With the best sun protection clothing, you can stroll along the beach or hike up a mountain without getting a lobster-red sunburn. That’s worth mentioning because large bodies of research show the more time spent outdoors, the higher your chance of skin damage. And while a sunburn-turned-tan might create the illusion of a “healthy glow,” there’s really no such thing as safe tanning, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
The first line of defense is (no surprise) quality, high SPF sunscreen. But if you want even more protection, then it makes sense to pair your sunscreen with UPF clothing. We realize that may be strange for some — UPF hasn’t been around that long — which is why we asked experts to explain the technology and offer a list of their favorite UPF clothes.
Best UPF clothing for men
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Men’s Hoodie
When it comes to UPF clothing, REI Co-op’s Sahara Shad Men’s Hoodie is the retailer’s most popular option — and we understand why. It’s lightweight and comfy like a T-shirt, and yet it boasts a UPF 50+ rating. Take it hiking, boating or on your next cruise.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Men”s Sonora Quarter-Zip
“Coolibar has options for kids and men, so it’s very popular for families,” says Hu of one of her all-time favorite UPF brands. This practical quarter-zip is a great way to get some impromptu ventilation with its quarter-zip closure and relaxed fit. It comes in 8 summer-friendly colors from Rich Plum to Pacific Blue Heather.
$89 at Coolibar
Columbia Men’s PFG Bahama II Long-Sleeve Shirt
“These shirts are a beach day staple with their lightweight design and wicking, sun-shielding fabric that host UPF 40 protection from the sun,” says Geria. “They also have cooling features such as mesh-lined back vents to allow air to flow and keep you from overheating.”
$58 From $35 at Columbia
Columbia Men’s PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Shirt
“My favorite UPF piece of clothing is also the ultimate dad shirt: the Columbia PFG Tamiami II,” says Kevin Cortez, a commerce editor and avid hiker. “Built for fishing and generously sized, it has mesh-lined back vents for letting your body breathe. This shirt has Columbia’s Omni-Shade technology, which provides UPF 40 protection and wicks away moisture faster than most cotton tops. It comes in short or long sleeve, but I prefer the latter for extra sun protection. Plus, when you need to air out those arms, you can roll up the sleeves and keep them up via built-in tab holders. It’s perfect for muggy and overly bright days, and it’s almost always on sale.”
$55 From $33 at Columbia
Royal Robbins Amp Lite Hoodie
“I throw on this quick-drying hoodie featuring UPF 50+ sun protection when I don’t feel like slathering on sunscreen every few hours when I’m paddling around on the lake,” says Kai Burkhardt, CNN Underscored’s outdoors editor. Apart from its lightweight construction, Burkhardt says that he loves how quickly it dries. “On my first day paddleboarding this season, I took an unexpected dip into a freezing cold lake. But with the sun and a light breeze, this hoodie was completely dry in under 30 minutes.”
$80 at Royal Robbins
Kühl Eclipser Hoodie
Burkhardt wore this on a day trip to Arapahoe Basin’s Via Ferrata in Colorado, which climbs up to about 12,500 feet in elevation. On that trip and several hikes and runs since, it’s kept him protected and comfy thanks to a UPF 50+ rating and a soft blend of nylon and polyester. Burkhardt has tested a lot of sun hoodies over the past few months, but says this is the one he reaches for most often, especially when he plans on working hard in intense heat.
$89 at Kühl
Paka Men’s Sol Hoodie
This sun hoodie is made from a blend of Tencel, alpaca, nylon and spandex which creates an incredibly soft, comfortable hoodie. Burkhardt has been testing one for over a month and adores its scuba hood, thumb holes and odor regulation. The fabric isn’t as lightweight as other nylon sun hoodies, so you might get a little hot if you’re really working hard.
$95 at Paka
Quiksilver Standard Solid Streak Long Sleeve
Whether you’re splashing around on a surfboard or lounging ashore, this long sleeve is bound to come in handy all season. “This is technically a rashguard designed for surfing, but it has a somewhat looser fit, so it actually functions more like a regular T-shirt,” says Todd Plummer, a writer, an avid traveler and an outdoors enthusiast. “It has a soft, cotton-like feel, and the added benefit of sun protection. If I’m going anywhere tropical, I’m packing a few of these and wearing them all day long.”
$46 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie
“This is probably one of the lightest and thinnest pieces of clothing I own, making it a great piece to cover up your skin in the harsh sun,” Burkhardt says. However, there is one quirk: There’s no official UPF rating, as the fabric is just too light and thin to test. That said, Outdoor Vitals claims that “the Altitude has been tested extensively in high elevation sunlight with no sign of UV ray penetration.”
$50 at Outdoor Vitals
Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Merino Hoodie
Made with a blend of merino wool, polyester and nylon, this hoodie has a UPF 36+ rating and is a great pick for beach days and thru-hikes alike. It’s bacteria- and odor-resistant, meaning you can wear it multiple days in a row without it getting stinky. Burkhardt spent a couple of weeks testing this hoodie out too, and it was one of his favorites. It’s lightweight enough to feel like you aren’t wearing anything, making it perfect for any and every sun-filled activity. Its one downside? It doesn’t have thumb holes.
$85 at Outdoor Vitals
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