Why UV protective clothing is also important in winter -> UV radiation through clothing

Winter sun underestimated: UV radiation knows no seasons

When temperatures drop and the sun hangs low on the horizon, most people don't think about sun protection. Yet the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation remains active all year round – regardless of the season. While intensity may vary slightly, the danger is often underestimated in winter.

The sky may appear cloudy or overcast, but UV rays can still penetrate clouds. Moreover, snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays. This means the radiation can even intensify through reflection. Especially in the mountains, during skiing or winter hiking, UV exposure increases significantly. For every 1,000 meters of altitude, UV radiation increases by about 10–12%. The risk of skin damage is therefore real even in the cold season – sometimes even greater than in summer.

UV rays penetrate clothing – but not all types

Many people assume that clothing automatically protects against the sun. In reality, conventional winter clothing often offers only limited protection against UV radiation. Especially thin fabrics, loosely woven textiles, or tight-fitting garments lose much of their protective effect. When fabric is stretched, it becomes more permeable to UV rays – a common occurrence in winter during physical activity or when wearing multiple layers.

Color also plays a role: light-colored fabrics like white or pastels generally allow more UV rays to pass through than darker ones. Moisture can also reduce UV protection. When clothing gets wet from snow or sweat, its protective ability may significantly decrease.

Anyone relying on a jacket or sweater for sufficient protection without considering specific UV-protection features is taking a significant and often underestimated risk.

Special risks in winter: altitude, snow & reflective surfaces

In winter, several factors combine to further increase UV exposure. One key factor is altitude: in the mountains, the atmosphere is thinner, which means fewer UV rays are filtered. As a result, staying in alpine regions leads to significantly higher UV exposure.

Snow also acts like a mirror for sunlight. Even on cloudy days, UV rays reflected from the snow can intensely affect the skin – especially on the face, neck, and hands, which are often not fully covered.

There is an increased risk not only during winter sports: everyday activities such as walking, working outdoors, or long car rides can also result in UV exposure. Windows in cars or buildings typically don’t provide adequate UV protection unless specially treated.

What defines UV-protective clothing – and how to recognize high quality

UV-protective clothing differs in key aspects from conventional clothing. The most important factor is the so-called UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). This value indicates how much UV radiation the material blocks. A UPF of 50, for example, means that only 1/50 of the radiation gets through – equivalent to 98% protection.

High-quality UV-protective clothing is made from tightly woven, durable materials that maintain their protective effect even when wet or stretched. Special fibers or coatings additionally ensure that UV rays are effectively blocked. Unlike regular garments, the UV protection remains effective even after frequent washing – provided the clothing is properly certified.

When purchasing, look for official test seals and certifications, such as UV Standard 801. This standard tests textiles under realistic conditions, such as when wet or stretched. Only then can you be sure of the actual protection provided in everyday use.

UV protection as year-round prevention: everyday tips for winter

UV protection isn't just a summer issue. Those who care about skin health should also pay attention to appropriate protection in the colder months. UV-protective clothing offers a simple, comfortable, and sustainable solution – without the need for constant reapplication of sunscreen.

UV-protective clothing is especially recommended for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing. It’s also worth wearing UV-certified textiles during winter hikes, walks, or visits to the Christmas market – particularly for sensitive skin areas that can't be constantly covered with sunscreen.

Professionals who spend a lot of time outdoors – such as in construction, agriculture, or fieldwork – also benefit from the added protection of appropriate clothing. And last but not least, UV-protective clothing is ideal for children, whose skin is especially sensitive to UV radiation.

Winter doesn’t protect you from the sun – but the right clothing can protect you from the invisible dangers of UV radiation. Take care of your skin health even in the colder season.