The Truth About UV Ratings and What They Really Mean for Your Shade

Australians and New Zealanders love the sun, but we also know it’s something to respect. Whether you’re relaxing beneath an umbrella at the beach or sharing a meal on the patio under a shade sail, the real question isn’t if you’re getting shade, it’s how much protection that shade provides. Understanding UV ratings helps you make smarter choices about how to stay safe, cool and comfortable outdoors.

What Exactly Is a UVE Rating? 

UVE stands for Ultraviolet Effectiveness, which measures how well a shade fabric blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays. The higher the percentage, the stronger the protection. 

According to the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS 4174:2018, shade fabrics fall into these protection categories: 

• 80–90.9% UVE: Effective 
• 91–94.9% UVE: Very effective 
• 95% and above: Most effective    

UV radiation comes in two types: UVA, which penetrates deeply and causes skin ageing, and UVB, which burns the skin’s surface. UVE testing measures protection against both, giving a complete picture of how well your shade fabric shields you outdoors. 

Coolaroo sun protection shade products are tested to deliver up to UVE 98%+ protection. This means your shade is not only comfortable, but also scientifically proven to block more than 98% of harmful UV radiation while fostering airflow to keep you cooler. 

Coolaroo’s 30%, 50%, and 70% shade cloth is best suited for situations where sun protection for people or pets is not needed. These options work well for projects such as fence screening, garden shading, or greenhouse covers. 

UVE vs UPF: What’s the Difference? 

You’ve probably seen UPF on clothing tags. It stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and measures how much UV light gets through fabric when worn close to the skin. 

Shade structures, however, are different. Light can scatter and bounce from the sides or ground, so UVE testing was developed to measure how well shade fabric performs in open environments such as gardens, decks and playgrounds. 

In short, UPF is perfect for clothing, while UVE is the gold standard for shade structures like umbrellas, sails, outdoor blinds and shade fabrics. 

And what about SPF? 

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) applies only to sunscreen and skincare products. It measures how long a product can protect skin from UVB rays — the type that causes sunburn — compared to unprotected skin. Unlike UPF and UVE, SPF doesn’t involve fabric at all; it’s about chemical or mineral barriers on the skin. 

Why This Matters for Australians and New Zealanders 

Australia and New Zealand have some of the highest UV levels in the world. Skin damage can happen in minutes, even on cloudy days, so understanding how your shade performs is essential.   

Cancer Council recommends using all five forms of sun protection: Slip on protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses. 

And while sunscreen can wear off or wash away, quality shade doesn’t fade with the day. That’s why shade isn’t just a comfort, it’s a critical part of sun safety. 

“Shade provides one of the most reliable forms of UV protection because it offers consistent, long-lasting coverage that sunscreen alone can’t match,” says Andrew Nasarczyk, Director of Global Innovation and Sustainability at GALE Pacific, the parent company behind Coolaroo. “Whether it’s a permanent shade sail, outdoor blind, or an umbrella you take to the beach, our fabrics are engineered to deliver dependable protection day after day. It’s protection you can trust to perform, wherever you enjoy the outdoors”. 
 

How Shade Fabrics Are Tested 

Under AS4174:2018, shade fabrics are tested not only for how much UV they block, but also how well they maintain that protection over time. 

Coolaroo fabrics are solution dyed and UV stabilised, meaning colour and protection are built into every fibre. Even after years in tough conditions, they continue to perform effectively. Real sun protection should never be temporary. 

What Good Shade Looks Like 

When choosing shade for your home, look for: 

• UVE 95%+ rating: The benchmark for strong UV protection 
• Breathable construction: Fabrics that foster airflow and stay cooler underneath 
• Durable fibres: Solution-dyed fabrics that resist fading, mould and mildew 
• Trusted testing and endorsement: Products tested to Australian Standards and, ideally, endorsed by a recognised health authority 

Where science meets shade 

Since the 1970s, Coolaroo has perfected the balance between design and protection. Engineered for Australia and New Zealand’s harsh UV conditions, our fabrics deliver durability and comfort that last. As the only residential shade brand endorsed by Cancer Council Australia, Coolaroo combines innovation with proven UV effectiveness. 

“At Coolaroo, our goal is to turn advanced fabric technology into solutions that make everyday outdoor living safer and more comfortable,” says Jason Demiri, Senior Product Manager at GALE Pacific.  “It’s about designing products that people can trust to protect their families, season after season.”  

From market umbrellas for decks, cantilever designs for poolside lounging, shade sails for backyard play, to outdoor blinds that add privacy and year-round protection, Coolaroo helps households enjoy the outdoors comfortably and safely. 

Good shade isn’t just about comfort. It’s peace of mind. 

The Bottom Line 

Sunscreen helps, and so do hats and long sleeves. But when you want to spend more time outside, sharing lunch, working from the deck or watching the kids play, shade is the protection that never wears off. 

And when that shade is Coolaroo, it’s engineered and tested to provide reliable coverage for people, pets, and the spaces you love. 

Explore Coolaroo Shade Solutions 

Ready to make outdoor living safer and more comfortable? Discover the range of Coolaroo shade options designed for lasting protection. 

 

Disclaimer 

WARNING: SHADE DOES NOT PROVIDE 100% PROTECTION 
Coolaroo fabric is tested to meet the highest UV effectiveness, but some UV can still reach you in the shade by reflecting off surrounding surfaces. Always combine shade with clothing, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.