UPF Ratings

How our hats are tested and what the results mean for you

What is UPF?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it measures how well a fabric blocks ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching your skin. A UPF 50+ rating—the highest rating available in Australia—means that only 1/50th (or 2%) of UV rays can pass through the fabric, blocking 98% of harmful radiation.

Unlike SPF (used for sunscreen), UPF applies to clothing and accessories, such as hats, and is a critical part of staying sun safe.

How Are Our Sun Hats Tested?

All our hats undergo independent UPF testing by ARPANSA—the Australian Government’s trusted authority on radiation protection. This testing is carried out in accordance with AS 4399: Sun protective clothing – Evaluation and classification, the official Australian Standard.

Because our hats are made from multiple components—like the brim, crown, sides, and neck flaps—each section is tested individually. The overall UPF rating is based on the lowest-performing component, to ensure maximum transparency and protection. 

For example, if a hats crown fabric has a UPF of 50+, but the brim fabric achieves UPF 30, the entire hat would be rated as UPF 30.

This method reflects real-world usage and helps you understand exactly how much protection the hat is providing—across all parts of the design.

For your confidence and shopping ease, all Bedhead Hats achieve a rating of UPF50+ on all components!

Brim Width Matters, Too

UPF testing also considers body coverage, which is particularly relevant for sun hats.

According to AS 4399:

• Bucket hats must have a brim of at least 6 cm
• Broad-brim and legionnaire hats require a minimum brim width of 7.5 cm

Only if the hat meets these minimum coverage requirements can a UPF rating be claimed or advertised, even if the materials themselves perform exceptionally well. This ensures you’re getting a hat that offers true functional sun protection, not just high-performing fabric.

Why This Matters

When it comes to sun safety, not all hats are created equal. Our commitment to UPF testing goes beyond just fabric—we test the entire hat, and we meet or exceed Australia’s strict standards for both material and design.

This gives you confidence that when you wear our hats, you’re getting proven UV protection, backed by science and verified by the Australian Government.

View Our UPF Test Results

Below, you’ll find verified test reports from ARPANSA for our current sun hat collections. These reports are provided to help you make informed, transparent choices when it comes to protecting your family under the sun.

 

 

 

 

 

Why We Test the Lightest Colour in Each Design

To ensure reliable and consistent protection, we submit the lightest colour version of each hat style for UPF testing. This is because lighter colours naturally allow more UV to pass through, while darker fabrics typically test significantly higher in UV protection.

By testing the most UV-vulnerable variation, we’re ensuring that all other colours or prints in that same style will meet or exceed the published UPF rating. It’s a practical and trusted approach that aligns with ARPANSA’s guidance and helps us maintain both accuracy and efficiency—especially across our large, evolving range of colours and prints.

Rest assured: if the lightest rates UPF50+, the rest are even better!!!