B rays to pass through.
Can I wash iQ UV clothing in the washing machine?
Yes, our UV protective clothing is machine washable. Please check the care label. TIP: Turn the clothing inside out and/or place it in a laundry bag. You can use regular detergent (for whites or colors). Please do not use fabric softener.
Can I wash iQ-UV caps?
Yes, by hand washing. Please do not machine wash, as the visor is plastic and may bend under the mechanical stress of the drum. It's better to soak and hand wash.
Does fabric softener affect UV protection?
Since we do not use any chemical UV filters or coatings during production, the excellent UV protection of 50+ remains intact even when washed with fabric softener. However, fabric softener reduces breathability and absorbency. In general, we advise against fabric softener due to its environmental impact.
Does the UV protection wash out?
No, the excellent UV protection remains even after at least 25 washes. This applies to both our clothing and caps.
Can I use iQ-UV clothing in swimming pools (chlorinated water)?
Yes, because we use the best elastane: XTRA LIFE LYCRA®. This makes our UV clothing 5 to 10 times more chlorine-resistant than conventional elastane. The clothing retains its new appearance and maintains elasticity and fit for a long time. Applies to chlorine concentrations in German swimming pools.
Can I use iQ-UV clothing in lakes or the sea?
Yes, our clothing is perfectly suited for that. It retains its fit, and the excellent UV protection 50+ remains effective in water.
How do I remove yellow deodorant and sunscreen stains from white shirts?
Soak the shirt overnight with a mild stain remover (e.g., gall soap and without bleach). Then wash the shirt according to the care instructions.
How can I pay?
PayPal | Visa Card | Master Card | Invoice (only for Germany and Austria): possible if delivery and billing address are the same, for order values between €5 and €750, and with a positive credit check by our payment service provider Zinia.
How much are the shipping costs?
Free shipping from €25 (Germany only) for private customers. Below €25, shipping costs are €3.90. International* orders over €50 are also free for private customers; below that, the cost is €9.95.
Can I change or cancel my order afterward?
No, unfortunately that is not possible.
Can I place my order by phone?
No, orders by phone or email are unfortunately not possible.
How long does shipping take?
Delivery times:
1–3 business days: Germany
3–4 business days: Austria, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Croatia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary
4–5 business days: Belgium, Finland, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, Portugal, Baltic States, Switzerland
5–6 business days: Bulgaria, Malta
7–11 business days: Greece, Cyprus
Can I return or exchange an item?
Returns Germany: If you're not satisfied with our product, you can easily return it for free via our return portal: https://iq-uv.shipping-portal.com/rp/
Size exchange: Please return the item that's too small or too large for a refund, and place a new order for the correct size in our online shop.
International returns: Yes, within 14 days of purchase. Please send the items back to us with sufficient postage. Once we receive the return, you’ll be refunded using the same method you used for payment.
What size should I order?
You can use our size chart for guidance. If you're unsure, simply order two sizes and try them on at home.
Where is my invoice?
You will receive your iQ invoice conveniently by email. You can also download it in your customer account under the relevant order.
Where is my order?
You will receive a tracking number via email as soon as your package is shipped.
Do I have to pay the full amount when buying on invoice?
No, you only pay for what you keep.
Frequently asked questions - do you have further questions? Then please send us an e-mail to: info@iq-uv.com.