Yellow emission zinc oxide (ZnO) quantum dots were prepared by hydrolysis of zinc acetate dehydrate andpotassium hydroxide in methanol solution. The structure and luminescence of the ZnO nanoparticles were investigatedthrough X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The UVblockingcoating was deposited on the surfaces of cotton fabrics by water-based self-assembly between cationized cottonfabrics and ZnO quantum dots as well as graphene oxide. The UV-blocking property of as-coated cotton fabrics wasevaluated by UV protection factor (UPF). Even after 20 consecutive launderings, the UPF value of the resultant cotton fabricstill reached 57.6, suggesting promising potential as UV protective materials and excellent laundering durability.