Sun protection and kaftans

Australia has high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and clothing is an important part of sun protection. A loose, long kaftan can cover shoulders, arms and legs, but how much UV it actually blocks depends on the fabric. This guide explains what to look for.

This guide is general information written in our own words. We don't recommend particular shops, labels or products, and we never quote prices: they vary widely, so compare for yourself.

What UPF means

The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much ultraviolet radiation a fabric blocks. ARPANSA, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, tests sun protective clothing. It explains that under the Australian/New Zealand standard for sun protective clothing, a UPF 50+ rating is classed as excellent protection. ARPANSA also notes that the rating applies to the tested material, and that the design of a garment, including how much skin it covers, matters too.

What affects protection

ARPANSA explains that several factors affect how much UV a fabric blocks:

• Weave or knit: tightly woven fabrics block more UV than loose weaves.
• Colour: darker colours generally absorb more UV than lighter ones.
• Fibre and finish: some fibres and treatments block more UV.
• Condition: fabric that is stretched, worn thin or wet may block less.

Many kaftans are made from airy voile, gauze or chiffon for comfort in the heat. These light fabrics often let more UV through. That doesn't mean they're useless, but they shouldn't be relied on as your only protection.

Coverage

A kaftan with long sleeves, a higher neckline and a longer length covers more skin than a short, sleeveless style. Butterfly kaftans with wide openings can leave arms and sides exposed.

Choosing a sun-protective kaftan

If sun protection is a priority, look for a kaftan or cover-up that is labelled with a UPF rating under the Australian/New Zealand standard. Check the product description and label for the rating. Be cautious about vague claims such as "sun safe" without a rating.

Other sun-safe habits

Clothing works best alongside other measures: seek shade, wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen to skin that isn't covered. Remember that UV levels can be high even on cool or cloudy days.

Caring for sun-protective fabric

Follow the care label so the fabric keeps its structure. Rinse off salt, chlorine and sunscreen, and replace garments that are worn thin, stretched or faded.

Kids and kaftans

Children's cover-ups and kaftans are popular at the beach. The same principles apply: choose a closely woven fabric, good coverage and, ideally, a UPF rating, along with a hat, shade and sunscreen.

Reading UPF labels

A UPF label should tell you the rating and, ideally, the standard it was tested to. Labels may also include care instructions that help maintain protection. If a product makes sun protection claims without a rating, ask the seller what testing supports them.

Wet fabric and sun protection

ARPANSA notes that the condition of a fabric can change how much UV it blocks, and stretched or wet fabric may give less protection. If you're swimming in a cover-up, keep that in mind and keep up other sun protection.

Choosing colours for sun

Darker colours generally absorb more UV than lighter colours of the same fabric, according to ARPANSA. Weave matters too, so a tightly woven pale fabric may still block more UV than a loose dark one.

Use the kaftan finder

Our free kaftan finder suggests fabric, length, neckline and care based on the occasion, your climate and how much care you're happy to give a garment. It also flags when to look for a UPF rating if you'll be in strong sun. It runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you choose is sent anywhere. Use it as a starting point before you shop, and always check the product's own details and care label.

Where our information comes from

Factual statements in our guides are based on official and expert sources, including ACCC Product Safety and the Federal Register of Legislation for care labelling, ARPANSA for sun protective clothing, the ACCC for consumer rights, Scamwatch for online shopping safety, and museum and encyclopaedia sources for history. We list them at the end of each page. Styling and care tips are general and written in our own words. Rules change, so check the sources before relying on any detail.

A good kaftan in one sentence

A good kaftan suits where you'll wear it, is made from a fabric that matches your climate and care routine, hangs well at your height, and makes you feel comfortable and like yourself. Everything else in this guide supports those few goals.

Questions to ask before you buy

Before buying any kaftan, ask yourself: where will I wear it, how often, what will I wear with it, how will I wash it, and does it fit my height and shape? Answering honestly helps avoid kaftans that sit unworn in the wardrobe. It also makes it easier to compare options and to spend wisely, whatever your budget.

Understanding care symbols

The five basic care symbols are a washtub for washing, a triangle for bleaching, a square for drying, an iron for ironing and a circle for professional care such as dry cleaning. Dots usually show temperature or heat, lines under a symbol suggest a gentler process, and a cross means "don't". ACCC Product Safety explains that Australian care labels may use English words, these symbols, or both. Learning them takes a few minutes and protects your favourite pieces.

Comfort in Australian summers

Much of Australia has long, hot summers, and humidity in the north can be high. Loose garments let air move around the body, which many people find more comfortable in the heat than fitted clothes. Breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen and rayon tend to feel cooler than heavy synthetics. In hot, humid places, quick-drying fabrics and loose weaves help. Wherever you are, sun protection still matters when you're outdoors.

Buying gifts

Kaftans make popular gifts because many styles fit a range of sizes. Even so, check the length and width measurements, choose a fabric that suits the recipient's climate and lifestyle, and keep the receipt. Remember that change-of-mind returns depend on the store's policy, so check it before you buy.

Keeping your kaftans organised

Store kaftans where you can see them, so you remember to wear them. Lightweight pieces hang well on slim or padded hangers; heavy, beaded pieces are better folded. Group them by occasion, such as beach, day and evening, so getting dressed is quick. At the end of summer, wash and store them properly so they're ready for next season.

Supporting makers

Many kaftans are made by small designers and artisans using traditional techniques such as block printing, embroidery and hand weaving. If you value these skills, look for sellers who explain who made a garment, where and how. Clear descriptions are a good sign of a seller who cares about their products.

A note on accessibility

Kaftans can be a comfortable choice for people with limited mobility, sensory sensitivities or medical devices, because they are loose and easy to put on. Front-opening styles, soft necklines, and fabrics without scratchy trims can make dressing easier. Check measurements carefully if you use a wheelchair, as long hems can catch in wheels.

When to replace a kaftan

Kaftans are usually retired when fabric wears thin, colours fade badly or seams can no longer be repaired. Thin, faded fabric also tends to block less sun. Before you throw one away, consider whether it could be mended, swapped or repurposed.

Key points

• UPF shows how much UV a fabric blocks; UPF 50+ is excellent protection.
• Sheer, loose weaves usually let more UV through.
• Coverage matters as well as fabric.
• Use shade, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen too.