Ensuring UV-Protective Clothing Delivers in Extreme Conditions

Consumer CompactSoftlines26. Mar 2026

Participating in the World’s Toughest Row Race 2026 exposes athletes to one of the most demanding marine environments on the planet. When selecting clothing, the 44west team had to account for continuous ultraviolet (UV) radiation, extreme heat and cold, salt spray, high winds, humidity and relentless physical exertion. In this environment, even a seemingly simple long-sleeved shirt becomes mission-critical equipment that must perform to uncompromising standards.

For the 44west team, apparel selection was driven by performance, not aesthetics. Every garment had to protect the rowers, maintain comfort during sustained exertion and withstand prolonged exposure to extreme environmental stressors. This performance had to be sustained for up to 30 days, with limited opportunities for washing or garment changes.

The long-sleeved shirts selected by the team were required to:

Deliver maximum ultraviolet protection (UPF 50+) to prevent acute sunburn and mitigate cumulative skin damage
Remain lightweight, breathable and highly moisture-wicking to support thermoregulation during prolonged exertion
Dry rapidly and maintain functional performance when wet, including after seawater immersion
Retain tensile strength and structural integrity despite continuous abrasion, perspiration and repetitive movement
Be dermatologically safe, with no harmful chemical residues capable of transferring to the skin

In alignment with 44west’s sustainability objectives, the 100% polyester fabric also needed to minimize microfiber release during post-race laundering to reduce potential microplastic pollution.

To determine whether the shirt could withstand these conditions, it was subjected to rigorous laboratory evaluation, including:

Measurement of UV radiation transmittance in accordance with recognized international standards
Performance assessment in both dry and wet states, as moisture can alter UV protection levels
Durability testing under controlled temperature, light and environmental stress conditions
Evaluation of mechanical strength, colorfastness, moisture management and drying performance
Screening for restricted or hazardous chemical substances with potential dermal exposure risk
Quantification of microfiber release during simulated washing cycles

In such an extreme endurance event, garment failure can directly affect athlete safety and performance outcomes. Comprehensive testing therefore not only validates performance claims but also confirms product safety and sustainability credentials.

Testing UV protection

The team selected a long-sleeved shirt marketed as lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Critically, it carried a UV protection factor (UPF) rating of 50+, the highest classification recognized for apparel. A UPF 50+ fabric blocks at least 98% of UV radiation, which is an essential safeguard when spending weeks at sea without natural shade.

To verify that the garment would perform as claimed throughout the 4,800 km journey, its UV protection was evaluated in accordance with the internationally recognized AATCC TM183 and ASTM D6544 standards:

AATCC TM183 – Transmittance or blocking of erythemally weighted ultraviolet radiation through fabrics
ASTM D6544 – Standard Practice for Preparation of Textiles Prior to Ultraviolet (UV) Transmission Testing

Samples were first subjected to 40 standardized machine wash cycles, followed by controlled exposure to simulated solar radiation. This protocol assessed retained UV blocking performance after repeated laundering and cumulative UV exposure. The results demonstrated excellent durability, with the fabric maintaining a high level of UV protection.

Given the extreme marine environment anticipated during the race, additional specimens were pre-conditioned in artificial seawater and synthetic perspiration prior to UV re-evaluation. Notably, UV protection did not decrease; in fact, a slight improvement was observed, particularly following seawater exposure.

Testing builds trust

Performance, durability, comfort and sustainability claims are widespread in the apparel market. However, without independent, science-based verification, such claims lack objective credibility.

For the 44west team, independent evaluation by a globally recognized testing, inspection and certification organization against internationally accepted standards provided assurance that the garments would perform under real-world conditions. This reduced uncertainty in race preparation and ensured their apparel would function reliably, regardless of environmental extremes.

SGS solutions

We provide comprehensive testing and technical support to help brands deliver high-performance, comfortable and functional apparel to global markets. Our services substantiate product claims across durability, ease of care, wearer comfort, protection against environmental exposure, including UV radiation, healthcare-related performance and smart textile functionality. Through a global network of state-of-the-art laboratories and technical specialists, we support the entire value chain from fiber and fabric development to finished garment certification, ensuring products meet regulatory requirements, market expectations and consumer demands.

Learn more about our comfort and performance testing solutions for clothing and textiles.