This work examines sensory and instrumental methods for quantifying color of fabrics and investigates the relationship between fabric color and UV transmittance. The color of 175 samples was visually categorized by human judges into color groupings and measured instrumentally according to the CIE XYZ and CIE LAB systems using a spectrocolorimeter. The relationship between color and UVA, UVB and UVR transmittance 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.