We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We put the top 21 sun shirts to the test under the blazing sun, wearing options from Outdoor Research, Mountain Hardwear, REI Co-op to find the most protective options
Lining up the sun shirts for testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated April 14, 2026
In the heat of summer, keeping your skin protected from UV damage can feel like a full-time job. While it's always a good idea to keep a bottle of SPF 50 around, a UPF rated sun shirt can actually offer better, more consistent coverage on days when sunscreen just isn't enough.
We've tested more than 70 shirts designed specifically to keep you covered, spending months wearing them for all sorts of activities, from weekend hikes and bike rides to backyard gardening and lazy lakeside days.
Our favorite overall sun shirt for women is the Crater Lake Hoody for its next-to-skin comfort and lightweight, stretchy fabric. The Baleaf UPF 50 Crew skips the hood and thumb loops, but is a good budget option that offers an excellent UPF rating.
What exactly is UPF, you ask? It's like SPF for clothing. Read about it here.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on April 13, 2026, with new shirts from Patagonia, Iuga, and Outdoor Research, as well as additional long-term reports from the numerous shirts we've been wearing for several years now.
We've tested a few different versions of the Crater Lake Hoody over the years, and with each round of testing, we fall in love with this soft, comfortable sun hoody. It has everything you could ask for in a sun shirt: 50+ UPF fabric (the maximum achievable rating), a lightweight, stretchy hood, and thumbholes that work even for longer-armed folks. Made from a particularly soft polyester-elastane blend, the Crater Lake Hoody offers exceptional stretch and a more comfortable skin feel even on super hot days. Our lead tester mentioned, “It's one of the few options I happily wore under the blazing sun without pushing up my sleeves.” For another tester, the Crater Lake was a go-to base layer even for everything from gardening to sunny spring backcountry skiing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sun Protection Level (UPF)
50+
Fit
Slim fit
Coverage
Long sleeve, hood, thumb holes
Odor Control Tech
Yes
Features
Extra large hood, draw string at waist, hip pocket (zippered)
The newest iteration of the Crater Lake Hoody runs slightly slim. “I'm sometimes on the cusp between small and medium, and I would consider sizing up for this one,” said one of our testers, also noting that this is more of a style preference; the shirt never felt restrictive thanks to the stretchy fabric. However, the stretch also means the hip pocket isn't great for stashing heavier items, like a cell phone. The material is also pretty thin, and you can see sports bra or swimsuit lines right through it, which is another reason you may want to size up. Shortcomings aside, we love the Crater Lake Hoody, and it quickly became one of our go-to layers for summer heat. If you want something with an even lighter feel, check out the Outdoor Research Echo, which has a more structured (less revealing) fabric that is still very breathable. For similar softness and stretch but with a more relaxed fit, we loved the Free Fly Bamboo Shade.
The Crater Lake Hoody is a great choice for a variety of outdoor pursuits. This layer performs best in super warm climates and features a buttery soft fit that feels great next to your skin. Credit: Trish Matheny
Over the years, the REI Sahara has proved itself to be an astoundingly well-rounded button-up sun shirt. It's stylish, comfortable, and quite breathable. It features pockets large enough to hold keys or a credit card, and although it doesn't have thumb loops, the extra-long sleeves are cut with a scoop to cover the backs of the hands. Stretchy underarm panels increase mobility and vent heat. In terms of versatility, the Sahara took the lead, as this shirt seems to work for just about everything under the sun. “I love that it's fully functional during a full day on the trail or on the water, but looks nice enough to then head straight to the brewery to meet up with friends,” one tester remarked. Unlike some of the other options that have a thin, nearly see-through fabric, the Sahara uses a more structured material that holds its shape on the body and sits a bit off the skin, preventing that clammy, sticky feeling when you start to sweat and acting as a barrier against bug bites.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sun Protection Level (UPF)
50
Fit
Regular fit
Coverage
Long sleeve, scooped cuff, collar
Odor Control Tech
No
Features
Chest pockets (Velcro), tab sleeves, back vent, sunglasses loop, seams removed from armpit
The sleeves can be rolled up and secured with tabs, but the buttons for the tabs are placed rather high — well above your elbows, which isn't our preferred spot. Still, this didn't bother us too much once we realized the sleeves stayed rolled quite well a bit lower down without using the sleeve tabs. It's also missing a hood, so you'll have to BYO sun hat. Nonetheless, we like this option and think it's more versatile than any other button-up sun shirt we tested. If you want a looser, more flowy button-up that you can stylishly layer over another shirt, the Columbia Silver Ridge Utility is another great option.
If you're searching for a relaxed layer that won't break the bank, the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie will keep you happy and protected during long sunny days. This buttery-soft shirt is designed to be worn slightly baggy, which is both comfortable and allows cooling airflow through the hem. Its high-cut sides and intentionally loose design help to circulate air as you move. The thumbholes have wide cuffs and flat seams that don't create uncomfortable friction while paddling a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Most importantly, the fabric has a high 50+ UPF rating, blocking the maximum amount of UV rays and keeping your skin safe from sun damage.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sun Protection Level (UPF)
50+
Fit
Relaxed fit
Coverage
Long sleeve, hood, thumb holes
Odor Control Tech
No
Features
Drawstring on hood, shaped hem
One potential drawback with the Sahara Shade Hoodie is the relatively thick fabric. While it's decently breathable, those who live in extremely hot or humid areas or head outside for high intensity activites like trail running or desert mountain biking might not get the airflow they need from this top. The Columbia PFG Tidal Tee II is a similarly-priced hoody with a slimmer fit and slightly more breathable fabric. The Sahara Shade Hoodie does not have any pockets, which may not be a dealbreaker for you, especially at this very reasonable price. And if you want a shirt to wear during casual lake days and backyard hangs where you don't plan to work up a sweat, the Sahara Shade Hoodie has got you covered (literally).
The Baleaf UPF 50 Crew is a simple sun shirt that works as advertised and doesn't cost a ton. It's an athletic-cut shirt made of a silky-smooth fabric that's comfortable to wear and fits easily. The crew-cut neck provides great coverage without being so tight that it chokes you. This shirt is available in a wide variety of bright colors, and, for its price, you could pick up three or four of them for the cost of some of the other sun shirts we tested.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sun Protection Level (UPF)
50+
Fit
Relaxed fit
Coverage
Long sleeve, crew neck
Odor Control Tech
No
Features
Flat shoulder seams
The Baleaf UPF 50 Crew runs a bit small, particularly in the sleeve length. Therefore, we suggest sizing up if you're typically between sizes or prefer a looser fit. If you want maximum coverage, you might also like the Baleaf Hoodie with Face Cover we tested. It's less breathable but has a built-in gaiter to protect your mouth and nose. Or, you could consider the Jessie Kidden Safari Shirt, a lightweight button-up that can be layered over other clothing for a more polished look at an affordable price. The Baleaf is a great option for everyday casual wear, but it's not quite breathable enough for running in the heat. This shirt easily holds onto body odors. While it isn't the most “bombproof” shirt we tested, it's an incredible value for everyday sun protection.
The Capilene Cool Sun Hoody is the sun shirt we'd recommend if you're looking for a durable layer that you can wear for more than just the summer season. It has a slightly thicker construction, but our testers loved that this made it appropriate for spring and fall use (when sun protection is often overlooked, but just as important) or summer hikes that take you to high altitudes. It features a subtle waffle pattern, and while it sacrifices some points in next-to-skin comfort, it helps the shirt to maintain decent airflow despite its thicker weight. The design includes an oversized hood that fits well under (or on top of) a ball cap, along with a chin button to secure it when the winds pick up. The sleeves feature a longer fit and thumb holes, as well as a middle finger loop that secures the sleeve for great coverage on the back of the hand. The shirt also includes a zippered pocket beneath the right arm that's great for securely stowing a credit card or car key while you make your way around town post-hike.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sun Protection Level (UPF)
40+
Fit
Regular fit
Coverage
Long sleeve, hood with button closure, and thumb holes
Odor Control Tech
No
Features
Middle finger loops on sleeves for back of hand coverage, button closure on hood, zippered side pocket
Patagonia's Capilene fabric is treated with an anti-odor finish, but we found that the Cool Sun Hoody does hold onto body odor, especially if worn for several days between washes. It's also not as soft on the skin, especially compared to buttery-soft options like the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody, but we don't think twice about wearing this durable shirt for more aggressive activities like rock climbing or trail runs through dense sagebrush. And while it's definitely one of the more expensive sun shirts we tested, we think you'll get more use out of it year-round, whether on a long bike ride, at the park on a spring sunny day, or trying to balance your body temp in ever-changing alpine conditions. But if the price tag is a turn-off, check out more affordable options like the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie and the Baleaf UPF 50 Crew that aren't as versatile but are a perfect choice for those seeking more budget-friendly options.
Our testers love the Capilene Cool Sun Hoody for its unique features that maximize sun protection for a variety of athletic pursuits. The thicker fabric and unique waffle patterning increase its versatility without sacrificing breathability, making it a great sun shirt for use in all the seasons. Credit: Trish Matheny
Best for Hot and Humid Climates
Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie - Women's
The Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie is the perfect sun shirt for those planning their next adventure in a hot and humid climate. On the surface, this top looks heavier, almost like a windbreaker, but it has a looser fit and perforated sections of fabric placed for strategic breathability. A central half-zip enhances airflow during the dog days of summer. If the shirt is trapped beneath a backpack and gathers some sweat on your hike, the ultralight fabric dries incredibly fast after being exposed to the fresh air. The shirt also includes a 3-panel hood and a high neckline that fits snug under the chin when fully zipped, providing full neck and head coverage. Just don't forget to sunscreen your face. The shirt also includes a small zippered pocket that's great for stashing a car key or a small protein bar while you're out.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sun Protection Level (UPF)
30-50+ (less sun protection with lighter colors)
Fit
Regular fit
Coverage
Long sleeve, hood
Odor Control Tech
No
Features
3 panel hood, perforated holes for ventilation, zippered side pocket
The cuffs of the Astroman Air cinch tight to the wrists with an elastic hem, and while this keeps them in place very well, our tester noted, “I found the elastic cuffs to be distracting while climbing”. We could see them being annoying when riding a bike as well, and we wish the design had opted for thumb holes, which would be more comfortable and provide better hand coverage. Other than the lack of thumb loops, this shirt offers ample coverage, with a high 50+ UPF rating if you purchase the darker color option; however, light colorways only have a UPF rating of 30, which can be limiting if you don't want to give up UV protection. If you want an even more comfortable design that also provides great performance in the heat, check out the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody. But if you plan to put in the miles during the heat of summer, we think you'll love the Astroman Air design, especially in hot, muggy conditions, since the fabric doesn't cling to your skin.
The Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie is among the top performing sun shirts that we tested thanks to ample sun protection, a central zipper, and perforated panels that make this a great choice for warmer climates. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie includes some unique features, making it an excellent wardrobe addition for any activewear junkie. First, this lightweight sun shirt has horizontally aligned thumbholes that are comfortable to wear, even when moving. Second, the top has a hole in its hood for your ponytail. “I know it might not sport the most stylish look, but it's undeniably functional,” our tester commented. Beyond these two unique features, this hoodie is absurdly lightweight and impressively breathable. It is one of only a couple of shirts we tested that we could comfortably wear in the hot sun without pushing up the sleeves — precisely why it's great for days when you're pushing hard in hotter climates.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sun Protection Level (UPF)
15
Fit
Slim fit
Coverage
Long sleeve, hood, thumb holes
Odor Control Tech
Yes
Features
Ponytail hole in hood, flat-seams, reflective logo
The Echo Hoodie doesn't have everything. This sun shirt lacks pockets and has the lowest UPF rating of any model we tested. If your skin is really sensitive and you need all the protection you can get, the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake is nearly as breathable and is made of fabric that blocks more than 98% of UV rays. With a 15 UPF rating, the Echo Hoodie still blocks around 93% of UV rays. “During a full day of mountain biking in full sun, I did still get a slight burn through the fabric when I didn't wear sunscreen,” noted our tester. Nevertheless, the supreme breathability is unbeatable, and we love that the Echo Hoodie comes in more colors now than ever before. For another highly breathable hoody, check out the Free Fly Bamboo Shade Hoodie II, which effectively breathes and wicks moisture thanks to the bamboo-blend fabric.
If your summer plans include long days on the beach playing in and out of the water, maybe trying to catch a wave or just noodling around on your new stand-up paddleboard, the Patagonia RØ Surf Top is the perfect sun shirt for you. The slim and compressive performance fit is great for swimming laps, paddleboarding, and extra sun protection while you're hanging out on the beach. The raglan sleeves and well-placed seams feel secure, and the high-quality recycled polyester and four-way stretch spandex construction help reduce any chafing you might experience during repetitive motion. The 40+ UPF rating kept our testers from having to reapply sunscreen on their upper body, while the sleeves provide the perfect fit that stays in place during a variety of water sports, even without thumb loops. The shirt features a unique board short connector that lets you attach the back hem to your favorite bottoms to keep it from riding up, a problem that tends to happen with tighter-fitting tops.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sun Protection Level (UPF)
40+
Fit
Slim fit
Coverage
Long sleeve
Odor Control Tech
No
Features
Boardshort connector, security pocket with key loop
It's good to be aware that the tight, compressive fit is meant to deliver the best performance when wet, effectively holding the layer in place as waves and currents tug at your clothing. However, this performance fit limits the top's overall versatility, and it is not our top choice for dry-land activities. There are other sun shirts that offer more coverage through hoods, longer hemlines, and thumb loops. If you're after a layer that you can wear more casually, check out the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody, which provides better coverage, a high UPF rating, and a fit that feels more appropriate to wear around town. But if you're looking for a comfortable and flattering long-sleeve crew that you can rock all day, lake or beachside, we highly recommend checking out the Patagonia RØ Surf Top.
The R0 Surf Top only offers a 40 UPF rating but does a great job of blocking UV rays while you're near the water. Credit: Trish Matheny
Product Comparison Table
Soaking up the sun while staying protected! Testing sun shirts on a bluebird day alpine mountain bike ride in southwest Colorado. Credit: Kaylee Walden
How We Tested
We purchase every shirt to wear side-by-side through several months of testing and adventuring. We wear them for casual, everyday activities like gardening, walking the dog, and grabbing coffee with a friend. We also hand them off to professional adventurers to test the limits of these shirts in more extreme environments, like high-altitude mountaineering, alpine mountain biking, multi-pitch climbing, snorkeling at the equator, and running desert trails. We wash, wear, and repeat, and we've been wearing some of these shirts for years now, assessing factors like fit, comfort, breathability, and durability.
Our testing of women's sun shirts is divided across five rating metrics:
Comfort and Fit (30% of overall score weight)
Sun Protection (25% weight)
Breathability (20% weight)
Versatility (15% weight)
Durability (10% weight)
We wore these shirts on runs, hikes, traveling, and paddling, to learn which ones are best for what. Credit: Maggie Nichols
Why Trust GearLab
To take these shirts to their sunny limits outdoors, we enlisted nature buffs and wilderness enthusiasts Kaylee Walden, Trish Matheny, and Maggie Nichols. These women strive to spend every possible moment outside. With so much outdoor work and play, and consideration for skin cancer risk, none of these ladies takes chances when it comes to staying protected from the sun. A sun shirt is a non-negotiable part of the daily uniform.
Maggie has worked in the outdoor industry for over 15 years, taking on many roles from camp counselor in the Midwest to leading kayakers in the Caribbean and guiding backcountry trips across the US. She lives, works, and plays in some seriously high-UV environments, from the sun-scorched high deserts of northern Nevada to the baking mountaintops of the Sierra Nevada.
Kaylee resides in the high mountains of Southwest Colorado, with frequent Utah and New Mexico desert trips on the menu, where sun protection is paramount. She works as an outdoor guide, taking people hiking and climbing in the summer, backcountry skiing in the winter, and high-altitude mountaineering in the spring.
Trish spends the majority of the year living outdoors in her tent cabin on Yosemite's Search and Rescue team based just outside of the infamous Camp Four. When she's not nerding out on gear reviews, she scales Yosemite's Big walls, often hiding from the sun on the side of El Capitan. When she's not on the site, she's traveling to international rock-climbing destinations and is happy to test the latest and greatest designs as she moves between objectives, big and small.
We've taken these sun shirts across the world to test them in all kinds of environments where harsh sunlight can damage your skin.
Only after scoring each shirt's performance do we consider its price, looking for the value gem among the top-performing options. Though the best of the best in any category is often the most expensive, in this instance, that's not the case. Our favorite shirt of the bunch, the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody, sits right in the middle of the pack in terms of price and is really the shirt that comes closest to having it all.
If you want to save a few bucks, the REI Sahara Shade Hoodie is our pick for a shirt that offers excellent protection for daily use, and comes in on the lower end of the price scale. It's soft and smooth, with great protective features and a generous fit through the torso that increases airflow around the body, although the fabric itself might be a bit thick for highly active wearers. The Baleaf Crew is what we would call a high-value shirt. It's not quite as high-scoring as some but offers a solid 50 UPF rating that will protect your arms and torso at an unbeatable price.
For sunny water sports, the Columbia Tidal Tee is an exceptional value. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Comfort and Fit
We asked a variety of women with different body shapes to test the comfort of each model. We assessed shape and fit, and assessed how well each one moves with the body, evaluating both cut and stretch. We judged the fabric's feel and seams against the skin, and considered features that enhance the wearer's experience.
The impressively soft and stretchy Crater Lake Hoody stands out for being comfortable to wear, no matter what your body type or the activity you are getting into. It's silky smooth, with seams tucked away so they're never in the wrong place, and provides an almost ridiculous amount of stretch, keeping you comfortable all day long. The bottom has a drawstring that you can cinch around your waist, and the sleeves are actually long enough (and elastic enough) for long-armed women to feel comfortable. It also features a hood that protects without impeding vision or movement, and again, the stretchy fabric doesn't feel like it's smashing your ponytail. For straight-up comfort that you can paddle, hike, get groceries, or even nap in, the Crater Lake Hoody has been our favorite for years.
The Crater Lake features a thin, supple, and stretchy fabric that's super comfortable next to your skin. Credit: Trish Matheny
We also like the soft and comfy OR Echo Hoodie. Though not nearly as stretchy as the Crater Lake Hoody, it still provides exceptional comfort for everyday wear or heading out for a run or a hike. The Echo Hoodie's thumbholes are unique in that they're horizontal rather than vertical, which keeps them closer to the end of the sleeve and reduces pull when you're moving. The cut is also significantly more comfortable and less awkward when you need to push your sleeves up.
Even when hanging onto mountain bike handlebars for a jostling downhill, the OR Echo's sleeves stay perfectly in place. Credit: Kaylee Walden
We love the sweatshirt-like fit and comfort of the Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody. With a wide hem, cuffs that hold it in place without being tight, and no seams in the armpits for comfort while moving, we confess we even enjoy sleeping in this cozy garment.
The NRS Silkweight Hoodie is also superbly soft and has a comfortable weight to it. With its relaxed fit, we love lounging in this sun shirt. We loved the fabric feel of the incredibly soft North Face Adventure Hoody, but our testers had mixed opinions of the cropped fit, which reduces its versatility and can leave your lower back exposed to the sun.
The NRS Silkweight is a favorite of ours for paddling (especially with furry friends). Credit: Sara James
The Columbia Silver Ridge Utility and REI Sahara Long Sleeve are our favorites among the collared options we tested. The Columbia Utility has soft, thin, flowy fabric that drapes pleasantly on bare skin or over another shirt. Drop hems add a touch of shape and class without constricting any part of your body. The fabric of the REI Sahara might seem a tad crinkly at first, but it feels almost cool against the skin, and the shoulders offer impressive stretch to keep even our broad-shouldered testers mobile.
If oversized T-shirts are one of your favorite fits, the Sahara Shade Hoodie will be right up your alley. It has an oversized, drapey fit made of smooth, silky fabric and long cuffs with thumbholes.
The Sahara Long Sleeve is a very comfortable hiking and hanging around shirt. Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Hoody is notable for its great comfort, thanks to its buttery-soft fabric and long, slim fit. Its thumbholes are a touch small, though, and not all of our testers love the extra elastic loops that go over your index and middle fingers to hold the cuffs against the backs of your hands. The Patagonia RØ Surf Top is our favorite rashguard if water sports and beaches are your jam. The fit runs super small so as to stay put during water activities; however, we found that sizing up one size made for a much more comfortable fit. Once you sort the sizing, we think you'll love it whether your paddle boarding or hanging at the beach. It has flat seams and is meant to fit quite slim; this fit ensures you'll be comfortable moving through the water without the fabric dragging you down.
The Patagonia R0 Surf Top features a super slim fit but that's just what you want for going into the water. If you want a more versatile fit, you can always size up depending on what you plan to use it for the most. Credit: Trish Matheny
Also from Patagonia is the Capilene Cool Sun Hoody, which we think is comfortable, fits true to size, and offers an excellent range of motion. That said, the buttery-soft next-to-skin feel you'll find in some other tops is sacrificed for the subtle waffle patterning on the interior, which helps with breathability.
The Cool Sun Hoody features a fit that's true to size although a little shorter in the torso. It's waffle-like patterning is great for increased breathability but does sacrifice a bit of comfort next to skin. Credit: Trish Matheny
Sun Protection
UPF is the main thing that factors into our sun protection scores. In short, it's a value that represents the percentage of UV rays blocked by fabric. The highest rating achievable is 50+, and the lowest common rating is 15 UPF. Any UPF is better than none, but we award high scores to shirts with higher UPF ratings. Beyond UPF, hoods, collars, hand coverage, and thumb loops are additional features found on these shirts to improve skin coverage. And it's one thing to be covered while standing unmoving in your yard and a whole other beast to cover up while you bike to work, boulder up a sunny route, or push the kids on the swings. We like shirts that stay put and keep up with our day.
When it comes to maximal coverage, the Baleaf Hoodie with Face Cover is the cream of the crop. You might look a little unconventional with the gaiter pulled up over your mouth and nose, but the UPF 50+ fabric covering so much of your torso, hands, and face provides an impressive level of protection.
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
For those who aren't interested in the full-face mask option, the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody is the next-best shirt. It offers top-notch protection with a hood that stays on decently even without ties, protecting your ears and neck. Its sleeves extend past the knuckles (even on taller testers), and large thumbholes keep them in place. The Crater Lake Hoody is a great option for dynamic movement, as it is able to stretch farther than you'd think possible, making it an excellent companion no matter how you move. A drawstring around the bottom also lets you secure it in place during yoga in the park or a particularly tricky climb.
The Crater Lake Hoody provides tons of sun protection through its stretchy 50+ UPF fabric that includes a long torso and sleeves along with thumb hole. Credit: Trish Matheny
Patagonia's new Capilene Cool Sun Hoody provides excellent sun protection for all types of adventure. The 40+ UPF rating is not the highest, but it features a large protective hood and a button closure that secures under the chin to keep the hood in place on windy days and better shade the neck. The shirt also features long sleeves with thumb holes, plus an extra piece of elastic that loops around the middle finger to keep your hands covered past the knuckles.
The Cool Sun Hoody features great sun protection through 40+ UPF, a large hoody with button closure, and thumb holes with elastic for the middle finger for extra hand coverage. Credit: Trish Matheny
If you appreciate extra hood security, the Voormi River Run and Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Hoody both also have buttons that close to the chin, providing more neck coverage. The Tropic Comfort Hoody has a single button, while the Voormi has three buttons in a row for customized tightness.
Keep the Voormi hood securely up on windy days with its handy buttons for versatile closure tightness. Credit: Maggie Nichols
The OR Echo Hoodielooks like it should offer some solid coverage, with long and stretchy sleeves, a roomy hood, and a high collar to protect the neck. However, we wish it had a UPF rating above 15.
The Echo Hoody has long sleeves that protect up to your knuckles. Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Echo hood features a ponytail hole, which doesn't earn any style points but massively improves your ability to keep that hood firmly protecting your neck and ears. While the UPF rating on this hoodie is lower than most, it's better than nothing, and its impressively light feel makes it easier to keep on when days start to heat up, which is its main perk in our opinion. Just note that in very high-UV environments, you can still get a light sunburn through this shirt if you have sensitive skin.
The pony tail portal helps keep the Echo hood in place. Credit: Kaylee Walden
The hood on the REI Sahara Shade Hoodie features a cross-front top that adds neck coverage without making the neck hole smaller, and a hidden drawstring to keep your hood on no matter how windy it gets. It also has longer-than-average sleeves, making it easy and comfortable to use the thumb holes.
The REI Sahara Shade hoody has a generous and comfortable fit. Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie is another great example of solid sun protection thanks to its large hood, long sleeves, and a longer torso that combines with a 50+ UPF rating (in the darker color options) for ample coverage from the sun's powerful rays. While this design forgoes thumb holes for more coverage on the hands, the sleeves are so long that we could pull them over our hands when we felt too exposed.
The Outdoor Research Astroman features a 50+ UPF rating in the darker color options which combines with a long torso and sleeves as well as a hood for extra coverage. It doesn't include thumb holes but rather elastic at the wrist. Credit: Trish Matheny
Among rashguards, the Patagonia RØ Surf Top provides excellent coverage by staying put while you swim and play in the waves, but it only offers 40 UPF. While the IUGA Rash Guard is an affordable option that still includes a 50+ UPF rating, we found the fit to be less comfortable, and the side pockets awkwardly placed. We prefer the RØ overall.
The Patagonia R0 features a tight fit that stays in place and provides great coverage, while the Iuga features a loose fit with pockets and a high amount of sun protection.
Breathability
When it's tuly hot outside, covering up with more fabric doesn't always sound appealing. The breathability of your sun shirt goes a long way toward your willingness to wear it on days when temps hit the triple-digits. To test breathability, we checked fabric thickness and weight, venting options, and drying speed, and wore each shirt during high-output activities to see how they performed when we got sweaty.
The thin and lightweight OR Echo Hoodie and Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody stand out in this category for their breathability, especially during activities when you're moving enough to work up a sweat. They come in mostly light colors, which helps them to reflect more sun than they absorb. The REI Sahara Long Sleeve button-down also earns high marks, with well-placed back vents and buttons all the way down the front that allow you to open up and dump some heat now and then.
The Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie offers a different take on breathability. It has more structured fabric that sits off the skin and leaves room for airflow under the garment. Unique perforated paneling on each side of the shirt below the arms further maximizes airflow. It also features a 1/4 zipper meant to offload heat when needed, and while the fabric does retain a little sweat, especially under the arms, it dries super fast.
The Astroman is a unique sun shirt design that includes perforated side panels for additional breathability as well as a central zipper to offload body heat.
The Columbia Silver Ridge Utility is another breathable option. With quick-drying, thin fabric, a looser fit to facilitate airflow, and large, strategically placed vents, this shirt is very wearable even on hot days.
The Jessie Kidden Safari Shirt is another thin, flowy, breathable button-up. While this shirt and the Columbia Silver Ridge Utility are both made from 100% polyester, the Jessie Kidden isn't quite as breathable, but is still well above average, with a loose fit that maintains airflow and a massive vent across the back.
The Jessie Kidden Safari is made of thin, lightweight material and features a loose fit for better air circulation and a huge back vent to keep you cool. Credit: Maggie Nichols
Interestingly, the Sahara Shade Hoodie is made of thicker fabric than most others we tested, yet it is surprisingly breathable thanks to its loose, flowy fit, which catches even the slightest breeze. It has a long drop hem on the front and back, with high-cut sides that leave plenty of space for air to pass through without exposing you to the blazing sun. The fit is relaxed enough that gentle winds, or even just the buffeting air from walking around, can find their way inside for ventilation.
The high sides of the REI Sahara Shade hoody promote maximum airflow. Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody has higher cuffs and a shorter hem than most other tops we tested, but it still has a breathable fabric that keeps air moving through fairly effectively. The Tropic Comfort Natural Hoody takes a different approach, leaving more space around your torso, with longer drop hems in the front and back and shorter sides to allow air to move inside the shirt. We also loved both the fabric and the relaxed fit of the Free Fly Bamboo Shade Hoodie II, which quickly wicks moisture away when you're working hard, keeping you cool on the hottest days.
The Tropic Comfort Natural maintains better airflow with a looser fit. Credit: Maggie Nichols
And while tight-fitting rash guards aren't known for their breathability, we found that the Patagonia RØ Surf Top is more breathable than other rashguard designs that we tested; however, it does sacrifice some warmth in cold water.
The Patagonia RO Surf Top is more breathable than other rash guards that we've tested, which is great for versatility but it does sacrifice a little warmth in the water. Credit: Trish Matheny
Versatility
We consider the activities for which each shirt works best. We took these shirts paddling, running, climbing, biking, and more, to sus out the technical performance, but we also considered each shirt's overall style and comfort. Some options are great simply because we could wear them seamlessly from time out on the water to dinner and drinks at the local brew pub after. Top scorers are both highly functional and make you look like a million bucks.
A winner in this metric is the REI Sahara Long Sleeve. As a button-up, collared shirt, it goes seamlessly between environments, settings, and activities. It's as easily worn on the trail or the water as it is in the office or a cafe. It's a fairly flattering shirt across many body types and comes in a range of colors that will suit most people. Even testers who normally aren't fans of collared shirts appreciated the Sahara's style and the ability to wear it in multiple settings on the same day, eliminating the need to keep a spare shirt in your car to change into between activities.
The Sahara Long Sleeve has one of the most versatile styles of any we tested. Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake has a solidly sporty-chic aesthetic, and it's functionally versatile across many activities. We loved wearing this top for everything from trail runs to paddling sessions to mornings at the farmer's market. It is a more casual top, but it will fit right into a sporty wardrobe without looking too technical.
The Crater Lake features a soft and stretchy fabric that's great for a variety of activities, especially since it doesn't limit your range of motion. Credit: Trish Matheny Credit: Trish Matheny
The Echo Hoodie definitely has a more technical-athletic look, but it scores high marks for versatility, thanks to the sheer number of activities, environments, and temperatures in which we're happy to wear it. The Baleaf Crew is a fairly versatile option. It lacks just about any athletic-specific features, has raglan sleeves, and comes in a wide variety of colors that offer something for just about everyone. The same goes for the Free Fly Bamboo Shade Hoodie II, which we happily wore for everything from climbing and paddling to mountain biking and farmer's market browsing.
We went straight from pedaling to a barbecue in the comfortable and versatile Bamboo Shade II. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Our testers also love the Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie. It has a unique look and breathable construction that allows it to perform in a variety of outdoor activities. Ditto for the Patagonia Capilene Cool Sun Hoody which has a sporty look that's great for trail runs, fly fishing, rock climbing, and more. Both designs include stash pockets on the right side for securely stowing essentials like a car key or credit card, with even enough space for a bar or energy gel if you're out for a longer trail run.
The Astroman features a small zippered side pocket that was great for stashing essentials (except when we layered it with our harness), while the Cool Sun zipper is a little higher but can be distracting when you stride.
Durability
We beat these shirts up during our testing to see if they could take it. From scrambling up rocks and scraping through twisted bushes to landscaping, we went beyond their “normal” scope of use.
Both the Sahara Long Sleeve and the Silver Ridge Utility are constructed of sturdy material that withstood a lot of abuse from our testers. The Silver Ridge Utility is even sewn with ripstop nylon that prevents small tears from spreading. Both of these shirts are well-made with reinforced seams and thoughtful features to help them last the years. They showed virtually no wear, stains, or snags throughout our intensive testing.
The Sahara is well-built and reinforced and has stayed looking great through plenty of abuse on the trail and in the laundry. Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Patagonia RØ Surf Top rashguard resisted wear throughout the test period. Although the fit did stretch a little bit, it still provided a slim-fitting construction that remained in place, providing excellent sun protection, even when wet. While it's not meant for trekking off trail through undergrowth, it's great for water activities, and held up to sandy and rocky beaches. The NRS Silkweight Hoodie also has flat seams perfectly placed for paddling and is similarly built to last (without being so tight).
We appreciated being able to check the time without exposing any skin in the NRS silkweight. Credit: Sara James
Both the BD Alpenglow and OR Echo Hoodie are fairly durable, but a little lower on the list. They have visually similar fabric textures and flat-sewn seams; however, both shirts have picked up a few snags in past rounds of testing. Luckily, the Echo, at least, seems to have improved more recently. Our main tester took a nasty fall on broken asphalt during a run while wearing the Echo and utilizing its thumbholes. While her palms were much worse for the wear, with several deep cuts and a significant chunk of missing skin, the cuff of the Echo had just a single minor rip. In the years since that accident, those small tears have failed to grow any larger, even after regular wear.
The aftermath (several months later) of a bad fall while running. On the left, a lingering scar from the accident is circled in red. On the right, the single tear in the OR Echo cuff is circled in yellow. Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard feels solid enough at first, but ripped the first time we tried to undo the side ties to make the torso longer. The seam holding the two sides of the ties split right down the middle. The shirt is still wearable with minor holes, but we're rather disappointed that it came apart so quickly.
The cinch ties on the Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard catch easily in bottoms, and the seam between the ties split the first time we tried to adjust it. Credit: Maggie Nichols
Several of the shirts we tested come with a claim of odor resistance, and we tested every claim by going for a long run in the midday sun and heat, then leaving the shirt in a pile until the next morning to accumulate smell. Only the Alpenglow Hoody and Tropic Comfort Natural Hoody seemed to have any noticeable resistance to odor. We're unsure if this effect will last through years of laundering, but we appreciate it while it's working.
We hope this review has helped you narrow down your search for the perfect sun shirt! Credit: Kaylee Walden
How To Choose a Sun Shirt
If you spend time recreating or working in the sun, a sun shirt can be essential to protect your skin from the sun's powerful rays. Here are some factors to consider before making your purchase.
What Are Your Favorite Summer Activities?
When and where you plan to wear your sun shirt will make a difference in which one you choose. If you're swimming, you may want a body-hugging rashguard, while folks who are hiking or doing yard work will probably want a looser-fitting shirt with more features like pockets and venting. If you don't slow down, even in the heat of summer, you'll want a highly breathable shirt that feels like air on the skin when pushing up the last 100 ft of the climb on your mountain bike.
What's UPF?
UPF is similar to the SPF rating in sunscreen, but it is a value given to fabrics meant to protect your skin from UV rays. The value assigned to fabric represents the percentage of rays (UVA and UVB) blocked by the material. The average cotton t-shirt has a rating around 5 UPF, but dedicated sun protection shirts range from 15-50+ UPF, with higher numbers being better. A UPF of 15 blocks 93.3% of UV rays, while a 50+ UPF rating blocks 98% or more os UV rays.
UPF ratings increase or decrease depending on several factors. A tighter weave in the fabric of your shirts can increase UPF, although it also decreases breathability. Choosing darker or more vibrant colors can also help, while light pastels, or whites, offer less protection. Lastly, a UPF rating can also be obtained by embedding a chemical treatment into the fiber used to make the shirt, but this wears off over time.
Features
Standard features to look for on a sun shirt include thumb loops to keep the sleeves pulled down over your hands, hoods that are large enough to fit over a ball cap, or fitted enough to fit under a wide brimmed sun hat, and high collars that keep your neck shaded. In button down shirts, you'll often find more useful pockets, three-panel collars that can be popped to offer maximum neck coverage, and open venting in the back that allows even a gentle breeze in to cool your back and torso.
Conclusion
There's a lot to consider to find the right sun shirt for your preferred activities and lifestyle. We hope our deep dive into the comparative testing process helps you identify the sun shirt that can, quite literally, help save your skin.
Looking for more ways to protect yourself? Staying protected from the sun is no easy feat. We've collected and tested a wide array of sun protection gear to help you get out there without suffering UV damage. From top-ranked sun hats to sunglasses, we want to help you keep you shaded from the strong summer sun.
