The best sun protection shirts are comfortable, stylish and, most importantly, provide protection from UVA and UVB rays.
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8 Best Sun Protection Shirts for Women for Yard Work and More, Tested and Reviewed
Published on Oct. 18, 2024
While experts agree that sunscreen is one of the most important things you can put on every day, simply slathering some SPF on your face isn’t always enough to truly protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Incorporating UPF clothing, like the best sun protection shirts, into your wardrobe is an easy way to ensure you are fully covered every time you step outside.
So what exactly is UPF clothing? UPF stands for ‘ultraviolet protective factor’ and it’s a rating system designed for fabrics and clothing, explains Mary Alice Mina, MD, a double-board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon and host of The Skin Real podcast. “UPF measures how effectively a fabric blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are responsible for sunburn, skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer,” she explains. “A higher UPF rating indicates better protection against these harmful rays.”
The best sun protection shirts provide broad spectrum protection from both UVA rays, which can cause premature aging and skin cancer, and UVB rays which are the main culprit behind sunburns. Best of all, they provide continuous coverage. “Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours or after swimming and sweating. With UPF clothing, you get continuous protection all day long without any touch-ups,” explains Dr. Mina.
Most of the sun protection shirts on the market are comfortable, durable and stylish, often resembling activewear. They also keep your body cooler by reflecting the sun’s rays and reducing your skin temperature. “Today’s UPF clothing is designed to be both comfortable and stylish. Many pieces wick away sweat and water, just like modern activewear, so they’re not hot or stuffy,” says Dr. Mina. “Plus, they look great!”
Better yet, the protection doesn’t wash out or fade over time. That said, keep in mind that not all UPF clothing is created equal and you want to be sure you’re choosing the best sun protection shirts. According to Dr. Mina, a quick and easy trick is to hold the garment up to the light. “If a lot of light shines through, it’s not blocking out the sun’s rays well,” she explains. “For example, a simple white t-shirt only has an equivalent SPF of 7, so it’s not good enough for sun protection. Clothing with a UPF 50 or higher rating is the most effective for sun protection and means that it blocks out 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.”
We tested and reviewed over a dozen of the most popular garments and narrowed down the list of the nine best sun protection shirts for women.
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Best Sun Protection Shirt For Swimming
Land's End Crew Neck Long Sleeve Rash Guard UPF 50 Sun Protection Swim Tee
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On Sale
Best Overall Sun Protection Shirt
Hoka Moabi LS Sun Top
Pros:
- Has a durable, high-end feel
- Fits true to size
- Lightweight and breathable
- Thumb holes, a high neck and scuba hood offer maximum coverage
- Has pockets
- Quick-drying material
Cons:
- Lower UPF protection than other sun protection shirts we tested
Of the 16 shirts senior shopping editor Nancy Snyder tested, the Hoka Mobai LS Sun Top was her top pick. According to Snyder, it feels durable and more high-end than others she tested.
This shirt is designed for everyday activities including walking and hiking. Snyder wore it on an incredibly warm, late morning walk with her dog and found the shirt to be comfortable and breathable. Better yet, it feels cool to the touch, which is a huge plus in the hot Arizona sun. Snyder also liked the shirt’s additional features which provide an extra layer of sun protection as well as convenience.
“This sun shirt has everything you’d need,” says Snyder. “It features a scuba hood, kangaroo pockets, an internal side pocket with zipper for your keys and ID and thumb holes.” She adds that the lightweight, mesh fabric feels like it would repel water rather than absorb it.
The only thing Snyder didn’t love about this shirt was its lower UPF rating. It has a UPF rating of 40 while all of the other sun protection shirts we tested had a UPF rating of 50. That said, Snyder did not burn after an hour and a half in the hot Arizona sun while wearing this shirt. Pair it with these top-rated hiking boots for your next excursion.
Best Budget Sun Protection Shirt
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
Pros:
- Under $50
- UPF 50+
- Long shaped hem provides extra coverage and protection from your pack
- Breathable, moisture-wicking material
Cons:
- Style is more boxy than others we tested
REI carries some of the best hiking gear on the market so it should come as no surprise that they happen to make one of the best sun protection shirts. The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie offers full coverage, has a UPF 50+ rating and comes in four soothing hues. But best of all, it’s under $50.
Just because this shirt is budget-friendly doesn’t mean it’s lacking in comfort or protection. In fact, quite the opposite. “REI is a reputable brand,” says Snyder. “This shirt is very soft and lightweight but feels pretty durable.”
Snyder wore this shirt on an hour-long jog with her dog. She appreciated the dropped shoulders which allowed for greater mobility as well as the shirt’s breathability. And while she admits that she did feel a bit toasty while wearing it, she notes that it was the case with all of the sun protection shirts she tested given the hot Arizona climate.
While this shirt fits true to size, Snyder points out that some reviewers don’t like shaped hem because it is longer in the front and back. According to the brand’s website, that design is intentional to provide extra protection from your pack. Snyder notes that while she likes the additional length in the back, the longer length in the front makes her feel like she’s wearing the shirt backwards. She also adds that it’s more boxy than she would like. However, when asked if she would wear this shirt again, Snyder didn’t hesitate to respond in the affirmative. “Absolutely! It’s one of my favorites,” she raves.
Softest Sun Protection Shirt
Wild Rye Sawyer Sunshirt
Pros:
- Buttery soft fabric
- Looser fit in armpits
- Antimicrobial, sweat-wicking and quick-drying material
- UPF 50+
- Hoodie, high neck and thumb holes for maximum coverage
Cons:
- No pockets
Another shirt on Snyder’s best sun protection shirt short list is Wild Rye’s Sawyer Sunshirt thanks to its super soft and overall high-end feel. In fact, she refers to this top as the softest of them all. “This top is SO buttery soft and comes in nice, neutral yet trendy colors,” she raves. In addition to its softness, this breathable top offers UPF 50 protection and is antimicrobial, quick-drying and sweat-wicking.
Snyder wore this shirt on an hour long walk in 90 degree, sunny weather. She liked the high neck, hood and thumb holes, which offered extra sun protection, but she was really impressed by the overall fit.
As a woman-owned and operated company, Wild Rye understands that women and girls come in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, the brand strives to accommodate that and keep their products true to size. According to Snyder, the fit was spot on. Not only that, but it was a bit looser in all the right places. “I was worried about the material feeling sweaty in the armpits,” she explains. “Not only is the material lightweight, but it actually fits rather loose in the armpits which is nice.”
Per the brand’s website, this shirt is appropriate for a wide range of outdoor activities including riding, hiking, surfing, skiing, and fishing, or just spending extended time in the sun. And given its comfort and breathability, Snyder agrees. As a matter of fact, you may even want to order an extra to stash in your favorite gear box so you always have it on hand.
Sun Protection Shirt With The Best Features
Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie
Pros:
- Features include scuba hood, invisible stash pocket, thumb holes, anti-chafing flatlock seams and anti-odor finish
- UPF 50+
- Well made with binding at the cuffs, hood and hem
- Cool to the touch
- More fitted than other styles
Cons:
- Back pocket is a different color than the rest of the shirt
A scuba hood, invisible stash pocket, thumb holes, anti-chafing flatlock seams and an anti-odor finish are the features that make this Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie one of the best sun protection shirts on our list. These convenient features keep you protected and comfortable for as long as you’re out in the sun.
After an hour and a half hike in the hot Arizona sun, Snyder could not get over how comfortable this shirt felt. Not only is it soft, lightweight and breathable, but it kept her relatively cool. “This one is noticeably cooler to the touch,” she says. “It allows for air flow so you don’t get as hot.” She adds that her skin actually felt shaded from the sun.
Snyder also appreciated how well-made this shirt felt, describing it as stretchy yet durable. She also points out that there is binding at the cuffs, hood and hem that will help this shirt stand the test of time.
While Snyder wouldn’t change a thing about this sun protection shirt, she notes that some reviewers don’t like that the back pocket is a different color than the rest of the shirt. If that small detail doesn’t bother you, then go ahead and order one of these shirts in every color. Pair it with these cool, zero-drop soled Altra Lone Peak hikers and hit the trails.
Warmest Sun Protection Shirt
Columbia Sun Trek Hooded Pullover
Pros:
- Feels like a regular cotton hoodie
- Features Omni-Shade and Omni-Wick technology
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
- Fits true to size
- Offers UPF 50 protection
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as breathable as other shirts we tested
Whether you’re camping or heading out for a hike, the Columbia Sun Trek Hooded Pullover will keep you protected and warm as the weather cools down. Made of polyester, cotton and elastane, this shirt feels more like a regular cotton hoodie than the other shirts on our list. However, it still offers fantastic sun protection. So good, in fact, that this shirt is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
In addition to its UPF 50 protection, this shirt features Omni-Shade and Omni-Wick technology to keep you cool, dry and protected. It also features a corded drawstring hoodie and the hem has some style to it.
Snyder, who wore this shirt for an hour-long morning walk, liked the overall fit and stretch which allowed for a comfortable range of motion. However, she recommends saving it for cooler weather. “This is the only one that feels like a regular sweatshirt,” she says. “It’s not breathable like the others, and truly feels as though it would be best for providing protection from the sun while keeping you warm in cooler temps or windy conditions.”
Another thing we love about this sun protection shirt is its price tag. It’s one of the more affordable sun protection shirts on our list and certain colors tend to go on sale. We recommend scooping up a few and keeping one in your camping storage box so you always have it on hand.
Best Quarter Zip Sun Protection Shirt
Orvis DriCast Quarter Zip
Pros:
- Has a quarter zipper at the neck for maximum comfort
- Soft and lightweight feel
- Anti-microbial, fast-drying, moisture-wicking and controls odors with OutSmart Fresh
- UPF 50+
Cons:
- Does not have a hood
- Interior thumb loops are easy to overlook
Don’t like something all the way up to your neck? The Orvis DriCast Quarter-Zip shirt is for you. This lightweight shirt features a quarter-length zipper and a flattering fit. It also wicks away sweat and controls odors so you can comfortably wear it all day long.
Snyder wore this sun protection shirt on an hour and a half long hike and loved the overall fit. “It has a classic fit that is flattering, and I like that it is a sportier length,” she raves.
What she didn’t like, however, were the thumb holes on this shirt. Or rather, the lack of thumb holes. “Rather than thumb holes, it has interior thumb loops that you would almost miss if you weren’t looking for them,” she explains. “They are just two little internal fabric loops inside the sleeves that seem like they could eventually get pulled off easily.”
It’s also worth pointing out that this is the first sun protection shirt on our list that does not have a hood. It does, however, have a high neck for added sun protection.
Best Button-Down Sun Protection Shirt
Stio Women's Eddy Shirt LS
Pros:
- Casual, button-down design
- Two sets of buttons at the ends of the sleeves for a more customized fit
- UPF 50+ fabric
- Protects against the sun, wind and water
Cons:
- Pricey
Many of the best sun protection shirts on our list are similar in terms of style. That’s why we like Stio’s Eddy Shirt, which can be dressed up or down depending on your preference. This collared shirt is made of a nylon and polyester blend that is both wind- and water-resistant. According to Nancy, it was more lightweight and breathable than she had expected and allowed for a full range of motion. “I was able to freely move my arms without any restriction,” she says.
This shirt fits true to size and has a casually shaped design that’s not too tight and not too baggy. It also has two sets of buttons at the ends of the sleeves which allow for a more customized fit. Nancy points out that while many of the other sun shirts have very tight neck holes in an effort to provide high-neck coverage, this one was rather easy to take on and off.
Though this shirt is not Nancy’s personal style, she calls it the perfect staple for any activity from gardening to cycling and everything in between. “The fabric feels like it would shield you from various elements including sun, wind and rain,” adds Snyder. “It’s the perfect staple for any activity.”
The only thing that gives us pause here is the price. At $129, this is the priciest sun protection shirt on our list. But given the overall quality and fit, we’re confident that this is one purchase you won’t regret. Speaking of purchases you won’t regret, here’s why you should add the Jackery Generator to your cart right now.
On Sale
Best Sun Protection Shirt For Swimming
Land's End Crew Neck Long Sleeve Rash Guard UPF 50 Sun Protection Swim Tee
Pros:
- Designed to be worn over a swimsuit in or out of the water
- Extended sizes available
- Comes in a wide array of colors and patterns
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
- Fits true to size
Cons:
- Hand-wash only
Unlike the other sun protection shirts we tested, this long sleeved rash guard from Land’s End is the only one designed especially for swimming. It comes in over two dozen colors and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, making it one of the smartest Amazon purchases you’ll make this year.
Nancy wore this shirt for roughly an hour and a half while swimming and lounging at the pool. She liked the fit which she noted wasn’t too tight and had a generous amount of stretch. She also appreciated that in addition to protecting her from the sun, the long sleeves also provided much needed coverage from pesky mosquitoes.
The only thing we didn’t like about this shirt? The brand recommends washing it by hand. While Nancy acknowledges that hand-washing will likely extend the life of this sun protection shirt, it may be a time-consuming task for some. If you don’t mind washing garments by hand, then this Land’s End shirt is a great value.
Other Sun Protection Shirts We Tested
Occasionally we get our hands on a product that just doesn’t live up to our expectations. Although we tested 16 sun protection shirts for this story, only eight made the final cut. Here’s why the rest didn’t land a “best” spot:
- Duluth Trading Co. AKHG U.P. Stream Shirt: Though it has a very basic style, Nancy loved the fit of this sun protection shirt as well as the zippered pocket. Overall, she found it to be breathable, lightweight and versatile. Unfortunately, there are extremely limited color and size options available at this time.
- Duluth Trading Co Armachillo Sunperior UPF Hoodie: While Nancy points out that this hoodie is ideal for all-day wear, she wasn’t impressed by the overall style. “It is really long and it has a hemmed border around the end of the sleeves and bottom of the shirt that feels rough and itchy,” she says. “The fit is rather blah and long and it feels just like a regular jersey. In other words, it’s not nearly as soft or enticing as the others.”
- Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Hoody: A good fit, scuba hood, kangaroo pockets, an internal side pocket with zipper, thumb holes and a lightweight meshy feel make this sun protection shirt sound like a great choice. And it is! However, Nancy found that it wrinkles easily, has a lower UPF rating than the other shirts we tested and is so thin that it’s almost sheer. In other words, she didn’t feel that it was worth the $99 price tag.
- Solbari Long Sleeve T-Shirt UPF 50+ Active Collection: Despite being really soft on the skin, this sun protection shirt does not feel as breathable as the others. According to Snyder, this one could be better for snow sports where you want sun protection along with some added warmth.
- Kuhl Inspira Hoody: As the only zip-up sun protection shirt she tried, Snyder really wanted to love this one. Unfortunately, it missed the mark due to its awkward design. “There is something weird about the bottom; there is a layer of fabric that goes around the bottom but stops at the zipper, almost making it look like you have it tucked into your pants,” she explains. “As a result of this design, it also looks like it billows out on the sides. Even though this top zips up, it doesn’t zip up as high as I would want for full coverage of the neck.” Moreover, it’s one of the pricier options we tested.
- Stio Women’s Hylas Hooded Pullover: Similar to the Duluth Trading Co. shirt mentioned above, this sun protection shirt was comfortable and well-made. However, there are very limited colors and sizes available.
- Fjallraven Abisko Sun Hoodie: While Nancy didn’t mind the actual shirt material, she did not care for the reinforced hems at the end of the arm sleeves or the hoodie and neck opening. “I did not find this comfortable to put on or wear,” she says. “It really feels like it could give you a mild rug burn on your hands! My wrists are already pretty small, and the sleeve ends are incredibly tight.”
- Helly Hansen Women’s LIFA ACTIVE Solen Hoodie: Under the hot Arizona sun, Nancy prefers a sun shirt that is light in color like this one. However, she wasn’t impressed by the overall design of this shirt. “This shirt design just felt a little blah to me,” she explains. “If it was considerably cheaper, I would consider it. But in my opinion, there was nothing special about it and I preferred the others more.”
What to Look for When Buying a Sun Protection Shirt
When choosing the best sun protection shirt, the most important thing to look for is UPF protection. All of the shirts on our list offer 40-50% UPF protection. According to Dr. Mina, clothing with a UPF 50 or higher rating is the most effective for sun protection as it blocks out 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
Some shirts have hoods and thumb holes which offer additional sun protection for your neck, head and hands. Dr. Kopelman also recommends opting for long-sleeves which provide more coverage.
Finally, consider your preferred style. If you want maximum protection then opt for a long-sleeved shirt with a hood and thumb holes. If you prefer something you can style or pair with a hat, you may want to consider a sun protection shirt without a hood. And, as with any purchase, be sure to consider your budget.
Why You Should Trust Us
We enlisted the help of one of our trusty editors to personally test out the best sun protection shirts and give us her honest feedback. We also talked with Mary Alice Mina, MD., a board-certified dermatologist and host of The Skin Real Podcast and Hannah Kopelman, MD., a dermatologist at DermOnDemand, to offer insight from a health perspective in terms of what to look for in a sun protection shirt.
How We Found the Best Sun Protection Shirts
Here at Family Handyman, we strive to find the best products to make your shopping experience easier. Our editors and writers have years of experience testing products. For this article, senior shopping editor Nancy Snyder tested 16 shirts for an hour at a time. Activities included walking her dog and hiking in 85-100 degree Phoenix weather during August and September. She did not use any other sun protection on her body other than her face.
When selecting the best sun protection shirts, Snyder considered a multitude of factors including material, UPF protection, breathability, features and value. Only the best made our list.
FAQ
Do UPF shirts actually work?
Yes! Our experts both agree that UPF shirts are a great way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
What is the difference between UPF and SPF shirts?
According to Dr. Kopelman, UPF and SPF refer to different types of sun protection. “UPF is specific to fabrics, and it indicates how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, a UPF 50 shirt blocks about 98% of the sun’s rays,” she explains. “In contrast, SPF measures how long a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays—the ones that cause sunburn. Unlike SPF, which is for lotions and sprays, UPF applies to clothing and offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.”
What fabric is best for UV protection?
Dr. Kopelman recommends tightly woven fabrics like polyester, nylon and specially treated blends. “These materials are excellent at blocking UV rays. The denser the fabric, the better it is at keeping out the sun. I also recommend checking for fabrics that have been treated with UV-absorbing chemicals to boost their protective qualities—these can offer an even higher UPF rating,” she says.
Source:
- Mary Alice Mina, MD, board-certified dermatologist and host of The Skin Real Podcast
- Hannah Kopelman, MD, dermatologist at DermOnDemand
