Availability Of UV-Protective Clothing In Chennai Market: An Evaluation Study

Abstract

The global analysis of the apparel market focuses on the supply and demand for UV protection clothing, acknowledging the paramount importance of shielding against solar UV radiation, which is the primary cause of skin damage, including skin cancer. Reports indicate a limited presence of UPF apparel in the Asian market. However, it is anticipated that the UPF clothing business will undergo development in Asian countries in the foreseeable future. This study delves explicitly into the availability of UV-protective clothing in India, with a focus on the Chennai market. Through a convenient sampling method, the research scrutinized 80 brands across physical and online retail outlets, unveiling trends such as the prevalence of knitted fabrics and type of fibres, premium pricing, and the potential for Indian brands to diversify and align with global preferences. This comprehensive analysis is poised to deliver substantial value to clothing manufacturers, consumers, researchers, and academia.

Full text

Library Progress International
Vol.44 No. 3, Jul-Dec 2024: P. 17348-17361
Print version ISSN 0970 1052
Online version ISSN 2320 317X
Original Article Available online at www.bpasjournals.com
Library Progress International| Vol.44 No.3 | Jul-Dec 2024 17348
Availability Of UV-Protective Clothing In Chennai Market: An Evaluation
Study
1* Habeebunissa, 2Anish Sharmila M, 3 Sasirekha
1Research Scholar, Department of Fashion, Design and Arts, Hindustan institute of Technology and Science,
rp.21703007@student.hindustanuniv.ac.in, Orcid Id: 0000-0003-1563-7664
2,Assistant Professor , Fashion, Design and Arts, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai, India,
anishs@hindustanuniv.ac.in
2* Corresponding Author: Anish Sharmila M
3 Associate Professor, Department of Fashion Management Studies, NIFT- Chennai, India, sasirekha.a@nift.ac.in
How to cite this article: Habeebunissa, Anish Sharmila M, Sasirekha, (2024) Availability Of UV-Protective
Clothing In Chennai Market: An Evaluation Study. Library Progress International, 44(3), 17348-17361.
Abstract
The global analysis of the apparel market focuses on the supply and demand for UV protection clothing,
acknowledging the paramount importance of shielding against solar UV radiation, which is the primary cause
of skin damage, including skin cancer. Reports indicate a limited presence of UPF apparel in the Asian market.
However, it is anticipated that the UPF clothing business will undergo development in Asian countries in the
foreseeable future. This study delves explicitly into the availability of UV-protective clothing in India, with a
focus on the Chennai market. Through a convenient sampling method, the research scrutinized 80 brands across
physical and online retail outlets, unveiling trends such as the prevalence of knitted fabrics and type of fibres,
premium pricing, and the potential for Indian brands to diversify and align with global preferences. This
comprehensive analysis is poised to deliver substantial value to clothing manufacturers, consumers, researchers,
and academia.
Keywords: UV-protective Clothing, UPF Clothing, Market study, Indian Brands, International Brands.
1. Introduction
Spectral ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the main causes of harmful effects on uncovered or exposed skin [1].
Nowadays, sun-protective clothing, also known as UV-protective clothing or UPF clothing, is available on the
market. According to the AS/NZS 4399 UPF classification system mentioned in the table below, there are different
protective categories for various UV-protective clothing [2].
Table 1: AS/NZS 4399 UPF classification system [2]
UPF RANGE PROTECTIVE CATEGORY
15-24 Good Protective
25-39 Very Good Protective
40 -50, 50+ Excellent Protective
There has been a notable increase in the use of UV-protective clothing due to a growing awareness of the harmful
effects of UV radiation on human skin [3]. Long-term exposure to UV radiation has been linked to several skin
conditions, including sunburn, premature ageing, Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE), and a higher risk of
developing skin cancer [4]. The textile industry has made significant progress in creating materials that provide
good UV protection in response to these concerns [5, 6]. UV-protective clothes are made with fabrics of dense
construction, deeper colours, and unique coatings that have demonstrated improved UV-blocking properties. The

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market for UV-protective apparel is growing as consumers become more aware and demand increases. As a
result, many researchers have explored consumer preferences, attitudes, and behaviour regarding UV-protective
apparel, advancing the discussion on this subject [7-9].
Dermatological studies suggest that photodermatosis is very common in dark-skinned populations [10-12].
Another study by dermatologists confirms that although there are treatments available for photodermatosis
caused by sunlight exposure, it is always better to prevent its occurrence by protecting the skin with clothing [7,
13, 14]. In terms of sun-protective clothing, the textile industry has made significant advancements in textile
science, leading to the production of improved fabrics with a UPF range between 25 and 50+. UPF-rated clothing
is becoming increasingly important to customers worldwide, which has resulted in a wider range of products and
increased market competitiveness [15]. The growing recognition of the importance of sun protection is evident
in the global market report for UV-protective clothing. The global "UPF Sun Protective Clothing Market" has
been steadily growing in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue until 2030 [7, 16].
Focusing on manufacturers in various countries, the worldwide market size for UPF clothing is based on
application, end user, and geography, with a noticeable increase in the demand for UV-protective apparel.
According to Data Bridge Market Research (DBMR) analysis [17], the global market for ultraviolet protective
factor (UPF) apparel is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% between 2023 and
2030. The market was valued at USD 745.49 million in 2022, but it is projected to reach USD 1,540.82 million
by 2030.
Figure 1: Growth rate of the market size for UV-protective clothing [17]
The rising customer awareness of health and well-being is one of the major factors propelling the market for UPF
apparel. The increased awareness has led to a rise in the market for UPF clothing items, which are seen to be a
healthier dermatologic option. The technological developments in the UPF clothing sector have also given rise to
more effective and environmentally friendly production techniques, which has further boosted market expansion
[15].
1.1 SWOT analysis
 There is significant demand for sun-protected garments.
 Sun-protective apparel is increasingly being incorporated into fashionable clothes in North America and
the Pacific.
 North American countries are predicted to lead the worldwide UPF clothing industry with their stylish,
creative, and fashionable apparel made with synthetic and regenerated fibres.
 To cater to fashion-conscious consumers, manufacturers must take advantage of the need for stylish
UPF apparel options.
 The rising demand for UPF apparel is partly due to the expanding appeal of outdoor recreation and
travel.
 There will be no compromise on comfort, style or performance, as sought after by athletes, vacationers,
and outdoor enthusiasts.

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 Owing to specialized fabrics and manufacturing processes, UPF clothing is more expensive, which may
deter some buyers.
 Producers in the UPF clothing industry need help to strike a balance between performance and cost.
 High-sun exposure areas see a spike in demand for UPF apparel, particularly in the summer, which
presents problems for inventory and production management.
 Asia-Pacific, which includes India, is expected to develop profitably between 2022 and 2032 because
women prefer more skincare products, which are accessible both online and in physical stores [17].
Figure 2: UV-Protection factor sun protective clothing market- Regional Outlook 2022-32 [18]
There are two distinct categories of artificial fibres: synthetic fibres and regenerated fibres. Regenerated
fibres are derived from naturally occurring cellulose polymers found in plants such as cotton, wool, hemp, and
flax. Notably, rayon and acetate, among the initial artificial fibres to be developed, were created from cellulose
polymers through the conversion of plant cellulose into fibres. On the other hand, synthetic fibres are exclusively
derived from polymers sourced from natural gas and petroleum by-products. This category encompasses nylon,
acrylics, polyurethane, and polypropylene. The global production of these fibres amounts to millions of tons
annually. Textiles are flexible materials made of yarns, created through weaving, knitting, or other methods. They
come from animals, plants, minerals, or synthetic materials. Weaving involves interlacing long threads. Knit fabric
is created by interlooping yarn and is flexible, durable, and used for making various clothing items like T-shirts,
polo shirts, innerwear, and leggings. "Interlacing threads create woven fabric on a loom. It only stretches
diagonally and is commonly used for sewing shirts, trousers, and jeans. The edges need to be finished properly to
prevent unravelling." A thorough worldwide market research study on UV-protective clothing is available in the
literature; however, there needs to be a significant research gap regarding the availability of UV clothing in India,
particularly in the Chennai market. Additionally, while data about the type of fibre used in UV-protecting apparel
is readily available, more is needed about the decision between woven and knit fabrics for UV-protective clothes.
Furthermore, there is a notable lack of study concerning the classification of clothing categories for UV-protective
apparel, such as casual wear, formal wear, etc. The DBMR report states that synthetic fibres are used in UV
clothing globally, but it does not mention the use of latest regenerated fibre. Therefore, this study fills the gap in
understanding the use of fibres. It is also important to understand the fabric construction technique used for UV-
protective clothing for a comprehensive approach to understanding UV-protective clothing.
Related works
The study [19] claims that sun exposure can cause UV radiation, which can cause skin damage, such as sunburn,
early ageing, and skin cancer. UV transmission can be decreased, and skin protection can be achieved by
modifying textile materials and applying appropriate finishing chemicals. UV blockers that work well are
inorganic nano-metal oxide particles, such as ZnO and TiO2. The variables influencing UV protection in textiles
and the different UV protection standards are covered in this study. In a similar vein, the study [20] talks about
how useful UV-protective apparel is and how washing can cause UPF values to drop. Concerns are brought up
regarding UV finish requirements, sustainability, and disclosure of UV-protective textiles.
The study [21] examines the ways in which the textile industry is advancing functional finishes in response to the
increasing need for better personal protection equipment. This includes resistance to solar radiation, the degree of
which varies according to the kind of cloth, its chemical makeup, and its intended application. Various UV
absorbers and nanomaterials have been investigated in research to improve performance and longevity. This paper
examines the effects of UV radiation on people, the requirements for UV protection, and the guidelines for
determining UPF. According to the author [22], exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the primary risk factor
for skin cancer. In one study, broad-spectrum sunscreens and sun-protective textiles were tested for their ability

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to block UV rays. In comparison to the sunscreens tested, the study discovered that the fabrics provide better UVR
protection. According to the findings, clothes should be the primary means of protecting against UV rays, with
sunscreen being useful in places where clothing is difficult. The study [23] looked at clothes, which are crucial
for shielding oneself from the sun's damaging UVR rays. They examined the UVR protection of fifty different
clothes. While regular shirts offer very little protection, particularly against photoaging, most knitted sports T-
shirts offer great protection. With an exponential link to the UV protection factor (UPF), the fabric cover has the
biggest effect on protection. Summer clothing textiles should have information regarding UV protection labelled
on them, as some materials—especially those used for shirts—offer very little UV protection.
It has been suggested by [24] to wear garments to shield yourself from the sun. Not every cloth offers the same
degree of UV defense. Only half of the 236 materials used in garments were found to meet the suggested UPF
30+ level. Higher UPF values were found in materials including wool, polyester, and fabric blends, whereas lower
UPF values were found in cotton, linen, and viscose fabrics. The study recommended that summer apparel textiles
be subjected to conventional testing and labelling. The study [25] examined the relationship between UV radiation
from the sun and skin damage, including skin cancer. In addition to protecting the skin with sunscreen, appropriate
clothing can help avoid photosensitive conditions, skin cancer, and premature ageing of the skin. However, not
every apparel offers enough UV protection. The UV protection of a garment can be impacted by elements such
as the fabric type, colour, weight, and the usage of UV absorbers. Specifically, UV-resistant clothing can provide
good protection from the sun's rays, but it's crucial to raise awareness of the value of wearing appropriate sun
protection gear.
The study [26] recommended that people wear UV-protective clothes. Their research sought to ascertain the UV
protection factor (UPF) of two T-shirt, cotton fabrics and investigate ways to raise their UPF. After testing several
treatments on the fabrics, they discovered that dyeing the fabric or adding a UV-absorbing agent during laundering
greatly reduced UV transmission and boosted UPF, while washing the materials with soap and water only
modestly improved UPF.
The textile business has seen an increase in eco-fashion in recent years, with a focus on employing eco-friendly
materials to safeguard human health and the environment. Clothes are an essential component of protection against
the sun's UV radiation, which is a growing concern. The impact of clothing goods on the Solar Protection Factor
is examined in this research [27]. The study [28]examined how ultraviolet (UV) photons, which make up a very
minor portion of solar radiation, can have an impact on the functions of all living things. If someone is not
protected, these rays can have a variety of impacts, ranging from minor tanning to major skin malignancies.
Protection from the damaging effects of UV radiation can be obtained from clothes, sunscreen, and shade
structures. UV-protective fabrics can be made by altering the fabric's design, employing the right light-absorbing
materials, and applying the right finishing techniques.
2. Objectives
 To assess the availability of UV-protective clothing in the local markets of Chennai.
 To examine the clothing categories offered in UV-protective clothing in the Chennai market.
 To understand the type of fibres, their blends and fabric construction used in the UPF clothing available
in Chennai.
 To study the garment design and body coverage in UV-protective clothing.
 To understand the price of UV-protective clothing in the Chennai market.
3. Materials and Method
The core aim of this research endeavour was to meticulously examine the prevalence and diversity of UV-
protective clothing in the vibrant Chennai market. The study gave specific attention to both Indian and
international brands, carefully handpicking a total of 80 brands using a convenient sampling technique to
guarantee a comprehensive and inclusive representation. This deliberate selection process, which included 40
Indian and 40 international brands, was designed to capture the diverse landscape of UV-protective clothing
offerings in Chennai, ensuring that all perspectives are considered and respected. Furthermore, the study
methodically scrutinized six distinct clothing categories - casual wear, formal wear, semi-formal wear, party wear,
sportswear, and athleisure - to provide an intricate and thorough analysis of the UV clothing market in Chennai.

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4.1 Data Collection
Data collection entailed visiting carefully selected stores and methodically recording comprehensive details of
UV clothing items within specific categories. Each item's features, such as fabric composition, UV protection
level, available sizes, and colour options, were precisely documented to guarantee thorough and precise data
collection.
4.2 Data Analysis
The data collected from various sources underwent a comprehensive descriptive analysis using elementary
statistical methods. This involved a detailed examination of patterns and trends across different brands.
Descriptive statistical measures, such as percentages and averages, were thoroughly applied to gain a thorough
understanding of the quantitative distribution and provide a detailed insight into the collected data.
4. Results and Discussion
In alignment with the research objectives, the study sought to evaluate and understand the availability of UV-
protective clothing and its retail panoramas in the Chennai market. The observations from Table 2 and Figure 1
discuss the availability of various clothing categories in different brands.
5.1 General clothing in the Chennai market:
Casual wear dominance: there is a predominant emphasis on casual wear, followed by athleisure, which suggests
a trend in both Indian and international brands to prioritize comfortable clothing suitable for everyday use and
various physical activities. Limited formal focus: The lower percentage in formal wear indicates that Indian brands
may not place as much emphasis on formal occasions compared to other categories. Comfort: The notable
representation of athleisure, along with sportswear, reflects a trend toward activewear that combines style with
comfort, catering to active lifestyles. Understanding these trends helps in marketing strategies, product
development and inventory planning for the brands.
5.1.1 Availability of UV Protective Clothing:
Table 2: Availability of UV-protective Clothing in India and International Brands Vs clothing category
CLOTHING CATEGORY INDIAN BRANDS INTERNATIONAL BRANDS
Availability
of the
category
Availability
of the
UV Clothing
Availability
of the
category
Availability
of the
UV Clothing
Casual Wear 47.22% No 63.16% Yes
Formal Wear 11.11% No 5.26% No
Semi-Formal
Wear
22.86% No 13.16% No
Party Wear 25.71% No 7.89% No
Sports Wear 33.33% No 21.05% Yes
Athleisure 41.67% Yes 47.37% Yes

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Figure 3: Clothing category –India vs. International brands
Among 40 Indian brands surveyed, only one Indian brand provides UV clothing such as T-shirts (short sleeve),
Yoga pants, and sports bras, specifically in the athleisure category. According to Table 3, the products from Indian
brands include T-shirts, yoga pants, and Sports bras. These products are made up of blends of bamboo-cotton
fibres, renowned for their sustainability and softness. Knitted fabric is used for the garments. With a UPF of 50+,
they provide efficient protection against the sun. Prices for the T-shirt, yoga pants and sports Bra as of February
2024 are rupees 750, 2000, and 729, respectively, offering ladies who are in search of reasonably priced,
comfortable sun-protective clothing. However, it is observed that there are limited options in terms of style, price,
and fabric.
Table 3: Details of UV-protective product from Indian Brand
ATTRIBUTES DETAILS
Product T-Shirt, Yoga Pants, Sports Bra
Demography Gender: Only Women
Age: 16+ (Based on size – S)
Fiber Type Blends (Bamboo-Cotton)
Fabric type Knitted
UPF 50+
UV Finish Not specified
Price (as on Feb.2024) T-Shirt (Short sleeve) - ₹750 Yoga Pants - ₹2000/-
Sports Bra - ₹729
In contrast, 24 out of the 40 international brands offer UV clothing, spanning casual wear, sportswear, and
athleisure categories. Table 4 below clearly shows that international brands have used synthetic fibres to
manufacture their products. Only a few brands provided both recycled synthetic fibre and regenerated fibre blends,
which could consider diversifying their fibre choices by incorporating more natural and regenerated fibre options.
This not only aligns with sustainability goals but also caters to the growing demand for eco-friendly products.
Table 4: Attribute percentage of International brands that provide UV-protective clothing
ATTRIBUTES DETAILS
FIBER TYPE
Natural fibre 0%
Synthetic fiber 100%
Regenerated fiber 8%
Recycled Nylon/Polyester 8%
FABRIC TYPE
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
INDIAN BRANDS INTERNATIONAL
BRANDS
Chart Title
Casual Wear Formal Wear Semi-Formal Wear
Party Wear Sports Wear Athleisure

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Woven 0%
Knitted 100%
UV FINISH
Chemical finishes Not specified
Natural Finishes Not specified
It is inferred that exploring sustainable options within knitted fabrics, such as natural or regenerated fibres or
recycled materials, can be a strategic move for Indian brands to align with global preferences and environmentally
conscious consumers. Brands should provide clear and transparent information regarding the nature of surface
treatments applied to their fabrics. This transparency can foster consumer trust and contribute to sustainability
initiatives and an eco-conscious consumer base. There is clear potential for the diversification of fibre types,
especially towards more sustainable options, and the adoption of knitted fabrics in the Indian market. Hence, to
understand the patterns as well as market trends, a systematic analysis of the data was conducted.
UV-protective clothing is available in different categories, including men's, women's, children’s clothing, and
unisex clothing. The majority of women's clothing that provides UV protection is made up of t-shirts (58.30%)
and Pants/Leggings (45.80%); other options include tunics (29.20%) and skirts (20.80%). There is a significant
availability of t-shirts (54.20%) and Pants/Leggings (37.50%) in men’s apparel. T-shirts (25%) and pants/shorts
(20.80%) are the most common clothing items for children. UV protection from unisex apparel is consistently
provided at a rate of 20.80% in all categories, indicating a wide variety of choices for all ages and genders.
However, during the study, other products were found, such as body suits for girls in the swimwear category. Two
brands offered only hats and caps as UV protective accessories. These brands did not offer any other type of
apparel.
Table 5: Availability of types of clothing in UV protective apparel
Type of Clothing Availability
WOMEN'S WEAR
Top 20.80%
Tunic 29.20%
Maxi Dress 16.70%
T-Shirt 58.30%
Skirt 20.80%
Trousers/Pants 45.80%
MEN'S WEAR Shirt 16.70%
T-Shirt 54.20%
Trousers/Pants 37.50%
KID'S WEAR T-Shirt 25%
Trousers/Pants 20.80%
Shorts 20.80%
UNISEX
CLOTHING
20.80%
5.1.2 Availability of UV clothing for women in International brands:
Brands cater to various types of clothing categories for sun protection. Table 6 provides information on the brands
that offer UV-protective clothing for women, men, unisex clothing, and kids clothing, as well as whether the brand
caters to all of them. Significant observations about the availability of women's UV-protective clothing can be
seen in Table 5. The T-shirt category is notably available, with a significant 62.5% of all UV-protective products.
This makes it a desirable choice for anyone looking for sun-safe clothing. Another interesting trend is that 33.33%
of tunics provide UV protection. Additionally, the analysis shows in Table 6 that trousers are distributed fairly,
with 45.83% of them having UV protection. However, the availability of apparel such as women's tops, maxi
dresses, and skirts is comparatively less. These results provide important information to manufacturers, designers,
etc., by highlighting the prevalence of UV-protective clothing in particular women’s apparel categories.

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Table 6: Availability of clothing variety in women’s wear in International brands
Category Percentage
Women’s Top 4.17%
Women’s Tunic 33.33%
Maxi Dress 16.67%
T-Shirt 62.5%
Skirts 25%
Trousers 45.83%
Head and Neck Cover 0%
Hand Cover up to wrist and beyond
12.5%
Face Cover 0%
Full Leg Cover (up to ankle) 0%
Full Leg Cover (up to midi length) 4.17%
Body Snugly Fitting Garment 91.67%
Loose Fit Garment 8.33%
Figure 4: Clothing varieties in women’s wear
Body Coverage: Notable findings arise when investigating body coverage and fit for UV-protective apparel. It is
observed that none of the products offer head and neck coverage for women. However, 12.5% of the products
cover the hands up to the wrist or more, indicating that hand protection is taken into consideration. There is not a
single face cover in the brand. Only a small number (4.17%) of the products provide leg coverage up to midi
length, and none of the products fully cover the legs up to the ankle.
Fit: The majority of the apparel (91.67%) are snugly-fitting clothes, highlighting the inclination towards body-
fitted UV-protective apparel. On the other hand, a lower percentage (8.33%) of the products have a loose fit,
appealing to people who prefer a more laid-back fashion sense. This thorough research helps consumers make
educated decisions based on their preferences for coverage and fit by offering insightful information about the
particular characteristics of UV- UV-protective apparel for women.
5.1.3 Availability of UV clothing for Men in International brands:
Table 7 provides a few details about men's UV-protective apparel options. T-shirts (66.67%) and trousers
(50.00%) are readily available, making them good choices for individuals seeking sun-protective clothing. A
Men's hooded sweatshirt is also offered, although to a lesser extent (16.67%). However, there are no men's shirts
available.
4.17% 33.33%
16.67%
62.50%
25%
45.83%
0%
12.50%0% 0%
4.17% 91.67%
8.33%
Percentage
Women’s Top Women’s Tunic
Maxi Dress T-Shirt
Skirts Trousers
Head and Neck Cover Hand Cover up to wrist and beyond
Face Cover Full Leg Cover (up to ankle)
Full Leg Cover (up to midi length) Body Snugly Fitting Garment

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Table 7: Availability of clothing variety in Men’s wear
Category Percentage
Men’s Shirt 0%
Men’s Trousers 50.00%
Men’s T-shirt 66.67%
Men's Hoodie Sweatshirt 16.67%
Head and Neck Cover 20.83%
Hand Cover (up to the wrist and
beyond)
8.33%
Face Cover 0.00%
Leg Cover (up to knee) 0.00%
Full Leg Cover 45.83%
Body Snugly Fitting Garment 41.67%
Loose Fit Garment 58.33%
Figure 5: Availability of clothing variety in Men’s wear
Notably, 20.83% of the UV clothing covers the head and neck, and 8.33% covers the hands up to the wrists and
beyond. Interestingly, not a single garment has a face covering, and there is no knee-length leg covering included.
Still, a sizable 45.83% of the apparel covers the whole leg. In terms of fit, 41.67% of the products are clothes that
fit tightly, while 58.33% are clothes that fit loosely. The availability of UV-protective clothing for men is clarified
by this thorough research, which takes into account both clothing types and body covering qualities.
5.1.4 Availability of UV protection clothing for Kids in International brands:
Data on the availability of UV-protective clothing for boys (up to age 12) varies by product category, as discussed
in Table 8. T-shirts stand out at 41.67%, while shorts and trousers show somewhat lower but similar percentages,
with 29.17% of the brands providing UV-protective clothing. This indicates that children have a considerable
choice for UV-protective apparel.
Furthermore, UV-protective clothing for girls reveals differing levels of availability in various categories. T-shirts
with short sleeves are available at 41.67%. Swimwear comes in second, with 31% availability. Conversely, bottom
wear for girls only has 1% availability.
0% 50.00%
66.67%
16.67%
20.83%
8.33%
0.00%
0.00%
45.83%
41.67%
58.33%
Percentage
Men’s Shirt Men’s Trousers Men’s T-shirt
Men's Hoodie Sweatshirt Head and Neck Cover Hand Cover (up to wrist and
beyond) Face Cover Leg Cover (up to knee)
Full Leg Cover Body Snugly Fitting Garment Loose Fit Garment

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Table 8: Availability of UV protection clothing for kids
Product Category Availability
Boys' T-Shirts 41.67%
Boys' Shorts 29.17%
Boys' Trousers 29.17%
Girls' T-Shirts 41.67%
Girls' Swimwear 31.00%
Girls' Bottom Wear 1.00%
Figure 6: Availability of UV protection clothing for kids
According to Table 9, UV-protective clothing for girls is overwhelmingly available in body-fitting styles,
accounting for 100% of the articles analyzed. There is variation in the coverage provided by these clothes, with
8.33% covering the head and neck and 4.17% covering the face. However, there are noticeably few options for
hand and leg covers. This indicates a possible area for development and emphasizes the need for more varied
choices to improve all-around sun protection for girls.
Table 9: Availability of clothing variety for Girls in International brands
Body Coverage and Fit for Girls
CATEGORY PERCENTAGE
Hand and Neck Cover 8.33%
Hand cover up to wrist 0%
Face cover 4.17%
Leg cover (Up to Knee)) 0%
Full Leg cover 0%
Body Snugly Fitting
Garment
100%
Loose Fit garment 0%
According to Table 10, there is a noticeable emphasis on body coverage in boys' UV-protective apparel. 50% of
the clothing provides complete leg cover, and 16.6% of items offer coverage up to the thigh. Face coverage is
4.17%, while hand and neck coverage are quite low at 8.33%. Furthermore, 91.67% of the clothing items are of a
loose-fit style.
Table 10: Body Coverage and Fit-Boys
CATEGORY PERCENTAGE
Hand and Neck Cover 8.33%
41.67%
29.17%
29.17%
41.67%
31.00%
1.00%
0.00% 5.00% 10.00%15.00%20.00%25.00%30.00%35.00%40.00%45.00%
BOYS' T-SHIRTS
BOYS' SHORTS
BOYS' TROUSERS
GIRLS' T-SHIRTS
GIRLS' SWIMWEAR
GIRLS' BOTTOM WEAR
Availability of UV protection clothing for kids

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Hand cover up to wrist 0%
Face cover 4.17%
Leg Cover (Up to thigh) 16.6%
Leg cover (Up to Knee)) 0%
Full Leg cover 50%
Body Snugly Fitting Garment
8.33%
Loose Fit garment 91.67%
5.1.5 Price of UV-protective clothing
We explored information concerning the prices of various UV-protective products available in international
brands, which is represented in Table 11 and Figure 7.
Table 11: UV protective products and their price range
Products Price (in Indian Rupees ₹)
Yoga pants 2000
Fishing Pants 19750
Track Pants 28364
Shorts 1799
Skirts 24000
T-Shirts 17156
Sweatshirts 18000
Swimwear 17999
Hats 8450
Caps 6250
Only Sleeves 14000
Figure 7: Price of the UV-protective products available in International brands
Bottom wear: The pricing for bottom wear is positioned at the higher end, with Track pants being the most
expensive at Rs.28 364 and even the more casual shorts priced at Rs.1 799.
Top wear: Top wear items also reflect a premium pricing strategy, with T-shirts, sweatshirts and Swimwear all
positioned as higher-end products.
Accessories: the accessory prices also maintain a premium positioning, with “only sleeves” (gloves that cover
above the elbow) priced at Rs. 14,000/-, Hats at Rs 8,450/-, and Caps at Rs 6,250/-. Overall, the product range
does not target all consumer segments. This positioning suggests a focus on delivering high-end UV protection
2000
19750
28364
1799
24000
17156 18000 17999
8450 6250
14000
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
Price (in Indian Rupees ₹)

Habeebunissa,Anish Sharmila M,Sasirekha
Library Progress International| Vol.44 No.3 | Jul-Dec 2024 17359
products.
5.1.6 Factors Influencing High Prices:
 Techniques used for coating chemicals on fabric surfaces for UV protection include dip coating, spray
coating, pad dry cure method, sol-gel coating methods, electrostatic deposition, vapor deposition and
layer-by-layer assembly using Nano/Plasma technology.
 Continuous advances in these techniques and technologies contribute to potential price increases in UV-
protective products.
 Some brands provide additional properties along with UV protection, such as advanced antimicrobial
properties or moisture-wicking capabilities, which contribute to overall costs.
 Outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and individuals engaged in outdoor activities who prioritize effective sun
protection or anyone who is conscious of harmful UV radiation and is willing to invest in specialized
and high-quality products.
Conclusion
This study has provided a detailed insight into the availability of UV-protective clothing in the Chennai market.
The following observations are predominant from the market study: the clothing market in Chennai primarily
focuses on casual wear and athleisure, indicating a preference for comfortable everyday clothing. There is a
limited availability of formal and semi-formal wear in Indian brands, suggesting less emphasis on UV clothing
for formal occasions. Athleisure and sportswear options are more prevalent, reflecting a trend towards functional
UV clothing. Among the 80 brands studied, only one Indian brand offers UV clothing, while 24 international
brands provide UV clothing across various categories. Synthetic fibres dominate UV-protective clothing
manufacturing, with the potential for diversification into natural and regenerated options. Knitted fabrics are
predominantly used in fabric construction for UV-protective clothing, aligning with global preferences. UV-
protective clothing from international brands is priced highly, ranging from Rs.4750/- to Rs30,000/-, indicating a
premium classification. T-shirts, trousers and hooded sweatshirts are the most commonly available types of
clothing, with some brands specializing in hats, caps, and arm sleeves. Few brands offer loose-fitted full-coverage
products, with some providing body suits for Swimwear made from UPF-graded fabrics, albeit with exposed body
parts other than the torso. In summary, the study provides valuable insights into the availability, characteristics
and market positioning of UV-protective clothing in Chennai. Brands may benefit from adapting to consumer
preferences, diversifying fibre choices, and enhancing transparency to meet the growing demand for sustainable
and effective UV-protective clothing.
Limitations: This research is limited to analyzing the Chennai market alone. This provides accurate information
regarding availability in Chennai, India. However, a broader market coverage would indicate a more
comprehensive knowledge.
Authors’ Contribution: Author 1 (Corresponding Author) - Conceptualization, visualization, Investigation.
Project administration, writing original draft, Resources. Author 2 – Supervision, writing-review and editing.
Declaration of competing interest: The author declare that they have no known competing financial interests or
personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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