At Umbrella Fellas, we dedicate ourselves to helping our customers find outdoor umbrellas with effective UV protection. We asked ARPANSA to test the fabrics in our umbrellas. ARPANSA stands for the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.
ARPANSA is the national authority that tests how effective shade fabric is at blocking harmful UV rays. The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredits their fabric testing, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their results.
In the past, shade fabrics were often tested using the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) system. This system was made for clothing that is worn close to the skin.
However, Umbrella Fellas want our customers to know that UPF ratings are no longer the gold standard when it comes to testing shade structures like umbrellas.
We use the latest and well-known testing method — the UVE (Ultraviolet Effectiveness) rating. This standard is based on AS 4174:2018 for Knitted and Woven Shade Fabrics.
According to ARPANSA:
“With the release of the Australian shade fabric standard, AS 4174:2018, a new rating for human sun protection was introduced: Ultraviolet Effectiveness (UVE). This rating is designed specifically for shade structure fabrics and should be used instead of the UPF rating.”
While UPF is still used for clothing, it’s not intended for use with umbrellas and similar shade structures.
ARPANSA clarifies the limitations of the UPF rating when applied to umbrellas:
“Products such as umbrellas and shade structures which are not in close proximity to the skin will provide a lesser degree of protection… because of scattered radiation entering from around the edges. The UPF standard is therefore not appropriate for evaluating such items.”
In short, if a shade company still relies on UPF ratings for their outdoor umbrellas, they’re not following the latest safety standards.
Even though the UVE rating is the most accurate and recommended system for testing shade fabrics, it’s essential to know that several design-related factors can still affect UV protection in real-world use. As per the AS 4174:2018 standard, the following statement must accompany all UVE-rated fabrics:
“When shade fabric is used for purposes such as shade structures for human protection, the ultraviolet effectiveness (UVE) may not be an accurate guide… due to variations in design, height, and size of shade structures, stretching of the fabric, distance from the person, direction of sunlight, and physical location within the shade structure.”
That’s why it’s essential to choose not just any umbrella but a UV-rated umbrella in Australia that’s been properly tested under real conditions.
We’ve commissioned ARPANSA to test all our outdoor umbrella fabrics in accordance with the AS 4174:2018 standard. This means our customers receive products backed by accurate, up-to-date testing — not outdated ratings. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, entertaining on your patio, or protecting guests at your venue, you can trust Umbrella Fellas for UV-rated umbrellas in Australia that are tested for real-world performance.
We want every customer to feel confident knowing they’ve chosen an outdoor umbrella with UV protection that delivers genuine peace of mind. However, no shade product replaces personal sun safety. We always recommend following best practices:
Combined with a properly tested umbrella, these simple steps provide optimal protection under the Australian sun.
Umbrella Fellas want to ensure that our customers are well informed to ensure they purchase the best umbrella protection for them that will ensure maximum protection from our harsh Australian sun. We also encourage our customers to always slip slop slap and wear sun protective clothing for added protection.
Here you can find all our test results.
Click here to find more out about ARPANSA and shade fabric testing.
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