Testing the Limits of UV-Protective Clothing
BAAR, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / April 02, 2026 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a Consumer Compact article detailing the rigorous scrutiny of ultraviolet (UV) protective clothing that helped 44west, the winning team in the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic race, withstand the extreme conditions at sea and secure victory.
The 31-day row presented continuous exposure to UV radiation, intense temperatures, salt spray, high winds, humidity and relentless physical exertion. The team’s clothing had to perform to uncompromising standards and, as principal sponsor, SGS was also responsible for ensuring their selected apparel met the toughest tests.
With little opportunity for washing or garment changes, and a sustainability imperative for post-race laundering, the team’s long-sleeved shirts were subjected to multiple evaluations, in the knowledge that garment failure could have directly affected athlete safety and race outcomes.
Seaworthy standard testing
Critically, a UV protection factor rating of 50+ was needed as an essential safeguard against sun exposure over a number of weeks, and the internationally recognized AATCC TM183 and ASTM D6544 standards were used to benchmark the durability and protective characteristics of the shirts. The article provides details of the extensive assessments that were carried out to ensure quality and reliability.
Expert softlines solutions
The objective credibility of testing results was key to the team’s confidence in their clothing, and SGS’s independent evaluations offered reliability and assurance. SGS softlines services substantiate product claims across durability, ease of care, wearer comfort and protection against environmental exposure, ensuring products meet regulatory requirements as well as market and consumer demands.
Read the full article, ‘Ensuring UV-Protective Clothing Delivers in Extreme Conditions.’
For further information, contact:
Dr. Min Zhu
Senior Director, Technical Services & Operations, US & Canada - Softlines
Connectivity & Products
Tel: +19734611230
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About Us
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
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