The best sun protection shirts for shielding your skin

Sunny days are great for getting exercise and vitamin D. But according to the American Academy of Dermatology, research suggests that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, which means a day in the sun doesn’t come without risks. Skincare experts always recommend sunscreen, but many are also urging the use of sun protective clothing. Made with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), these ratings ranging from five to 50+ indicate how much a fabric allows radiation to reach your skin. 

According to board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, wearing UPF clothing is a safe and reliable way of protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays. “Unlike sunscreen, which needs to be reapplied every two hours or after sweating and swimming, UPF clothing provides continuous protection as long as you’re wearing it,” says Barr, author of The Skin Whisperer and creator of Somatic Skincare. “It’s especially beneficial for areas that are hard to cover with sunscreen, like the back of the neck, ears, and shoulders.” 

Barr adds that sun protection clothing is a great option for anyone with extra sensitive skin or allergies to sunscreen ingredients. 

There’s plenty of UV clothing out there. But one easy and effective way to start is with a high-quality shirt rated at least UPF 30. That’s the minimum required to meet the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval. To help you find the best sun protection shirt, we dug through tons of customer reviews, consulted skincare experts, and scoured online forums. Our favorite overall is the Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie for men and the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie for women. Both offer the highest UPF rating, extensive coverage, and attention to detail providing a comfortable fit. Read on for all the options and to learn more about the benefits of UPF clothing. 

The best UPF shirts 

Whether you’re hiking or gardening, wearing a UPF sun shirt is a comfortable and convenient way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Here’s more about our top picks. 

Best sun protection shirt overall:  

For men: Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie 

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: This relaxed and stylish pull-over has everything you could ask for in a sun shirt: a fitted scuba hoodie, thumbholes for extra coverage, and UPF 50+ protection—the highest rating. We also appreciate details like flatlock seams to help prevent chafing, attractive contrast binding, and a hidden “stash pocket” that zips closed. To top it all off, it’s made with “Polygiene,” a finish designed to fight odor, making it a great choice for long hikes and layering over other shirts. 

Keep in mind: Customer reviews are mixed on whether the hoodie is all that lightweight. Some say it’s thicker than expected. However, most reviews are positive, with many people calling it the perfect sun hoodie. 

Product details: UPF level: 50+ | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 100% recycled polyester | Odor control? Yes  

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For women: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody

Buy it now at Mountain Hardwear

Why we like it: Just like the Cotopaxi Sombra, this hoodie checks all the boxes when it comes to “best overall” for women. It has UPF 50+ protection, thumb loops at the wrists, a drawstring waistband, and a three-piece hood with a crossover design that helps keep it in place. Many reviewers say they love the lightweight design and premium coverage. They also highlight all the little bonus features, like the zippered side pocket for personal items and the plant-based odor control technology. 

Keep in mind: While some customers love the drawstring tie-front, others say its bothersome and wish the placement was different. 

Product details: UPF level: 50+ | Fit: Standard | Material: 88% polyester, 12% elastane | Odor control? Yes 

Best men’s sun protection shirt: Coolibar Agility Performance Hoodie

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: With its UPF 50+ rating, the Agility Performance Hoodie from Coolibar offers maximum sun protection. The fabric is even recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. We love the hoodie’s versatility and wealth of features, from cooling technology and moisture-wicking. Thumb holes give you added coverage and the built-in slats let you check your smart watch without having to roll up your sleeves. A zippered pocket is large enough to store your wallet, keys, or smartphone. 

Reviewers especially love this hoodie’s lightweight, comfortable fit, and extra coverage thanks to a high neck design, long sleeves, and ample hoodie. 

Keep in mind: This sun shirt is not salt water or chlorine resistant, so it shouldn’t be used in place of a rash guard for swimming. 

Product details: UPF level: 50+ | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 90% polyester, 10% spandex | Odor control? Not mentioned  

Best women’s sun protection shirt: Orvis Women’s Pro Sun Hoodie II 

Buy it now at Orvis

Why we like it: The newest version of Orvis’ bestselling Pro hoodie is an improvement on two fronts: It’s even more lightweight and breathable than the original. We love that Orvis seems to have thought of everything with this one, from the moisture-wicking and odor-controlling fabric to the three-panel hoodie with an opening for your ponytail. The thumb holes give you extra coverage and the side pocket is convenient for reaching your cell phone. We especially love the flattering classic fit, which is roomy enough to be comfortable all day.  

Keep in mind: At $98 a pop, this athleisure UPF shirt is a bit pricey. But it could be a good investment if you spend lots of time outdoors. 

Product details: UPF level: 50+ | Fit: Classic | Material: Recycled Polyester, Polyester, elastane | Odor control? Yes 

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Runner-up: UV Skinz Convertible Swim Shirtdress  

Buy it now at UV Skinz

This UPF 50+ shirt dress deserves an honorable mention for its unique versatility. It features long sleeves, a high neck, swim-friendly fabric, and a long shirt dress design you can wear while running errands or for a day at the beach. 

Best long-sleeve sun protection shirt: Baleaf UPF 50+ Sun Protection Shirts (Men’s & Women’s) 

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: There’s a reason both the men’s and women’s versions of these Baleaf UPF shirts have more than 50,000 positive reviews on Amazon. They offer maximum sun protection (UPF 50+) in an ultra-light, breathable material. The tagless design and flatlock seams reduce the chance of chafing, making them super comfortable for wearing all day.  

One reviewer especially loved the fit, noting it’s “not too tight, not too loose—allowing for ease of movement while still looking sharp. Plus, the moisture-wicking fabric keeps me cool and dry, even during intense activities.” We also love that it’s affordable and comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors. 

Keep in mind: This shirt is made of 100 percent polyester, which is partly why it’s so lightweight, breathable, and stretchy. Polyester can be uncomfortable for people with sensitive skin and could cause dermatitis flare-ups, according to Eczema.com. 

Product details: UPF level: 50+ | Fit: Classic | Material: 100% polyester | Odor control? Yes 

Best short-sleeve sun protection shirt: Coolibar UPF 50+ Morada Everyday Short-Sleeve T-Shirt (Men’s & Women’s) 

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: Coolibar is one of the first sun protection clothing brands to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. That’s one reason we love the Morada short-sleeve T-shirt. But we also love that it’s more than a typical tee. It sports longer-than-usual short sleeves and a high crew neck, providing extra coverage where it matters. Reviewers highlight the super soft material and lightweight feel. That’s likely due to the patented ZnO fabric made from a cotton and viscose blend infused with zinc oxide that help block UV rays. The company says these particles don’t wash or wear out over time.  

Keep in mind: Like other UPF shirts on this list, this tee is not made for swimming. 

Product details: UPF level: 50+ | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 53% cotton, 43% viscose (bamboo), 5% elastane | Odor control? Does not mention 

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Best button-up sun protection shirts:  

For men: Outdoor Research Men’s Way Station Long-Sleeve Shirt 

Buy it now at Outdoor Research

Why we like it: Outdoor Research is frequently mentioned in online reviews. We like this rugged button-up for its relaxed yet polished style. It’s got roll-up tabs, a shirttail hem, and back yoke pleats that allow for better range of motion. The front chest pockets—one with a security zip—are conveniently placed for keeping small items safely stowed close to you. 

At the same time, the shirt’s nylon-blended fabric offers UPF 30 protection from the sun, is cool to the touch, and feels great in various climates. Reviewers really love its durability. One person says the shirt barely showed any wear and tear after more than two years of use. 

Keep in mind: If you’re considering this UPF shirt for long-term travel or while wearing in varying weather, you may want to add a UPF hat. 

Product details: UPF level: 30 | Fit: Relaxed | Material: Bluesign-approved 70% nylon, 22% polyester, 8% spandex | Odor control? Does not mention 

Women: L.L. Bean Women’s No-Fly Zone Shirt 

Buy it now at L.L. Bean

Why we like it: In addition to providing ample upper body coverage and UPF 50+ protection, the fabric used in this L.L. Bean shirt helps prevent moisture and odor from building up. Even though the style is fitted, it’s stretchy enough to wear comfortably for hours. 

The best part? The fabric contains permethrin, a synthetic form of a naturally occurring bug repellent. That means this shirt can potentially help repel pesky bugs, including flies and mosquitoes. 

Keep in mind: Depending on where you plan to wear this sun shirt, it may still be a good idea to apply some bug spray and be cautious about ticks. 

Product details: UPF level: 50+ | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 71% polyester, 29% nylon | Odor control? Yes 

Best cheap sun protection shirts:  

For men: Willit Men’s Sun Shirt 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: UPF clothing can be pricey. But there are plenty of high-quality, affordable options, such as this one. At just $24, it still offers plenty of great features, earning it more than 13,000 positive reviews on Amazon. 

One reviewer says it “instantly” became their “go-to” for any activity. Another calls it an “absolute steal.” Many others rave about the shirt’s smooth and breathable fabric, the long sleeves, a roomy hood, thumb holes, and no-chafe design. We love the wide range of colors and sizes, up to 3X. 

Keep in mind: This shirt gets its silky feel from polyester, which may carry toxins and other skin irritants.  

Product details: UPF level: UPF 50+ | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 100% polyester | Odor control? Not mentioned 

For women: G Gradual Women’s UPF Sun Protection Shirt 

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: This versatile outdoor shirt packs a punch for just $20. The four-way stretch fabric is lightweight, soft, and breathable, making it perfect for many activities, from hiking to fishing to yoga. It offers maximum sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating, a hoodie, and thumb holes. It also comes in sizes up to 3X and lots of colors for mixing and matching. 

Keep in mind: A few customers claim the shirt feels “hotter” than expected and that the fabric doesn’t control sweat well. However, plenty of other reviewers report the opposite. The difference in feel and moisture control may be due to how your body reacts to polyester. 

Product details: UPF level: 50+ | Fit: Relaxed/fitted | Material: 100% polyester | Odor control? Not mentioned  

How we chose the best sun protection shirts 

These days, many brands offer UPF clothing. But wading through all the options can be overwhelming. To select our list of top contenders, we looked beyond basic product features and style choices to find sun protection shirts that are truly worth the money. 

• Customer reviews: We combed through hundreds of product reviews on third-party sites like Amazon and Reddit to get honest feedback and unbiased opinions from real customers who have tried each product. 
• Expert insight: We spoke with board-certified dermatologists about the actual science behind UPF clothing, as well as what customers should be looking for when making a purchase. 
• Overall product quality: All of the products we selected have a UPF rating of 30 or higher, which is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. They are also made with fabric intended to provide maximum coverage and protection, as well as comfort. 

Tips for buying UV protection shirts 

When it comes to shopping for regular clothing, the look and style of a product will often win out. But with UPF clothing, there are more important things to think about. Here are some things to consider before buying, according to our board-certified dermatologist. 

UPF rating 

UPF ratings range from 15 to 50+. Barr suggests looking for clothing with a UPF rating of 30-50+, which is in line with recommendations by the Skin Cancer Foundation. This range offers the best protection, blocking about 97-98 percent of UV radiation. 

“When looking at UPF ratings, it helps to understand that a shirt with a UPF 50 allows just 1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation to reach your skin, which is considered excellent protection,” Barr explains. “To put this into perspective, your basic cotton T-shirt provides a UPF [of about] 5. It’s important to keep in mind that this can decrease with both tension on fabric (stretch from tight-fitting clothing) and moisture, which can decrease the UPF rating of any fabric.” 

Fabric 

Rather than sheer or loosely woven materials, Barr suggests choosing clothing made from tightly woven fabrics (like denim or canvas) because they provide better protection. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, Lycra, and nylon, also offer good protection. 

“A helpful tip is to hold the fabric up to the light and checking if you can see through it,” she says. “If you can, that means UV rays can more easily penetrate and reach your skin.” 

Color 

Most of us know that wearing black attracts heat. But there’s one upside to wearing darker colors when it comes to UPF: They’re better at blocking the sun’s UV rays. Same goes for brighter colors, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which notes that the UPF of a white cotton shirt is typically around 10. When in doubt, opt for darker or brighter colors over white or muted colors. 

Fit & Overall Comfort 

Loose-fitting clothing tend to be better choices for blocking UV rays, says Barr. Over time, stretching can reduce a fabric’s protective capabilities. However, you still want to choose comfortable sun protection clothing, so you’ll want to wear it. 

Frequently asked questions 

What is UPF clothing? 

Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF, is a rating of how well an item of clothing can protect skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Essentially, the higher the UPF number, the better the fabric can block UVs from penetrating through to your skin.  

Compared to sunscreen, UPF clothing is relatively new. Modern-day sunscreen was invented in 1946 by the Swiss chemist Franz Greiter, who is credited with both inventing and marketing UV-fighting lotion to the public just as sunbathing was becoming popular. In 1962, Greiter went on to create the SPF rating scale in use today. However, the concept of sun protective clothing took several more decades to come about. 

According to the University of Arizona, UPF clothing, and its corresponding rating scale, was first created in Australia in 1998 and adopted internationally soon after. Since then, companies globally have been adopting the measurement in all sorts of garments and textiles as a way to help lower the risks of skin cancer.  

What is SPF vs. UPF clothing? 

Many people confuse SPF and UPF, but they’re easy to differentiate, says Barr. “SPF [sun protection factor] is a measure used for sunscreens and indicates how long your skin can be exposed to the sun before getting burned compared to no protection,” Barr says. “UPF, on the other hand, is a rating given to fabrics to indicate how effectively they block UV rays. … Essentially, SPF is for lotions and sprays, while UPF is for textiles.” 

What is the “best” fabric for sun protection? 

According to Barr, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, Lycra, and nylon are generally considered the most beneficial for UPF clothing. That’s because they offer better UV protection than natural fibers, which may let in more light. 

“Synthetic materials tend to be tightly woven, which reduces the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate the fabric,” says Barr. “Additionally, some synthetic fabrics are treated with UV-absorbing ingredients and filters that further enhance their protective qualities.” 

That doesn’t mean you can’t opt for UPF shirts made of natural fabrics. In that case, Barr suggests looking for tightly woven fabrics, and to remember that washing and drying cotton can tighten the weave, improving its UPF rating.  

Do UV protection shirts keep you cool? 

Yes, although coolness depends on many factors including fit and materials. Most UPF shirts are designed to be lightweight and loose-fitting, but not all of them are created equal. If heat and/or sweating is a concern, look for shirts that have fabric with moisture-wicking and/or quick-dry technology, vented back panels, and other features that promote airflow. Prioritize these features and materials then go for something lighter in color to further reduce temperature. 

Does UPF wash out of clothing? 

Overt time, UPF clothing can lose some of its protectiveness, says Barr, especially if it gets stretched, worn out, or if the fabric is frequently exposed to moisture.  

“Washing can also affect UPF ratings, but this depends on the fabric and the specific care instructions,” she says. “Synthetic fabrics usually maintain their UPF rating better than natural ones. However, it’s essential to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to maximize the longevity of the clothing’s protective qualities.”