Where in Europe do we manufacture our UV protective clothing?
We source our fabrics from Italy and France. Our iQ-UV protective clothing is manufactured in Poland and Portugal. (With the exception of UV caps and UV hats, which are manufactured in Myanmar and China).
How safe and reliable is the UV protection of UV protective clothing and accessories at iQ?
Benefit from our many years of experience. We have been supplying diving schools and water sports centres since 2004, mainly in subtropical and tropical climates with strong to very strong UV rays. Our UV protective clothing is used by thousands of diving instructors and snorkelling guides as their daily workwear in challenging conditions. iQ UV clothing is resistant to chlorine and salt water, protects you from nettles and provides the safest sun protection in and around the water and during any activity in the sun. In addition, our UV protective clothing is tested by independent and well-known testing institutes such as TÜV Rheinland and the Hohenstein Institute. With iQ-UV, we guarantee your safety in the sun.
Can my body produce enough vitamin D even though I am wearing UV clothing?
Yes, the body absorbs enough sunlight in the face, hands and eyes to produce sufficient vitamin D.
What do Natural Cool and Extra Cool stand for?
Natural Cool:
Natural Cool - combines the excellent wearing properties of the natural fibre Tencel® with a polyester outer layer that protects against UV rays (UV protection 50+). The two-layer construction 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 in outside temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Fabric 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 light, breathable and very comfortable to wear against the skin, especially in the height of summer. Extra Cool was developed to ensure unrestricted performance even on hot days. The fabric quickly transports moisture to its surface, where it evaporates. This effect actively cools the skin, making it ideal to wear at outside temperatures of 22°C and above. Composition 100% recycled polyester.
How does the high UV protection come about?
The high UV protection is achieved by the combination of two components, on the one hand due to the UV-reflecting properties of the raw substances and materials used, and on the other hand due to the fine-meshed structure and special processing of the iQ-UV fabrics and textiles. iQ UV protection is purely physical, without any chemicals or additional impregnation. iQ-UV protective clothing is made exclusively from the mostly recycled raw materials listed in the material composition; we use neither chemical nor mineral UV blockers. This means that UV protection from iQ-UV is durable and reliable, and remains so even after frequent wear and many washes.
What does UPF 50+ mean?
UPF 50+ means that you can increase your skin's own protection by a factor of 50. With iQ-UV 50+ clothing, you can stay in the sun 50 times longer than without protection. Of course, only the parts of the skin covered by the UV-protective clothing are protected.
Example: If you are skin type 2, you have a self-protection of about 15 minutes without damaging your skin. With iQ-UV 50+ you are perfectly and safely protected for 50 x 15 minutes and can enjoy the sun all day.
Do I still have to apply sunscreen under a UV shirt?
No, you are perfectly and safely protected under an iQ-UV shirt. However, exposed skin parts must of course be protected with a sunscreen (we recommend at least SPF 30).
What is UPF and SPF?
UPF means: "Ultraviolet-Protection-Factor" and SPF: "Sun-Protection-Factor". Both denote the (time) factor by which the skin's own protection is extended.
What does PPE stand for?
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment or Personal Safety Equipment. PPE is the equipment that a person wears or holds as protection against risks to their health or safety (e.g. UV rays from the sun).
PPE may only be made available on the market 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)
How much of the UV rays does iQ-UV clothing block?
Our clothing blocks over 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays.
Are chemical impregnations used?
No, we do not use any chemical impregnations to achieve the excellent UV protection.
Does iQ-UV protect against UV-A and UV-B rays?
iQ-UV clothing and caps protect against over 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays.
Does the colour of clothing play a role in the UV protection factor?
Darker colours have a higher UV protection factor than lighter colours. However, even the lightest colours achieve the UV protection factor that we have stated.
How is iQ-UV UV protection tested?
All iQ-UV protection products are tested to the world's most recognised and renowned AS/NZS 4399 standard - also known as the Australian UV 50+ standard. Our AQUA water sports collection is also tested to UV Standard 801. Our outdoor and work protection collection is also tested to the European standard DIN EN 13758.
Is UV protection lost in water and when moist?
The UV protection of our clothing and caps always remains above UPF 50+ in both dry and wet conditions.
Does iQ-UV clothing emit microplastics when washed?
DNo, because the clothing is not made from textile fibres, but from filaments.
Are there nanoparticles in our UV protective clothing?
No, our iQ UV protective clothing does not contain nanoparticles.
Do our clothes also protect us from UV-C rays?
UV-C rays only exist in outer space, the atmosphere of our earth only lets through UV-A and UV-B rays.
Can I wash iQ UV clothing in the washing machine?
Yes, our UV protective clothing is machine washable. Please pay attention to the care label. TIP: It is best to turn the UV clothing inside out and/or put it in a laundry bag. You can use normal full or colour detergent.
Can I wash iQ-UV caps?
Yes, gentle cycle at 40 degrees. (Flat claps please hand wash only).
Does fabric softener affect the UV protection?
As we do not use any chemical UV filters or UV impregnations in the production process, the excellent UV protection of 50+ is maintained even when washing with fabric softener.
However, fabric softener reduces the breathability and absorbency. We generally advise against fabric softener, as it pollutes the environment and nature.
Does the UV protection wash out?
The UV protection of our clothing and caps always remains above UPF 50+ in both dry and wet conditions.
Can I also use iQ-UV clothing in the swimming pool (chlorinated water)?
Yes, because we use the best elastane: XTRA LIFE LYCRA®, which makes our UV clothing 5 to 10 times more chlorine-resistant than conventional elastane. As a result, the clothing looks like new for a very long time and retains its elasticity and fit. Applies to the chlorine concentration in German swimming pools.
Can I use iQ-UV clothing in the lake or sea?
Yes, our clothing is perfect for this, it does not lose its fit and the excellent UV protection 50+ is retained in the water.
How can I pay?
PayPal | Visa Card | Master Card & Invoice - only valid for Germany and Austria: possible with the same delivery and invoice address for an order value of 5 to 750 euros and a positive credit report from our payment service provider Santander Bank.
How much are the shipping costs?
3.90 Euro for orders under 39.00 Euro, for orders above 39.00 Euro the shipping is free. (Within Germany). International shipping cost might apply.
Can I change or cancel my order later?
No, unfortunately this is not possible.
Can I also place my order by phone?
No, unfortunately, telephone orders or orders by e-mail are not possible.
How long does delivery take?
Operational time & terms of DHL
1-2 working days: Germany
3-4 working days: Austria, Netherlands, Poland, Great Britain, Croatia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary
4-5 business days: France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, Portugal, Baltic States
5-6 business days: Bulgaria, Malta
7-11 business days: Greece, Cyprus
Can I return or exchange an item?
Returns Germany: If you are not satisfied with our product, you can easily and conveniently process your free return here via our returns portal: https://iq-uv.shipping-portal.com/rp/.
Size exchange: Please return the item that is too small/too large to us for a credit note and order the new size directly via our online shop.
International returns: Yes, within 14 days of purchase. Please send the items back to us with sufficient postage. As soon as we have received the return, you will immediately receive your refund in the form in which you paid.
Which size should I order?
Our size chart will help you find the right size. If you are unsure, simply order two sizes and try them on at home.
Where is my receipt?
You will receive your iQ invoice conveniently by email. You can also download your invoice in your customer account under the respective order.
Where is my order?
You can see your order details in your customer account under "Orders". Each delivery will have a DHL tracking number.
Do I have to pay the total amount first when buying on account?
No, you only pay for what you keep. (Keep in mind this option is available only in Germany).
When will I receive my credit note?
As a rule, you will receive your credit amount back within 7-10 days in the same form as you paid. In the case of purchase on account, the amount will only be credited to your customer account for balance.
Which parcel services do we use?
(Valid for orders within Germany) We ship your order with DHL or DPD - We choose the fastest parcel service depending on the shipping time.
To which countries do you deliver?
Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Cyprus.
Do I have to pay import VAT for deliveries to Switzerland?
Deliveries to Switzerland are VAT-free, but import VAT is always charged by the shipping service provider.
When are "Currently out of stock" items available again?
These items will usually be back in our iQ warehouse from Portugal or Poland within 3-6 weeks.
Frequently asked questions - do you have further questions? Then please send us an e-mail to: info@iq-uv.com.