WHY CLOTHING MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Clothing is one of the most effective ways to reduce UV exposure on the job. Unlike sunscreen, it does not depend on reapplication or remembering to use it in the first place, and it protects large areas of the body throughout the entire working day.
That said, not all workwear offers the same level of protection. A standard T-shirt may feel light and comfortable, but it does not guarantee reliable UV protection. Choosing workwear that is specifically designed and tested for UV protection ensures consistent and reliable coverage.
Protection should not depend on remembering it. That is where clothing makes the difference.
EN 13758 AND UPF: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN UV-PROTECTIVE WORKWEAR
Not all UV protection is visible. That is why standards makes the difference. The European standard EN 13758 defines how UV-protective clothing is tested and labelled, so you know exactly what level of protection you are getting.
The key indicator is UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), which shows how much UV radiation is blocked by the fabric:
- UPF 40+: excellent protection
- UPF 50+: the highest level, blocking around 98% of UV radiation
For professional use, EN 13758-2 certified garments with UPF 40+ or 50+ offer a reliable benchmark.
In practice, this means looking beyond comfort or appearance. Look for:
Proven certification (EN 13758-2)
Functional coverage such as long sleeves and collars
Lightweight and breathable fabrics for warm conditions
Compatibility with other requirements such as high-visibility
Look for the EN 13758 label
Not all UV protection is visible. The EN 13758 label makes it clear. It shows that the garment has been tested and certified for reliable UV protection on the job.
FROM OPTIONAL TO EXPECTED PROTECTION
UV exposure is increasingly recognised as an occupational risk for outdoor work across Europe.
In countries such as Germany and Austria, this is already firmly embedded in safety policies, with employers expected to assess exposure and take preventive measures. In Belgium, the Netherlands and France, the same responsibility applies through general duty-of-care principles.
Even where UV-protective clothing is not explicitly required, expectations are clearly moving in that direction.
In practice, this means moving beyond standard summer workwear and choosing garments that actively reduce exposure on the job.
UV PROTECTION AT SYNQ
At SYNQ, UV protection is integrated where it matters.
Selected garments are designed to combine protection, comfort and functionality, without forcing professionals to choose between them. Lightweight materials and practical designs ensure wearability in warm conditions, so protection does not come at the expense of comfort on the job.
Explore SYNQ workwear solutions that combine UV protection with comfort and performance.
