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If you're tired of reapplying sunscreen every two hours (or just forgetful), a sun shirt is an incredibly effective and easy way to protect your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. We looked for the shirts that will keep you covered and keep your skin cool in the heat of the sun, so you can keep moving all day long, whether out on the water, hiking at high altitudes, or spending a day in the garden.
The best overall option for men is the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie. Our team found it to be protective, yet versatile and comfortable enough to wear anywhere, from the trail to a backyard hangout. On the women's side, the Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Hoody provides great coverage and takes the win with top scores in comfort and breathability as well.
If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, the men's Baleaf Hoody and the women's Baleaf shirt both provide essential coverage, while being a fraction of the cost of the other sun shirts we tested. FYI, you can get both the men's and women's in a hooded or non-hooded version to customize coverage as needed.
Our team is made up of obsessive hikers, paddlers, as well as semi-professional beach loungers. We've tested more than 70 sun shirts since 2019 to find the right balance of coverage and comfort. We're happy to say the options just keep getting better each year.
UPF: 50+ | Features: Long sleeves, thumb loops, hood drawstring
REASONS TO BUY
Hood cinch and thumbholes
Doesn't get smelly
T-shirt like comfort
REASONS TO AVOID
We wish it had a pocket
Average breathability
Who it is best for: The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie is a great choice for anyone looking for a highly comfortable, versatile sun shirt, no matter what your reason for being outside. It has a relaxed fit and soft, stretchy fabric, which makes it ideal for activities like hiking, beach days, and river floats. The lightweight fabric is decently breathable, but in our experience, it's a little too heavy for high-output activities like trail running or mountain biking. But for daily wear, we absolutely love how comfortable this sun shirt is, and the style is casual enough that you can hit up the brewery after your hike. It's a no-brainer to slip this thing on before heading out the door, which is key, because a sunshirt doesn't do you any good if you can't stand wearing it.
Why we love it: The shirt is made with fabric that has a UPF 50+ rating and is incredibly soft, lightweight, and stretchy. Our tester compared it to pulling on a well-worn t-shirt. An antimicrobial treatment keeps the fabric smelling fresh for longer (odor can often be a problem for synthetic fabrics). Another favorite detail is the hood's hidden cinch strap, which keeps it from slipping off on windy days.
Should you buy it? If you want a UPF-rated shirt that doesn't sacrifice comfort or style, the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie is an easy choice. It's not perfect; the lack of pockets can be a bit annoying if you plan to wear it out on a kayak or paddleboard and need somewhere to stash your keys. And it's not the most breathable; it wicks sweat moderately well, but you'll want to save it for light to moderate activities. But all things considered, it's a standout sun hoody, and beats the rest in its ability to hop from one activity to the next.
We also tested the women's version of the Sahara Shade Hoodie. Our women's team didn't love the baggier fit, but appreciated the extended coverage and skin feel of the fabric all the same.
Breathability is really good, but high output activities like trail running in the middle of the afternoon may stretch what's comfortable. Credit: Justin Simoni
Make sure to keep well covered and protected on your next day out! Credit: Justin Simoni
The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie has a long cut, and the fabric doesn't bunch uncomfortably when worn under a climbing harness, day pack, or running vest. Credit: Justin Simoni
Best All-Around Women's Hoody
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody - Women's
UPF: 50+ | Features: Extra large hood, thumb holes, waist drawstring, zippered pocket
REASONS TO BUY
Great for hot days
Extended hand coverage
Waist cinch drawstring
REASONS TO AVOID
Thin material
Might need to size up
Who it is best for: We have tested multiple versions of the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody, and each time we find it to be the best option for long, active days under the midsummer sun. It has a 50+ UPF rating and extended coverage that makes it one of the most protective women's shirts we have tested. The weightless, highly breathable fabric has a silky skin feel and is an excellent choice for high-output activities such as trail running, hiking, or paddling on the hottest days of the year. The zippered hip pocket is perfect for stashing small essentials like an ID or car key while on the trail or out on the lake, and a clever drawstring at the waist lets you customize the fit.
Why we love it: The bones of any piece of clothing lie in the fabric, and the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake uses a good one, namely a polyester/elastane blend fabric that has a soft skin feel and enough stretch that it is a joy to slip on. This shirt is also unbelievably lightweight; our testers said it's the closest you can get to being shirtless while still getting solid UPF protection. The sleeves are extra long, providing extensive hand coverage past the knuckles, and comfortable thumb loops that keep them in place. It is great for women who spend a lot of time outdoors and want a sunshirt that is comfortable enough to wear all day without overheating or feeling restricted.
Should you buy it? The Crater Lake Hoody is an excellent shirt overall, but keep in mind that the fit runs a bit slim. The fabric has enough stretch that sizing is flexible, but if you prefer a looser fit, we recommend sizing up. The hoody is offered in a variety of fun colors (we could see ourselves getting a few different colors in this shirt), but some of the lighter colors can be see-through when wet because the material is pretty thin. This also decreases durability a bit. Despite these minor drawbacks, it remains a top-tier hoody for everything from hammock lounging to peak bagging. It is one we recommend for anyone who can't stand staying inside on a sunny day but still wants to take care of their skin.
We also tested the men's Crater Lake Hoody, and it performed similarly, although our men's team noted that it lacks the zippered pocket found on the women's shirt.
Who it is best for: If you don't love the pullover, close-fitting style of hoody sunshirts, and prefer something more traditional, the Mountain Hardwear Canyon Long Sleeve is a good alternative. This shirt is made from a structured, lightweight fabric that doesn't cling to the skin and feels at home on a hiking trail, a fishing boat, and around town. We have friends who work as whitewater guides who love to wear this shirt while working, as it is both functional and professional.
Why we love it: Style aside, the durable Polyester Dobby fabric is comfortable and dependable, and doesn't snag as easily as the stretchy blends that most sun hoodies use. The UPF 50 rating ensures adequate protection for long days outside, and thoughtful features like roll-up sleeves that actually stay in place and ventilated back panels add to the practicality of this sun shirt. Lastly, if you know you will be hiking in buggy environments, the more structured material has a tighter weave and sits off the skin, providing a more effective barrier against insect bites.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for wearable, durable sun protection that doesn't scream “technical,” the Canyon Long Sleeve is a strong choice. The main limitation is the lack of a hood, which means less coverage for your neck, ears, and head than a sun hoody. However, a unique double-fold collar can be popped to completely cover the back of the neck and is very effective when paired with a wide-brimmed hat. That said, if you want bug protection, durability, and a clean, casual look, this shirt should definitely be on your list.
Roll up the sleeves and unbutton a few front buttons to transform the Mountain Hardwear Canyon into a perfect after work trail running top. Credit: Justin Simoni
Pop up the collar on the Canyon for some extra protection. Credit: Nolan Anderson
The Canyon makes a perfect hiking shirt for long, sunny, exposed days, interfacing with a pack without any problems. Credit: Melissa Dozier
Who it is best for: The REI Co-op Sahara Long Sleeve is a button-up style shirt that is great for ladies who want UPF protection without looking like they're wearing a baselayer. It's easy to throw on over a t-shirt for cooler days, and a vented panel in the back helps keep air moving on hot days. Front buttons make it simple to vent even more when things start to warm up. It's more durable than stretchy sun hoodies and is a great choice to wear if your day takes you from the hiking trail or fishing boat straight to dinner at the local BBQ place.
Why we love it: This shirt has a more traditional style, but still has an excellent balance of breathability and comfort. The sleeves have a curved drop cuff that better protects the backs of your hands from the sun, and can be rolled up and held in place just above the elbow with a discreet button tab. Underarm panels made from stretchy fabric improve mobility and help prevent chafing, which is a big plus if you are wearing this shirt with a daypack. Another big bonus of wearing a button-down vs a hoodie is that the tighter weave has more structure and doesn't sit so close to the skin, providing better protection against bug bites.
Should you buy it? If general wearability and a traditional fit are high on your list, the Sahara Long Sleeve is an excellent option. It fits in around town a lot better than more athletic-looking sun shirts that can leave you feeling like you're only halfway dressed. Its biggest drawback is that it doesn't have a hood, leaving your head and neck exposed. Otherwise, it stands out as the most versatile women's sun shirt we tested and is especially well-suited for outdoor jobs, such as raft guiding or forestry, which may have a professional dress code.
We like to wear the Sahara button-down when we are hitting the trails more than going to the beach. Credit: Maggie Nichols
A small zippered pocket at the hip is useful for all those little doodads like lip balm or a set of keys. Credit: Maggie Nichols
The hip pocket on the REI Co-op Sahara is just large enough to fit a single credit card. Credit: Maggie Nichols
When unrolled, the sleeves extend far enough to cover most of the back of your hand. They can also be rolled up and held in place with button fasteners. Credit: Maggie Nichols
Perhaps one of our favorite parts of the Saraha button up is that the fabric has a little more structure than hoody styles. Credit: Maggie Nichols
UPF: 50+ | Features: Extra large hood, thumb holes
REASONS TO BUY
Crazy affordable
Durable
Full coverage and high UPF
REASONS TO AVOID
Thicker/less breathable fabric
Can hold odor
Who it is best for: The Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody provides full coverage sun protection at a truly bargain price. It's not the most luxurious feeling top we've worn, but when it comes to the most essential task of protecting your skin from too much sun exposure, it delivers. The thicker polyester fabric is also a bit more durable than other hoodies, lengthening its lifespan and making it a good option if you often find yourself in situations that might cause more wear and tear, like sandy beaches or car camping trips.
Why we love it: We love this hoodie first for its accessible price, but it doesn't skimp on features like you might expect. The polyester material provides UPF 50+ protection, it has a roomy hood that covers your head and neck, and thumb loops to help keep the sleeves low to shield the backs of your hands. For the price, it offers dependable protection from harsh summer sun and covers all the basics without unnecessary extras.
Should you buy it? If you're shopping on a tight budget, the Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody works, but there are some trade-offs. The cut is very roomy, maybe too roomy for some, and if you're used to a more athletic cut, you might not like the style of the Baleaf. Additionally, the thicker, more durable fabric is less breathable and can get uncomfortable under a blazing mid-summer sun. You might not want to wear it for high-output trail runs or bike rides where you plan to get sweaty, especially because the synthetic fabric lacks an antimicrobial treatment and tends to hold odors if not washed promptly. But if you need something cheap that still provides reliable sun protection, this is it. The price point simply can't be beat.
Who it is best for: The Baleaf UPF 50 Crew is perfect for women who want a simple, comfortable sun shirt for easygoing summer days at the lake. Its very affordable price makes it easier to pull the trigger on the purchase if you only plan to wear it occasionally. It lacks hood coverage, but this also makes it a more versatile piece for casual outdoor activities like gardening or light hiking. If you want to protect your skin but don't spend enough time outdoors to justify investing in a premium brand, the Baleaf is a good compromise.
Why we love it: This sunshirt is straightforward and comfortable - no bells and whistles, just solid sun protection from a smooth fabric that feels good against the skin. The athletic fit is somewhere between a rashguard and an athleisure top, fitting a little closer to the body than some of the others. It moves well and is still decently flattering, although we wish it had a bit more stretch. The crew neckline is comfortable, and the wide range of fun color options makes it easy to find one that suits you. At this price point, you can even buy multiple colors for less than the cost of a single higher-end sun shirt.
Should you buy it? If budget is your main concern, the Baleaf Crew is hard to beat. Unfortunately, this sun shirt tends to retain body odor if you try to rewear it without washing in between, and it's not super breathable, so it's not a great option to take on your next backpacking trip. The next biggest downfall of this shirt is the lack of head and neck coverage, which is why we often prefer hoodies for long days in intense sun. If you are like us and prefer a hoodie, it also comes in a hooded version. Still, for the best bang for your buck, the Crew delivers reliable sun protection for most of your body at an unbeatable price.
Who it is best for: The Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody is a shirt for serious outdoor enthusiasts who spend long days at high altitudes where UV rays pound down more intensely. It includes all the small details that make it functional in any environment, like side mesh vents to keep you cool, a half zip for easy on and off, a small chest pocket that fits a set of keys, and a helmet-compatible hood. Best of all, the comfortable fit simply disappears on the body and is easy to layer under, over, and all around. For climbers, backcountry skiers, and mountaineers who need a piece of gear that can stand up to heavy use throughout the year, this investment of a shirt will be worthwhile.
Why we love it: This hoodie is a true workhorse, but it doesn't sacrifice skin feel or mobility. The stretch fabric offers a UPF 50+ rating, and an extra-long cut provides excellent torso coverage, keeping you protected when reaching for that next handhold or bent in a crouch over the handlebars of your mountain bike. The super 50+ UPF rating comes partially from a tightly woven fabric, which also makes the shirt less breathable. It's better suited to the cooler temps you'll find at high altitudes, but mesh armpit panels and a half zip provide some airflow where it's needed most. Our tester wore it on a multi-day spring backpacking trip in the Rockies, and thanks to HeiQ Pure odor control technology in the Alpenglow, he didn't smell quite as bad by the end of the trip.
Should you buy it? If you want the absolute best sun hoody available and don't mind paying a high ticket price for it, the Alpenglow Pro Hoody is an outstanding choice. The main downside is the cost, which is more than twice that of many of the other sun shirts we tested. The other minor con is that it may be too warm and techy looking to wear for a casual lake day. That said, the build quality, durability, and sun protection are top-notch, and we consider this to be near equivalent to two lesser shirts. It is a worthwhile investment for those who just want to forget about what they're wearing so they can focus on the next objective.
Take a load off with a hooded sun shirt that provides you best-in-class sun protection! Credit: Justin Simoni
Excellent sun protection of from the BD Alpenglow Pro means you only need to supplement with sunscreen at your discretion on areas that still are exposed, such as your face and hands. Credit: Justin Simoni
The Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody comes supercharged for your next sunny adventure. Credit: Justin Simoni
Who it is best for: The O'Neill Basic Skins L/S Crew is a snug-fitting rash guard style top that is perfect for women who plan to spend extended time in the water, not just on it or around it. If you live near the beach or are planning your next tropical vacay, this one is made for water activities like swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and wakeboarding. The fabric has a high UPF rating and feels durable enough to stand up to abrasion from a surfboard or a wipeout on the beach.
Why we love it: The biggest draw of the O'Neill Basic is the skin-tight, performance-oriented fit. If you've ever tried swimming in a loose-fitting tee, you'll understand why the tight fit is so important. It helps keep the shirt in place so you don't feel the drag of excess fabric while swimming or paddling, or get tangled up in flowy material. The shirt is also constructed in a way that keeps seams away from potential chafing points near your armpits and shoulders.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a sun shirt specifically for water activities, the O'Neill Basic Skins is an excellent choice. That said, it's not as versatile out of the water; you won't want to wear it hiking or trail running, as the material is not very breathable. Similarly, most people won't feel comfortable wearing it out to dinner or drinks unless you're literally on the beach (oh to be so lucky). That being said, for what it's made to do, it delivers outstanding performance and is our recommendation for dedicated water use.
UPF: 50+ | Features: Center finger loop, ponytail hole in hood, invisible chest pocket, mask, shapable nose wire
REASONS TO BUY
Covers everything but they eyes
Cool bells and whistles
Stretchy but not clingy fabric
REASONS TO AVOID
Less versatile
May be overkill for some
Who it is best for: The Coolibar Andros Fishing Hoodie is a sun shirt with all the bells and whistles to ensure you get protection from every direction. Originally designed for anglers who spend long, exposed days on the water where UV rays bounce off the water and come at you from odd angles, its supreme coverage is also good for those who always seem to get sunburned, no matter how many times you reapply sunscreen. It has a close-fitting hood with a built-in mask that you can pull up over your nose, leaving only your eyes exposed. You can take it a step further with full coverage sunglasses if you like. It's perfect for fishing from a boat, shore, or kayak, when your hands, neck, and face are exposed to direct and reflected sunlight.
Why we love it: We love the innovative features on this sun shirt. Instead of thumb holes, it features a central finger loop that keeps the sleeves pulled over the backs of your hands all the way past the knuckles, whereas traditional thumbholes sometimes only cover half as much area. While it may not be the most fashionable, it's hard to discredit the true functionality of the unique face and neck gaiter system on this shirt. It offers a level of protection we haven't seen in other sun shirts, and it remains relatively comfortable to wear, if you're not worried about how you look. A bendable wire in the mask allows you to shape the nose to avoid stuffiness, and a ponytail hole in the back of the hood makes the shirt easier to wear for long-haired folks.
Should you buy it? If you spend a lot of time on the water, whether fishing or boating, you'll likely be exposed to the sun more than you should. The Andros Fishing Hoodie is a truly practical solution that doesn't require you to cut short your days on the water. However, this isn't a shirt you'll want to don for every occasion. It has a super tight weave that is not very breathable, and for higher intensity sports like hiking or trail running, you'll want something with more airflow. If you spend your days gardening or hanging out at the beach, you'll probably want a more low-key style with more versatility. If you enjoy spending long days on the banks of a river or in a fishing boat, and are prone to sunburn no matter how much sunscreen you apply, this is the best sun shirt for you.
The mask can be worn down as a gaiter and the hood can be worn separately from the mask. Credit: Justin Simoni
The gaiter/mask has an opening to make breathing easier. Credit: Justin Simoni
The hand coverage of the Andros is excellent, thanks to its extra-long sleeves and small loop for the middle finger to keep everything in place. Credit: Justin Simoni
Why Trust GearLab
This review was a team effort of multiple testers for men's and women's sun shirts. Maggie Nichols and Kaylee Walden held down the fort on the women's side, while Justin Simoni tested the men's shirts. Maggie has worked in the outdoor industry for over 15 years as a camp counselor, kayaking and backpacking guide, and now as a gear tester for OutdoorGearLab. Kaylee guides climbing, hiking, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing in the high mountains of Southwest Colorado. Justin has worked closely with outdoor gear companies for over a decade, and spends a significant amount of time on ultra-long-distance self-supported missions at high altitude in the mountains around Boulder, Colorado.
Hiding from the sun at Camp Two on the way up Denali's West Buttress. Credit: Kaylee Walden
How We Tested
Each round of testing begins with a deep dive into the hundreds of sun shirts on the market today. We research materials, marketing claims, and coverage styles from some of the most popular brands. From there, we buy the most promising options at full price, and start testing. Our testers wear each sun shirt for everyday activities, like drinking beers at a brewery, and outdoor adventures, like hiking and rafting.
If you're too busy adventuring to think about when you last applied sunscreen, then a sunshirt might be a good choice for you. Credit: Sara James
To test the effectiveness of the materials used, we wore the sun shirts to the beach, on kayaking trips, while alpine climbing, biking, and even on casual dates. Throughout weartime, we carefully keep track of how each shirt performs for each activity, noting if we overheat, experience any chafing, or just feel uncomfortable in the cut.
Our men's and women's teams tested sun shirts across the same five metrics in both our men's review and our women's review:
Comfort and fit
Sun protection
Breathability
Versatility
Durability
A good sun shirt can go straight from riding bikes to lunch on the lake. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Extra-long sleeves with thumb loops can be found on most sunshirts, men's and women's. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Many button-down styles have a different set of features, like sleeve tabs, collars, and vented back panels. Credit: Maggie Nichols
Why Buy A Sun Shirt
Chances are, if you love to hike, bike, or paddle, you're regularly exposed to sunlight and are more at risk for sunburn and certain skin cancers. Enter the sun shirt. This garment does more than just cover your skin; it is made with fabric that provides a higher level of sun protection through a tighter weave, specialized materials, and, in some cases, UV-absorbing chemicals. This adds up to a Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating that can be anywhere from 30-50+. For reference, a standard cotton tee has a UPF rating of about 5. Yeah…
Using a UV sensitive card to test the manufacturer UPF claims (the card turns purple with UV exposure). With no visible color change, the Outdoor Research Astroman Air Hoodie passed with flying colors. Credit: Justin Simoni
If you consider yourself part of the aforementioned outdoorsy crowd, on top of blocking UV rays, your sun shirt needs to perform on par with your regular athletic wear. Days when you head out on a day hike, or to paddle your heart out in your kayak or paddle board are the times when you need sun protection the most. The best sunshirts are made of lightweight, breathable material that stays cool when worn in hot temperatures and doesn't restrict your mobility. Secondary features include hoods that provide protection for your ears when pulled up, and thumb holes that keep the sleeves pulled down over your wrists and hands. Some have neck gaiters that can be pulled up over the nose for maximum coverage.
Hood in the wind! Credit: Justin Simoni
Half-zips, or in this case, half snaps, can make it easier to get the shirt on and off over a hat, and can allow you to dump heat if you work up a sweat. Credit: Justin Simoni
Four Things To Look For In A Sun Shirt
The first thing to check is that the shirt you're looking at is in alignment with the kinds of activities you do the most. UPF is important, but every shirt we included in this review has at least a UPF 50 rating, so you can move forward knowing this spec is covered. Beyond this, different shirts have features that make some better for days on the water, and others better for days on the trail.
The Echo is an excellent activity-focused sun shirt. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Even if you're just chilling lakeside, the sun doesn't take any breaks, and neither should your sun protection. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Difference Between Men's and Women's Shirts
The easiest way to narrow down your choices is to decide if you need a men's or a women's shirt. Aside from different color options, the main difference between men's and women's sun shirts is the fit. Men's sun shirts are wider in the shoulders and the waist, and have a longer length down your torso. The sleeves of a men's shirt will also be a bit longer than a women's shirt. Women's shirts will be a bit more fitted through the waist, and often have a slight flare near the hips. Other than that, the technical aspects of men's vs. women's sun hoodies are all the same, so if you are a woman who prefers the men's sizing, or vice versa, you should simply buy the shirt that makes you feel most confident, regardless of your gender.
We wore these shirts side by side to get a feel for the differences in cut, material, breathability, and bonus features. Credit: Kaylee Walden
The chart below shows the full lineup of men's and unisex shirts we tested. These were all tested by our men's team, but some of the unisex options listed here were also tested by our female team, and scores may differ slightly.
There are also some cases where we tested both the men's and women's versions of these sunshirts; for the most part, different versions of the same shirt score pretty similarly. A full lineup of scores for the women's shirts we tested can be seen below.
We passed these shirts around to get opinions from our friends who have different hobbies and body types. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Coverage
The next step is to decide how much coverage you need. Any self-respecting sun shirt will cover your arms and torso, but some go the extra mile by including features like a hood, pop-able collar, and thumb loops to keep your hands covered. Hoodies offer more comprehensive coverage, including protection for your head, ears, and neck (provided you wear the hood), but have a closer cut and a stretchy, relaxed fit that may be too casual for some settings. Button-down options tend to feel more functional, with more pockets and venting options, but they don't have hoods, meaning you're missing out on key sun protection for your ears and head. If you're set on a hoodless option, we recommend pairing it with a sun hat.
Perhaps not winning any style contests, the Baleaf Hoodie with Face Cover does provide an impressive level of coverage, with UPF 50+ fabric. Credit: Maggie Nichols
The NRS Silkweight Hoodie has standard thumb loops, but also has an additional layered opening so you can check your watch without pulling up your sleeve. Credit: Maggie Nichols
Every shirt we tested provides acceptable baseline coverage, but without a doubt, the most impressive sun protection came from the Coolibar Andros Fishing Hoodie, thanks to its original face mask and neck gaiter system and the unique center finger loop hole. We love seeing innovation in any type of outdoor gear, and we were very impressed with what they came up with for their sun shirt. You might look like the blue Power Ranger's close cousin in this getup, but you definitely won't get sunburned.
While great for hiking or biking, we don't recommend wearing a button-down style for water activities. Credit: Maddock Rigby
We love a good hoodie when we head out on the lake, but sometimes the hood can get in the way of a backpack while hiking, and can bounce around too much when running. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Water vs Land Activities
Most of the sun shirts we tested are great for a variety of purposes, specifically the men's REI Co-op Sahara Shade and the women's Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake can be worn for just about anything you do under the sun. But if you are buying a sunshirt with a specific activity in mind, you can find one that has cool, purpose-built features. If you are going to spend all day in the water surfing, bodyboarding, or waterskiing, you'll want a shirt that lies close to the skin, reducing drag and preventing you from getting tangled in your own clothing. This type of shirt rarely has a hood, but if it does, you'll want it to be tight-fitting. The O'Neill Basic Skins L/S Crew or the NRS Silkweight Hoodie are the best options here. If you are going to be running, hiking, or climbing under the summer sun, it's likely you're going to sweat; breathability and mobility are the topmost priorities here. If you want to go straight to the bars after our hike, a button-down style would be our go-to.
Luckily, most sunshirts are pretty versatile, and unless you are in search of some specific features, a basic one will work for almost any activity. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Comfort
There is no point in spending money on any piece of gear if it isn't comfortable enough to wear all day long. In general, sun shirts are made with synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, spandex, or some blend of the three. While you won't get the easy breezy feel of cotton or linen, you can still find synthetics with a better weave that is soft on the skin, and well-placed seams that won't chafe under backpack straps. The typical fit of the shirts is athletic, but different brands often offer slightly different cuts that work better for certain body types, so it's worth trying on shirts from a few suppliers to see which one you like best.
If you prefer a relaxed, t-shirt feel, then a stretchy pull-on hoody will be your best bet. Credit: Maddock Rigby
The majority of the sun shirts we tried had fairly loose fits and stretchy fabric that moves well with the body. Button-down options also have some stretch, though not as much as pull-on styles, so you'll want to make sure you grab a size that allow full range of motion through your shoulders. Rash guards are the outlier in terms of fit. Rash guards are specifically made to be super tight-fitting, so they don't bunch up while actively moving through water. Because of this, they can be difficult to get on and off (especially when wet), but they should have enough stretch in the material to allow your arms to stretch and pull while swimming.
Sometimes you'll need to layer your sunshirt under other protective gear, like a life vest or climbing harness. Flat seams and soft fabric are key to long-term comfort here. Credit: Sara James
Beyond fabric and fit, other comfort features to keep an eye out for are flat seams that are offset from the shoulders and any other friction points. Venting options can be a big comfort thing as well, and some shirts have perforated fabric panels under the arms, or include vent flaps on the back to increase airflow.
If you're spending a day out in the garden a button down style layers easily over a light tank top. Credit: Maggie Nichols
FAQs
Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF, is the fabric counterpart to the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating you see on your bottle of sunscreen. In both cases, the higher the number, the more protection you're getting; however, the numbers are not equivalent. SPF ratings refer to the amount of time it will take you to burn compared to if you had no protection. (SPF 50 means it will take 50 times longer for your skin to burn than if you weren't wearing sunscreen at all). UPF ratings refer to the actual percentage of UV rays blocked. Most sunshirts have a UPF rating of 30-50, and a sunshirt with a rating of UPF 50 blocks about 98% UV rays, while a UPF 30 rating blocks about 96%.
Yes, you get better broad-spectrum protection from wearing a sun shirt than from applying sunscreen. There are two key differences between UPF in fabric and SPF in sunscreen. First, SPF ratings only specify the level of protection from UVB rays (sunburn), but not necessarily UVA (aging, cancer risk), while UPF-rated fabrics protect your skin from both UVB and UVA rays, reducing both immediate and long-term skin damage from sun exposure. Additionally, SPF wears off pretty quickly and needs to be reapplied throughout the day. You don't have to do anything special to get full protection from a sun shirt; you just have to wear it. The benefit of not having to worry about reapplying every two hours makes sun shirts an easy choice for your summer outdoor wardrobe.
No. Sun shirts with high a high UPF rating provides enough coverage that you don't need to use sunscreen underneath. However, you should still apply sunscreen to areas of your body that are not covered by the fabric, such as your face, neck, and hands.
Yes. Darker colors and vivid colors (black, navy, red) absorb more UV rays than whites or pastels. UPF fabric often has UV absorbing chemical coating that can degrade over time from washing, wearing, and repeated sun exposure (it's taking a beating so your skin doesn't have to!). For maximum longevity, go with a darker color. Of course, lighter colors are going to feel fresher on a hot day, so if staying cool is your top priority, then go for a lighter color. You'll just want to replace your shirt every 1-2 years to make sure you have full protection.
We tested a range of colorful sun shirts in all kinds of full-sun environments to find the top performers. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Conclusion
We wore these sun shirts for chill days at the beach, kayaking on the river, on hikes, in the garden, and during high-output activities like mountain biking and alpine climbing. The benefits of wearing a sun shirt rather than applying sunscreen were very clear across the board. While climbing, it was extremely helpful not to have to get our hands greasy from rubbing in sunscreen. During water activities, the sun shirts got wet and remained just as protective as they were while dry - no need to reapply anything! And while hiking and biking, the lightweight fabric wicked moisture away from our bodies, which actually kept us cooler than we would have been without a layer on. We hope this review helps you select the perfect sun shirt for your lifestyle and needs, so you can go safely soak up the sun.
