Vinyltriethoxysilane was used to modify the surface of cotton to provide polymerizable vinyl groups on the fiber surface. An ultraviolet-absorbing monomer, 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate, was polymerized on the vinyltriethoxysilane-treated fabric to prepare ultraviolet-protective cotton. The effects of the amounts of the solvent, silane coupling agent, and 2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate on the surface morphology and ultraviolet-protection factor of the treated cotton fabric were investigated. With a suitable process, poly{2-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]ethyl methacrylate} was successfully coated onto the fabric, and it significantly reduced ultraviolet transmission through the fabric, resulting in a cotton fabric with excellent ultraviolet-protection properties. The use of a silane coupling agent helped to ensure a polymer coating with good uniformity and good resistance to washing. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 62-69, 2009