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The Relationship Between UV Transmittance and Color -- Visual

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 Textile Research Journal
http://trj.sagepub.com

The Relationship Between UV Transmittance and Color Visual Description and Instrumental
Measurement
C.A. Wilson, P.H. Gies, B.E. Niven, A. McLennan and N.K. Bevin
Textile Research Journal 2008; 78; 128
DOI: 10.1177/0040517507081302

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 Textile Research Journal Article

The Relationship Between UV Transmittance and Color –

Visual Description and Instrumental Measurement
C.A. Wilson1,2, P.H. Gies3, B.E. Niven2,
Abstract This work examines sensory and instru- A. McLennan3 and N.K. Bevin4
mental methods for quantifying color of fabrics 2
The Centre for the Application of Statistics and
and investigates the relationship between fabric Mathematics, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
color and UV transmittance. The color of 175 sam- 3
Ultraviolet Radiation Section, Non Ionising Radation
ples was visually categorized by human judges Branch, Australian Radation Protection and Nuclear
into color groupings and measured instrumen- Safety Agency, Yallambie, Australia
tally according to the CIE XYZ and CIE LAB sys- 4
Clothing and Textile Sciences, University of Otago
tems using a spectrocolorimeter. The relationship Dunedin, New Zealand
between color and UVA, UVB and UVR transmit-
tance was examined and the most appropriate
method for describing the relationship between
UV protection and color was determined. Color
depth rather than color per se affected mean UV
transmittance with dark fabrics confirmed as being
most effective. L* (lightness), Y (brightness), were
found to be equally effective descriptions of the
‘color’/transmittance relationship. Manufacturers
seeking to color fabrics so as to minimize UV
transmittance should select colors with CIE L* of
approximately < 38 or CIE Y of approximately
< 28. Medium and high transmittance levels were
less clearly related to CIE values.

Key words CIE tristimulus (XYZ), CIE LAB,

color, UV, transmittance, threshold

Introduction
UV protection provided by fabric has been linked to a
number of fabric properties. Fabric structure, thickness,
weight, extensibility, and finishing treatments such as dye-
ing modify the proportion of UV light transmitted through
fabrics. The color and color depth of fabric has been
related to UV transmittance, with light colors transmitting
more UV than dark colors [1–4]. Dark colors such as dark
green, red, navy blue and black are reported as providing
good protection (3, 5–7] while darker shades of the same
hue have also been associated with higher ultraviolet pro-
tection factor (UPF) ratings [8]. Gies et al. [2] showed
graphically that measured transmittance through a base
fabric dyed into a range of dark (black, navy blue, green,
red) and light colors (oatmeal and white) differed with
UPF values for the two groups of colors being 50+ and 14–
16 respectively. Differences in protective capacity between
dark and light colors and also between different colors has
been attributed to the absorption of radiation by the dye in
the part of the dyes absorption spectrum which overlaps
the UV spectral region [9].1 The selective absorption of vis-
ible light (and hence color) varies according to the chemi-
cal structure of the dye [10]. Thus a proportion of UV
wavelengths may be absorbed by the dye decreasing trans-
mittance over part of the spectrum and increasing protec-
1
Corresponding author: Clothing and Textile Sciences, Univer-
sity of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Tel.: +643 4797546; fax: +643
4797538; e-mail: c.wilson@ otago.ac.nz

Textile Research Journal Vol 78(2): 128–137 DOI: 10.1177/0040517507081302 www.trj.sagepub.com © 2008 SAGE Publications
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 The Relationship Between UV Transmittance and Color C. A. Wilson et al.
tion [1, 5, 10]. Color depth will affect both the absorption
and the reflectivity of UV photons by the fabric with dye
molecules proposed as having a specific role. Whether
color depth modifies the effect of other variables known to
affect UPF (such as fabric structural properties), and in
both UVA and UVB regions, is currently unclear.
To date, when examining the relationship between color
and UV transmittance visual classification of fabrics as
dark or light and into color categories (e.g. blue, black,
etc.) has been undertaken [2, 8]. Such sensory descriptions
rely on visual judgment of color by judges using the cone
sensors in the human eye as the instrument of measure.
Cones are stimulated by wavelengths of light reflected
from the surface of fabrics. Shorter wavelengths result in a
perception of violet and blue colors (400 to 500 nm), and in
the longer wavelengths (approximately 600–700 nm), red.
Classification of color is complex, e.g. an object will appear
white when incident light is completely reflected and black
if all light is absorbed with perceived color varying depend-
ing on the source of the light. Thus variations in perceived
color may occur as a result of differential absorption and
reflection of incident light [11]. Hue, brightness and satu-
ration are attributes used to describe visually assessed
color. Hue refers to the wavelength of light stimulating
cones in the eye with all color composed of proportions of
blue, green and red stimuli [12]. Brightness is dependent on
the luminance and reflectivity (the more lumens emitted
by an object the brighter the color) while saturation is the
amount of white present (a fully saturated color has no
white) [13–15]. The principal disadvantage of visual assess-
ment of color is the lack of quantification of the elements
comprising the color, e.g. pink is a less saturated form of
red yet both are of the same hue. In the absence of instru-
mental characterization of color, the relationship between
color and UV transmittance is not clear.
The aim of this current work was to (i) identify an instru-
mental method for describing color of fabrics intended to
provide UV protection, (ii) clarify the relationship between
color and UV transmittance through fabrics, and (iii) iden-
tify characteristics of color associated with lower UV trans-
mittance.
Color may be described numerically by measuring the
contribution of blue (B), green (G) and red (R) wave-
lengths using a spectrocolorimeter [14–16]. The Commis-
sion Internationale d’Eclairage (CIE) system of color
classification is based on description of colors using prima-
ries derived from RGB tristimulus values [15]. The CIE
tristimulus values, referred to as X, Y and Z, are always
positive and derive their descriptions from the various pro-
portions of color contributing to their value according to:
X = 0.49R + 0.31G + 0.20B
Y = 0.1769R + 0.812G + 0.01063B
Z = 0.00R + 0.01G + 0.99B
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© 2008 SAGE Publications. All rights reserved. Not for commercial use or unauthorized distribution.
129 TRJ
Thus, the X value is the red, the Y the green, and the Z the
blue primary [17]. The Y value is also proportional to the
luminance of the color and approximately related to the
perception of brightness. A Y value of 100 represents a
color that has 100% luminance and so reflects all light (flu-
orescence may result in Y values exceeding 100 [18]), e.g.
black has a Y value of 0 while white is associated with
equal values of X, Y and Z.
Another system used to describe color measurement is
CIE LAB which addresses the problem of unequal color
space (i.e. where numerical differences in color do not
agree with visual perceptions) arising when the tristimulus
system is used [11]. CIE LAB utilizes nonlinear transfor-
mations of the XYZ values to specify color perceptions in
terms of a three-dimensional space. Colors are repre-
sented by L*, a* and b* coordinates where L* represents
lightness (from 0 (black) to 100 (white)), a* represents red-
green (positive a* = red, negative a* = green) and b* yel-
low-blue (positive b* = yellow, negative b* = blue). The
a* and b* coordinates are close to zero for neutral colors
such as white, black or grey while more saturated colors
have higher a* and b* coordinates. CIE LAB has some-
what replaced the use of the CIE chromaticity scale and is
the scale recommended for use in industry [16].
Method
Fabrics with UPF ≥ 40 representing a wide variety of fabric
colors and depths were retrospectively sampled using a
stratified random sample from the n = 3980 fabrics sub-
mitted to the Ultraviolet Radiation Section, Non Ionising
Radiation Branch of ARPANSA (Australian Radiation
Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency) for UPF classifica-
tion over a three-year period. Stratified sampling was used
to select a sample balanced in terms of structure and
selected fiber contents. Coated, laminated, patterned, fluo-
rescent-colored and pre-washed fabrics were discarded
resulting in a final sample (n = 175) of 91 knits and 84
woven fabrics. Woven fabrics were plain weave (n = 56,
32%) or twill (n = 28, 16%) structures. Knits were single
jersey (n = 24, 14%), tricot (n = 32, 18%), interlock (n =
13, 7%), piqué (n = 9, 5%), or others such as double jer-
sey, 1 x 1 rib, and eyelet (n = 13, 7%). Fiber types repre-
sented included: 100% polyester (n = 39, 22%), cotton (n
= 34, 19%), and nylon (n = 22, 13%), and blends of poly-
ester/cotton (n = 34, 19%), nylon/elastane (n = 22, 13%),
cotton/elastane (n = 10, 6%), polyester/viscose (n = 8,
5%) and nylon/cotton (n = 6, 3%).
The new, non-laundered, fabrics were preconditioned
for a minimum of 24 hours (20°C ± 2°C 65 ± 4% R.H.)
and, except for UV transmittance, were tested under these
conditions [19]. Fabric structure was described [20], thick-
ness [21], and mass per unit area [22] of each specimen was
[15] measured. Fabrics ranged in thickness from 0.2 mm to 1.47
TRJ 130 Textile Research Journal 78(2)
mm (mean 0.70 mm, s.d. 0.28 mm) and in mass per unit
area from 92.38 g/m2 to 431.43 g/m2 (mean 216.43 g/m2, s.d.
68.66 g/m2). In all cases, n = 5 replicates (diameter 113 mm)
were assessed in a randomized order. Fiber content was as
reported by the supplier. Percent ultraviolet transmittance
(UVA, UVB and UVR) was measured at ARPANSA under
normal ambient conditions according to the method speci-
fied in AS/NZS 4399 [23] using a Labsphere UV-1000
diode array spectrometer. A fluorescence-reducing filter
was not used as the instrument corrected for the effect of
fluorescence due to dyes by monochromating after the
sample. The spectral transmittance was weighted with the
CIE erythemal response and the solar spectral irradiance
[24]. Fabrics were then assigned a UPF classification based
on the calculated UPF rating. As fabrics were tested as
received from the manufacturer, order of testing was not
randomized. For each fabric a minimum of eight speci-
mens were tested under conditions of 20°C ± 5°C and 50 ±
20 R.H. [23].
Fabrics were visually assigned into (i) color (black, grey,
green, blue, red, orange, yellow, taupe beige, white), and
(ii) depth (light, medium and dark) categories by three
experienced judges working independently in a grey visual
evaluation area under natural light. Where differences in
judgment occurred, colors were re-evaluated and assigned.
Color was also measured using a spectrocolorimeter
(MiniScan XE™ Model 45/0 LAV; 25.4 mm open port and
20.0 mm illuminated area), Hunter Associates Laboratory
Inc., 11491 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Virginia 22090-5280,
U.S.A.) calibrated in accordance with CIE 51 [16] as
required for measuring daylight color (D65/10) and accord-
ing to the instruments instructions (e.g. calibration was
performed at the beginning, end, and every four hours
throughout each measurement session). The MiniScan XE
was calibrated using black and white tiles where the XYZ
color scale values for the white tile were: X = 79.4, Y = 84.1
and Z = 90.2. CIE XYZ and LAB values were determined
for each fabric (n = 5) with specimens placed technical face
upward on a flat, hard, grey surface. Color was measured in
the 0° and 90° orientations and results averaged. Specimen
order was randomized with one scan per specimen simulta-
neously determining both CIE XYZ and LAB values. Color
was determined both with and without a fluorescence
reducing filter. Use of a filter appeared to mask differences
in color among fabrics, and color measurements recorded
with the filter do not represent the color viewed by the
human eye. In the absence of relationship between filtered
values and UV transmittance this paper details examina-
tion of unfiltered color measurements.
Analysis
Characteristics of the fabrics, visual classifications, and
CIE XYZ and LAB measurements of color, and UVA,
UVB and UVR transmittance were first described (mean,
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standard deviation). Differences in UV transmittance due
to color and depth were examined using two factor univari-
ate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and which of the instru-
mental color measures within each color system best
described UV transmittance through the fabrics was inves-
tigated using regression analysis [25, 26]. F-statistics were
used to determine whether significant differences among
variables occurred. Tests of homogeneity of variance and
normality of residuals were performed. No potential out-
liers were identified but color data was not normally dis-
tributed so Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (non-
parametric) was used to determine any relationship
between each fabric’s transmittance of UVA, UVB and
UVR, and color values. When two factor ANOVA and
regression analysis were performed, stabilization of UV
variance (achieved using log transformations and square-
root transformations respectively) was required to meet
the normality and homogeneity assumptions of the tests.
The need to utilize both log and square-root transforma-
tions possibly reflected the influence of XYZ and LAB val-
ues on the residuals generated during the regression
analysis. Instrumental color measures were identified using
regression analysis. Hierarchical cluster analysis was then
used to form clusters of fabrics and group membership was
used as the basis for exploring the relationship that existed
between UV and color measures by (i) describing charac-
teristics of each group, and (ii) determining the relation-
ship between the group and UV transmittance using
Spearman’s correlation coefficient.
Results and Discussion
Fabric UV and color characteristics are described in Table 1.
UVA, UVB and UVR transmittance through the fabrics
ranged from 0.02% to 10.06%, 0.02% to 2.12% and 0.02%
to 8.12% respectively reflecting the high UPF ratings of
these fabrics.
Visual Assessment
Fabrics were visually categorized as: blue (n = 46; 26.3%),
red (n = 25; 14.3%), green (n = 22; 12.6%), white (n = 20;
11.4%), taupe/beige (n = 17; 9.7%), yellow (n = 15; 8.6%),
black (n = 12; 6.9%), grey (n = 11; 6.3%), and orange (n =
6; 3.4%). Fabrics were also categorized as dark (n = 62;
35.4%), medium (n = 78; 44.6%), and light (n = 35; 20%).
As expected not all shades were represented in each color
set (Figure 1), e.g. white fabrics were always categorized as
light; beige as light or medium; yellow and orange as
medium only, etc.
UVA, UVB and UVR transmittance through the fab-
rics were modified by the color of the fabric (F8,158 = 3.07,
p ≤ 0.01; F8,158 = 2.24, p ≤ 0.05; F8,158 = 3.02, p ≤ 0.01 respec-
tively). However, when the effect of both color and depth
 The Relationship Between UV Transmittance and Color C. A. Wilson et al. 131 TRJ

Table 1 Description of UVA, UVB, UVR and CIE tristimulus represented (Table 2). Color depth, not color per se, was
and CIE LAB systems over all fabric types (n = 175). confirmed as the most important variable affecting trans-
mittance, which may explain the lack of an apparent
Variables Mean s.d. Minimum Maximum hierarchy noted when evaluating the effect of color, e.g.
a UV(%) transmittance Zhang et al., [3] found cream colored samples had higher
transmittance than white and maroon lower than black,
UVA 2.11 2.20 0.02 10.06 while Gorensek and Sluga [27] found orange was a more
UVB 0.73 0.55 0.02 2.12
effective block to UV than red dyed fabric suggesting this
UVR 1.82 1.78 0.02 8.12
effect, consistent with the absorption spectrums of orange
b CIE XYZ system and red dyes, was due to the different dye molecules. Pale
X 30.17 28.65 1.29 96.86 blue was also shown to be less protective than pale orange
Y 29.81 29.49 1.34 100.78 which was in turn less protective than dark blue [27].
Z 28.57 32.77 1.52 122.53 While it was not possible to compare UV transmittance
c CIE L* a* b* system
through pale blue and pale orange fabrics with the data
from the current study (as no pale orange fabrics were
L* 56.26 31.07 11.52 115.58 included in the sample), arranging colors in order accord-
a* 8.50 23.96 –68.94 84.70 ing to their UV transmittance identified similar relation-
b* 5.74 31.24 –50.72 116.70
ships for other colors of interest (Figure 1b). Of note is
that medium depth orange fabrics transmitted less UV on
were examined, color did not modify transmittance (F8,158 = average than red fabrics (irrespective of depth), taupe/
1.97, NS; F8,158 = 1.15, NS; F8,158 = 1.83, NS respectively). beige transmitted more than white, and that generally
Instead differences in UVA, UVB and UVR transmittance order of transmittance through the fabric reflected depth
were explained entirely by variations in depth (F2,158 = with most transmittance occurring through light colors
11.23, p ≤ 0.001; F2,158 = 4.57, p ≤ 0.05; F2,158 = 11.14, p ≤ and least through dark.
0.001 respectively). Dark colors were associated with the
lowest, light the highest and medium depth fabrics inter-
mediate levels of UVA, UVB and UVR transmittance (rs =
Instrumental Measurement CIE XYZ Values
0.47, p ≤ 0.001; rs = 0.34, p ≤ 0.001; and rs = 0.46, p ≤ 0.001 Mean XYZ and LAB values are given in Table 1 b and c.
respectively). Such a finding is consistent with reports that Tristimulus XYZ values were related to UVA, UVB and
dark colors (black, navy blue, green, and red) behaved dif- UVR transmittance. As CIE values increased so did per-
ferently to light colors (oatmeal and white) [2, 3], high- cent UV transmittance (Table 3 a). However, while the posi-
lights the need to emphasize depth rather than color when tive relationships between XYZ and UV were not
promoting sun-smart behavior, and supports identification particularly strong they were in the order of (or better
of an instrumental means of (i) detecting differences in than) the relationship found between UV and thickness,
color depth, and (ii) threshold levels. and UV and mass (r = –0.47, p ≤ 0.001 and –0.23, p ≤ 0.001
In terms of interaction, the effect of depth on trans- respectively) (generally accepted as being important indi-
mittance did not vary with the color of the fabric being cators of UV transmittance characteristics [4, 9, 28]) in this
examined (F7,158 = 1.08, NS; F7,158 = 0.57, NS; F7,158 = data set. UV transmittance increased as each of the XYZ
1.07, NS). However, as not all depths were represented values increased. The strongest relationships were between
within each color category (Figure 1) the relationship UVR and UVA, and the X, Y and Z values.
between color and depth was investigated further by exam- With the LAB system only L*, an indicator of lightness,
ining grey, red and blue fabrics in which all depths were was correlated to UVA, UVB and UVR. A slightly more

Table 2 Differences in UV transmission through fabrics visually categorized by color (grey, red and blue) and depth (light,
medium and dark).
UVA UVB UVR
Variables F Sig F Sig F Sig
Color (df = 2,74) 2.13 NS 0.76 NS 2.03 NS
Depth (df = 2,74) 10.69 p ≤ 0.001 4.13 p ≤ 0.001 10.49 p ≤ 0.001
Color by depth (df = 4,74) 0.62 NS 0.69 NS 0.66 NS
Two factor univariate analysis of variance

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TRJ 132 Textile Research Journal 78(2)

Figure 1 (a) Percent of total fabric

sample visually assigned specific
color and depth (D = dark, M =
medium and L = light) categories,
and (b) Mean percent UV transmit-
tance through each fabric and
depth category (n = 175).

dependable relationship with UVR and UVA was observed
than with UVB (Table 3 b).
Instrumental CIE Measurements vs Visually
Categorized Color and Depth
Mean lightness (L*) and brightness (Y) of each color
group and depth are shown in Figure 2a and b and CIE
color descriptions of each visually categorized fabric color
are shown in Figure 3a and b.
Lightness (CIE L*) differed according to the fabric’s
color and depth coding (F8,158 = 12.25, p ≤ 0.001; F2,158 =
68.79, p ≤ 0.01 respectively) as did brightness (CIE Y)(F8,158
= 23.41, p ≤ 0.001;F2,158 = 60.98, p ≤ 0.01 respectively).
Five subsets of CIE L* and six subsets of CIE Y were iden-
tified within which lightness and brightness respectively did
not vary significantly (Figure 2). Examination of CIE Y
values revealed more overlap among colors. The effect of
visually classified color on brightness (Y) and lightness (L)
did not vary according to the depth of the color being

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 The Relationship Between UV Transmittance and Color C. A. Wilson et al. 133 TRJ

Table 3 Relationship between UVA, UVB, UVR, and (a) CIE tristimulus (XYZ), (b) CIE LAB (L*a*b*) systems over all fabric
type, and (c) and (d) group membership determined using hierarchical cluster analysis (n = 175).
UVA UVB UVR
Variables rs Sig rs Sig rs Sig
a CIE tristimulus system
X 0.47 p ≤ 0.001 0.36 p ≤ 0.001 0.47 p ≤ 0.01
Y 0.50 p ≤ 0.001 0.38 p ≤ 0.001 0.50 p ≤ 0.01
Z 0.54 p ≤ 0.001 0.41 p ≤ 0.001 0.54 p ≤ 0.01
b CIE LAB system
L* 0.50 p ≤ 0.001 0.37 p ≤ 0.001 0.51 p ≤ 0.001
a* –0.19 p ≤ 0.05 –0.14 NS –0.19 NS
b* 0.00 NS –0.01 NS 0.00 NS
c CIE tristimulus group membership
X 0.36 p ≤ 0.001 0.29 p ≤ 0.001 0.37 p ≤ 0.001
Y 0.44 p ≤ 0.001 0.34 p ≤ 0.001 0.45 p ≤ 0.001
Z 0.40 p ≤ 0.001 0.30 p ≤ 0.001 0.42 p ≤ 0.001
d CIE LAB group membership
L* 0.43 p ≤ 0.001 0.34 p ≤ 0.001 0.44 p ≤ 0.001
rs = Spearman correlation coefficient

examined (F6,158 = 0.93, NS; F6,158 = 1.00, NS respectively).
CIE Y, brightness, exhibited less overlap among groups of
visually categorized colors than L* (Figure 2). However,
given the most important relationship with visually catego-
rized color was between depth and UV transmittance and
that: (i) for both the L* and Y depth categories groups did
not overlap, and (ii) measurements within each depth
group were significantly different from each other, both L*
and Y were considered effective predictors of visually cate-
gorized depth and its relationship with UV transmittance.
CIE Measurements and UV Transmittance
As color measured using both the CIE systems is described
by the relative proportions of three measurements (Figure 3),
whether a single value or combinations of values best
described UV transmittance was explored using multiple
regression methods. Using the XYZ system, UVA transmit-
tance was best described by brightness of the fabric (Y;
F1,173 = 34.79, p ≤ 0.001, R2 = 16.3%) with only a small
improvement obtained when Y and Z were both used to
describe color (F2,172 = 19.83, p ≤ 0.001, R2 = 17.8%).
UVB was best described by Z (F1,173 = 19.64, p ≤ 0.001, R2 =
10.2%) and UVR by Z only (F1,173 = 19.64, p ≤ 0.001, R2 =
16.7%), or Y and Z (F2,172 = 20.46, p ≤ 0.001, R2 = 18.3%).
For the LAB system UVA transmittance was best
described by brightness of the fabric (L*; F1,173 = 52.86,
p ≤ 0.001, R2 = 23.4%). A further small improvement in
description was obtained when both L* and b* (yellow;
blue) were included in the predictive model (F2,172 = 33.94,
p ≤ 0.001, R2 = 28.3%). UVB was best described by L*
(F1,173 = 23.85, p ≤ 0.001, R2 = 12.1%), and UVR by L*
(F1,173 = 53.26, p ≤ 0.001, R2 = 23.5%) with the description
further improved using L* and b* (F2,172 = 34.14, p ≤ 0.001,
R2 = 28.4%). When instrumentally describing color, ideally
the best description of fabric would describe the relation-
ship between color and UVA, UVB and UVR. Thus, instru-
mental characterization of color should detail both Z and Y
values if using the tristimulus XYZ system. However, the
best description of the relationship between ‘color’ and UV
was using the L* (23.5%), and L* and b* (28.4%) compo-
nents of the LAB system. In all cases the percentage of the
variance explained (R2) was low suggesting that when
designing fabrics intended to reduce UV transmittance the
color, while generally accepted as an important variable,
must be considered in combination with other properties
such as fabric structure, thickness, mass, etc. known to mod-
ify transmittance.
Clusters of Like Fabrics
Fabrics were clustered into groups using (i) L* lightness,
and also (ii) Y brightness within which color descriptors for
L and Y varied only slightly. Three groups of fabrics within
which L* values and three in which Y values did not differ,
were identified. In both cases these groups were all signifi-
cantly different from each other (F2,172 = 640.40, p ≤ 0.001;
F2,172 = 963.13, p ≤ 0.001 respectively). Group membership
was examined and the relationship between CIE Y, and L*
clusters and UVA, UVB and UVR determined. Lowest

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TRJ 134 Textile Research Journal 78(2)

Figure 2 CIE L* (lightness) and Y

(brightness) values for fabrics vis-
ually categorized into color groups
(lines connect colors for which the
L* or Y values do not differ signifi-
cantly).

UV transmittance values were associated with CIE Y and
L* values of less than approximately 28 and 38 respectively
(Table 4 a and c). As the descriptions of UV transmission
using Y and L* were improved with addition of Z and b*
respectively, the clusters of Y and L* were used to examine
the characteristics of Z and b* values respectively (Table 4
b and d). Fabrics assigned to the lowest transmission group,
i.e. group 1 were associated with the lowest spread of the
three groups. Groups of Z and b* were not mutually exclu-
sive but examination of the group plots suggested (i) that
using the tristimulus system lowest transmission was asso-
ciated with L values of less than 38 and low Z values of less

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 The Relationship Between UV Transmittance and Color C. A. Wilson et al. 135 TRJ

Figure 3 Mean CIE tristimulus

(XYZ) and CIELAB (L*a*b*) values
of fabrics in visually categorized
color groups.

than approximately 20 (Table 4 b). When using the LAB

system low transmission fabrics were generally negative
Conclusions
b* values ideally of between 0 and –20, i.e. ‘blue’ rather
It is depth of color, rather than color per se, that is the prin-
than ‘yellow’ in character with the ‘blue’ light part of the
cipal aspect of color affecting UV transmittance, and not all
spectrum falling close to the UV range (400–500nm)
depths are able to be achieved for all colors i.e. the only
(Table 4 d). This is consistent with observations that
appropriate classification of black is ‘dark’ and white is ‘light’.
blue fabric is associated with lower transmission [10, 29].
The best description of the relationship between color
and UV was provided by the L*, and the L* and b* compo-

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TRJ 136 Textile Research Journal 78(2)

Table 4 Description of CIE Y and L*, UVA, UVB and UVR transmission in groups of fabrics in which CIE Y and L* values do
not differ significantly and Z and b* for each Y and L* group respectively
Cluster CIE UVA (%) UVB (%) UVR (%)
Group Mean s.d. Minimum Maximum Mean s.d. Mean s.d. Mean s.d.
a CIE Y
1 9.17 7.71 1.34 27.67 1.24 1.28 0.61 0.54 1.10 1.08
2 44.02 8.85 29.48 59.40 3.88 2.85 0.92 0.49 3.22 2.27
3 81.75 10.40 64.49 100.78 2.91 2.28 0.97 0.52 2.47 1.81
b CIE Z for each Y group
1 10.95 10.48
2 36.36 22.08
3 77.74 37.96
c CIE L*
1 24.09 7.63 11.57 38.25 1.00 1.00 0.56 0.53 0.90 0.88
2 62.55 13.48 40.73 84.35 2.60 2.49 0.78 0.56 2.19 2.01
3 100.41 9.84 86.13 115.58 3.14 2.38 0.97 0.46 2.66 1.88
d CIE b* for each L* group
1 –5.8 13.99
2 8.15 29.91
3 21.44 45.02
Hierarchical cluster analysissss

nents of the LAB system. When developing fabrics with the
intention of enhancing UV protection characteristics or
choosing fabrics for UV protective garments, selection of
dyes that generate colors with CIE Y, or L* values of less
than approximately 28, or 38 respectively, is recommended.
Color must be considered in combination with other
properties known to modify transmission.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the University
of Otago in the form of an Otago Research Grant;
ARPANSA for access to the fabric samples; Dr D. J. Carr,
C. Smith and V. Paquin for assistance with selected meas-
urements.
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