Sun shirts are growing in popularity as a convenient option for outdoor sun protection. Sun protection shirts are ideal for camping, hiking, water sports, hunting, and fishing—just about everything under the sun, as the expression goes.
There's truly nothing like enjoying the great outdoors. But being under the sun comes with its share of risks. In addition to heat exhaustion, prolonged exposure to sunlight means prolonged ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure which, over time, can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and melanoma (skin cancer). For this reason, protecting your skin is essential when spending time outside. Wearing clothing designed for sun protection is an effective solution, but choosing the right outfit depends on how much coverage you'll need for the outdoor activity and the environment you'll be in.
In this guide, we will examine sun shirts and their effectiveness for sun protection. Whatever outdoor activity you’re enjoying, we have a few tips up our sleeve to help you choose the best sun shirts for any occasion.
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What Is A Sun Shirt?
Sun shirts are garments designed to protect you from harmful UV rays. They’re typically manufactured to have tighter weaves than regular shirts, which means sunlight can’t penetrate their dense fabrics. These fabrics sometimes contain additives, like the zinc oxide or titanium dioxide found in sunscreen, to reflect or absorb sunlight for further protection.
Just like sunscreen’s protection level is based on a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating, sun shirts have a similar rating system for effectiveness. Sun shirts' fabrics are rated according to their Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF. When shopping for outdoor sun shirts, always look for a UPF rating. More on that in a minute.
In the meantime, these are the high-level benefits of wearing sun shirts when spending time outside in the sun. Once you’ve chosen the best sun shirt for you, you’ll be able to enjoy the moment without worrying about sun damage.
Benefits of Wearing Sun Shirts
- Protection from UV rays
- Convenience
- Breathability and comfort
- Moisture-wicking properties
- Versatility in various climates
Tips for Buying Sun Shirts
As we alluded to earlier, you have choices to consider when purchasing your new favorite sun shirt. Depending on your personal style, comfort, and the duration of your time in the sun, we’ll help you navigate these choices to make the best possible decision.
UPF Ratings
UPF ratings are based on a scale from 15 to 50+, with 50+ offering the most protection from UV radiation. For more information on UPF ratings, check out this article about UPF clothing and how it works.
Since a UPF rating of 50+ offers the most shielding from the sun at 98% (or more) UV protection, we recommend sun shirts in this category—especially on those days when you know you’re going to be in the sun for long periods. Choose brands that perform independent UPF testing to ensure reliability. When performing these tests, they will look at factors like fabric thickness, type, and color as well as whether or not the sun shirt has been treated with UV-resistant chemicals or dyes.
Materials
Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are awesome for sun protection and durability. Polyester, in particular, is the go-to for sun shirt fabrication. It's better at blocking UV than cotton, and it dries quickly. Lately, brands have been blending stretchy fabrics like elastane or spandex, which are great for breathability and movement. However, they can lose their stretch over time and aren’t very resistant to odors.
Most hooded sun shirts, or sun hoodies, are about 80-90% polyester with some elastane thrown in, while button-ups usually skip on the stretchy materials, making them less flexible.
Additionally, some sun shirts are made from natural fibers, like bamboo or merino wool, which feel nice and are resistant to odors. However, they’re not as durable or quick-drying as synthetics.
Bottom line: For all-around performance in sun shirts, synthetics are your best bet. However, choose the clothing that will make you the most comfortable while enjoying your outdoor adventures.
Fit and Comfort
Ensuring the proper fit of your sun shirt is essential for sun protection. If you’re going to be spending time moving around in the hot sun, you need something that both covers your exposed skin and provides comfort. Sun shirts should fit loosely, so we recommend going a size up from what you would normally wear for day-to-day activities.
The best sun shirts are those designed with features that enhance comfort—things like flat seams and tagless designs that won’t cause chaffing. Some sun shirts also come with thumb loops, small openings through which the thumb can fit so that the entire hand receives coverage from the sleeve.
Additional Features
- Pockets, vents, and hoods
- Style and sleeve length
- Color or camouflage patterns
- Anti-odor and antimicrobial treatments
- Quick-drying and cooling technologies
- Insect repellent technology
Best Sun Shirts For Outdoor Activities
With so many options, what are the best sun shirts for the activities that you enjoy most when spending time outside? Taking into consideration the tips we’ve outlined above, we’ve selected a few of our favorite sun shirts and paired them with some of your favorite outdoor activities.
Best Sun Shirts for Hiking
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best sun shirt for hiking:
- Durability and abrasion resistance
- Ventilation and moisture management
- Range of motion and fit
We recommend the Men's SolAir Long Sleeve Shirt and Women's SolAir Long Sleeve Shirt.
Featuring UPF 50+ sun protection, the SolAir long sleeve shirt blocks harmful UV rays for safe outdoor activities.
brrr® Pro Cooling Technology:
- Keeps skin cooler during and after activity
- Advanced cooling minerals built into fibers
- Immediate cooling effect
Fast Drying:
- Hyper wicking expands fabric's properties by 300%
- Dries in minutes for comfort during various outdoor activities
Odor Control:
- Polygiene® Stay Fresh antimicrobial treatment
- Polygiene® Odor Crunch scent control keeps you fresh and less detectable
Best Sun Shirts for Fishing
Here are some factors you'll want to keep in mind when choosing the best sun shirt for fishing:
- Stain resistance and easy cleaning
- Bug and mosquito-repellent fabrics
- Fast drying
We recommend the Men's Insect Shield® SolAir Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt and Women's Insect Shield® SolAir Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt.
These long-sleeved sun shirts protect from UV rays and insects that inhabit waterways.
Insect Shield® Repellent Technology:
- Insect Shield® offers invisible, odorless bug protection
- Protects against mosquitos, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges
- Lasts the expected lifetime of the garment
Cooling and Odor Protection Technology:
- brrr® Pro enhanced cooling, hyper-wicking and drying fibers
- Polygiene® Stay Fresh eliminates odors formed by bacteria
- Polygiene® Odor Crunch eliminates foreign odors
Comfort:
- Elastic, lightweight, and strong
- 4-way stretch for mobility and comfort
Best Sun Shirts for Swimming & Water Sports
When choosing the best sun shirt for swimming or water sports, consider these factors:
- Quick-drying and lightweight materials
- Chlorine and saltwater resistance
- Rash guard features, seamless construction
We recommend the Men's SolAir Short Sleeve Shirt and Women's SilverLUXE UPF Rash Guard.
With UPF 50+ sun protection, these tops provide comfort and utility whether you’re boating, swimming, surfing, or paddle boarding.
Cooling Technology:
- brrr® Pro cooling minerals in fabric
- Immediate cooling effect
- Lab-tested to keep skin cooler during and after activity
Moisture Management:
- Hyper-wicking (300% improved)
- Quick drying
Odor Control:
- Polygiene® Stay Fresh antimicrobial treatment
- Polygiene® Odor Crunch scent control
Best Sun Shirts for Hunting
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best sun shirt for hunting:
- Camouflage patterns and colors
- Quiet, easy-to-layer fabrics
- Scent control features
We recommend the Men's SolAir Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt and Women's SolAir Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt.
These hooded, long-sleeve sun shirts provide scent control and quiet fabrics when you want to avoid detection.
Inconspicuous Fabric Design:
- Available in several camouflage patterns
- Lightweight, polyester/spandex for quiet mobility
Cooling and Odor Protection Technology:
- Brrr® Pro enhanced cooling, hyper-wicking, and drying fibers
- Polygiene® Stay Fresh eliminates odors formed by bacteria
- Polygiene® Odor Crunch eliminates foreign odors
Comfort:
- Elastic, lightweight, and strong
- 4-way stretch for mobility and comfort
Best Sun Shirts for Camping
When choosing the best sun shirt for camping, you'll want to consider:
- Versatility for different activities
- Packable, lightweight, and layering capabilities
- Easy care and durability
We recommend the Men's SolAir Technical Hoodie and Women's SolAir Technical Hoodie.
These sun hoodies are perfect for layering when temperatures dip overnight at the campsite.
Versatile Sun Protection:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Temperature-regulating cooling minerals
- Ideal for various outdoor activities and layering
Durability and Comfort:
- 7oz brrr® Pro treated polyester and spandex
- Fast-drying and hyper-wicking
- Lightweight and abrasion-resistant
Advanced Technology:
- brrr® Pro for enhanced cooling and moisture management
- Polygiene® Stay Fresh and Odor Crunch for odor elimination
FAQ
How do I know what UPF rating I need?
For extended outdoor activities, especially those involving water, altitude, or high UV exposure, a UPF rating of 30-50+ is recommended. Higher UPF ratings offer better protection.
Can sun shirts replace sunscreen?
Sun shirts can provide excellent UV protection, but they only cover the areas they cover. It’s important to use sunscreen on exposed skin areas like your face, neck, and hands. Sun shirts are a great complement to sunscreen for overall sun protection.
Can I wear sun shirts in the winter?
Yes! Sun protection is important year-round. Sun shirts can be worn as base layers in colder weather to provide UV protection, especially during activities like skiing or snowboarding where UV exposure can be intense due to reflection from snow.
Do sun shirts lose their effectiveness over time?
With proper care, sun shirts should retain their UPF rating for a long time. However, over many washes and with prolonged exposure to sunlight, the effectiveness can diminish. If the fabric becomes worn or stretched, it might not offer the same level of protection.
How should I care for my sun shirt to maintain its effectiveness?
Follow the care instructions on the label. Generally, it's best to wash sun shirts in cold water with a gentle detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softeners. Air drying or tumble drying on low heat is usually recommended. This helps maintain the integrity of the UPF fabric.
Shop for Sun Shirts at FORLOH
Sun shirts, and other UPF gear, are necessities for outdoor lovers. If you're into hunting, hiking, fishing, or just chilling at the beach or on a boat, these clothes have got you covered. They'll save you from nasty sunburns that can lead to skin cancer, and they're way better at blocking UV rays than regular clothing. The best part? Unlike sunscreen, you don't have to keep reapplying—just throw on your sun shirt and you're good to go.
It's hassle-free sun protection that lets you focus on having fun in the great outdoors.
Browse our warm-weather collection and find the best sun shirts for you and your next outdoor adventure.