Consumer test finds only four children’s UV shirts protect as claimed

Only four of 12 children’s UV shirts tested provided the advertised protection, according to the consumer magazine Konsument, as reported by ORF. Eight products also contained potentially concerning chemicals.

The test assessed UV protection, harmful substances and microfibres. Four shirts received a rating of “Good”, while five were rated “Unsatisfactory”. The Upper Austria Chamber of Labour said there was no link between a product’s brand and its quality.

Bisphenols were detected in eight products. These chemicals are used, among other things, in plastics. Although the tested products complied with limits for bisphenol A, or BPA, several contained replacement substances.

Lower-priced products did not automatically perform worse. The UV shirts tested from online retailers Temu and Shein were free of harmful substances, according to the chamber, but did not provide adequate UV protection.

The tested products did not pose an immediate danger, the chamber said. However, it advised parents to pay close attention to quality and protective performance when buying UV clothing.

UV clothing should not be used for too long or bought second-hand because its protective effect can weaken over time. According to the chamber, a tightly woven, dark cotton shirt can provide similar protection. Areas of skin not covered by clothing should also be protected with sunscreen.