Every summer, people spend countless hours outside, unaware of the damage being done to their skin. In fact, it doesn’t matter what season you’re in; the sun is always shining and emitting harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, severe sunburns, and even skin cancer. Try as we may, it takes a valiant effort on multiple fronts to maintain proper protection against the sun, which is why ultraviolet protection factor — aka UPF — clothing offers a much-needed and game-changing solution in keeping your skin safe.  

While lathering on sunscreen and rocking full-size hats is a great starting point to prevent sun damage, UPF clothing items like shirts, pants, and swimsuits offer an extra armor of defense that ensures your skin stays protected even when sunscreen might wear off or you forget to reapply in time. Though it isn’t the only avenue you should take in keeping your skin safe, UPF clothing is part of a thorough protection plan, complementing other methods like seeking shade, wearing hats, and applying sunscreen on the regular. If you think UPF clothing is reserved only for hikers, swimmers, and runners, think again! Everyone can benefit, whether you’re running outdoor errands, spending time in the backyard, or taking in your kid’s t-ball game for a few hours. In fact, you can take a proactive approach in protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays for the long term by making UPF pieces a part of your regular wardrobe. 

What is UPF Clothing? 

Though the UPF rating system wasn’t formally established in the U.S. until 2001, sun-protective clothing first gained traction in the early 90s. The FDA officially reviewed clothing with sun-protection claims starting in 1992, and today, the American Society for Testing and Materials International recommends standards for UPF ratings in textiles, which are widely adopted in the industry. 

Over the years, the market for UPF clothing has exploded with trendy brands like Coolibar, Columbia, and Patagonia, among others, offering UPF-specific clothing lines that cater to all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts. While most full-coverage clothing adds some layer of protection, UPF takes things a step further with its elevated design and details that are key in keeping the sun at bay.  

How It Works 

UPF clothing is designed with several factors in mind, including fabric thickness, tightly woven materials, material composition, and clothing fit and color. Darker and heavier fabrics, like polyester, wool, or nylon, typically offer more protection than lighter colors and thinner materials. Tightly woven materials have fewer holes for radiation to penetrate fabric compared to something like a stretchy, breathable cotton that’s very common in modern attire. 

Looser fabrics tend to be the way to go because tighter clothing is more likely to stretch, potentially creating extra gaps or holes in the fabric that allow for sun penetration that you’re aiming to avoid. 

Some UPF clothing may also be treated with certain chemicals to enhance its sun-protective properties — often reflecting or converting UV rays into heat, but this is not a requirement in UPF clothing guidelines. In fact, many brands often rely on material composition as a means for providing the best UPF protection, so that’s something to keep in mind.  

Shopping for UPF Clothing 

Not all UPF clothing is made equal. While shopping for UPF items, look for garments with a UPF rating of 50+, which means the fabric allows only 1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation to pass through. This key rating system helps ensure that you’re getting the level of protection you need, so you’re not accidentally exposing your skin to more radiation than you intend. Below are a few clothing items we recommend.

UPF 50 Hoodie 

Versatility is where this hoodie shines most! While a UPF shirt is great, we like the added benefit of a hoodie to also protect our face and neck from the sun. That’s why we reach for this zip-up piece whenever we’re out for a long walk, sitting poolside, or working outside. Even those who live in sweltering climates can rock the protective polyester and spandex hoodie in the thick of summer thanks to its lightweight, breathable design. We’ll call that a worthwhile investment! 

UPF 50 Swim Cover Up

If lounging poolside is your style, don’t miss this top-rated swim cover-up. Not only does the functional and comfortable UPF piece give you the peace of mind knowing you’re protected from the sun, but it also lets you easily transition from the pool to the local coffee shop without sacrificing style or functionality along the way. Part hoodie, part dress, this zip-up cover-up isn’t the least bit frumpy or matronly, meaning you can embrace sun protection without feeling like you’re hiding under a bland, oversized garment. 

UPF 50 Hiking Pants 

While we would love to live in shorts all summer long, these well-reviewed UPF 50+ pants are our summer BFFs — offering ultimate sun protection without losing comfort. Thankfully, these quick-drying, lightweight cargo pants have multiple features that have us scooping up every single colorway! The pants are water and sweat-resistant and feature an elastic waistband, zip pockets, and ankle cords that keep the pants secure and in place, whether you’re hiking, biking, or just running everyday errands on a sunny day. 

Featured Image Credit: Cavan Images/ Alamy Stock Photo

Spent half the year waiting for summer to come around? Same. But with great sunshine comes great risk: sunburn. We’re all clued up on the perils of too much UV, however, most of us are equally guilty of forgetting our sunscreen now and then. Whether you played by the rules but forgot to do your ankles, or you’ve gone head-to-toe lobster, after-sun lotions are a saving grace. From cooling aloe gel to multi-talented lotions, these formulas help battle peeling skin, soothe sore spots, and return your skin to its former glory.

Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion

Gone too hard, too fast with your summer tan? No fear: Hawaiian Tropic is here. Its Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion is packed with aloe and shea butter — super enriching for skin and soothing on burns. Thanks to the coconut-papaya fragrance, you’ll smell like a Caribbean sunset, even if you’ve just been sunbathing in your backyard. This one’s a great option for those who can’t bear the sticky feel of creamier formulas.

Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Prefer to keep things simple? Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel, made from freshly-cut, Texan-grown aloe leaves, is made for you. And, if you’re into credentials, it’s certified by the International Aloe Science Council — read: this aloe’s got the lab seal of approval. Slather it on after an overzealous sunbathing session or even just incorporate it into your daily skincare routine for a potent hydration shot. Housed in a recycled bottle, you’re tipping your cap to the planet as well as saving your skin.

Neutrogena Sun Rescue Replenishing Lotion

If you’re feeling a little crispy after that stint in the sun, Neutrogena’s on call to rescue your skin. Non-comedogenic, sulfate-free, and boasting an ingredients list to rival more expensive brands, this budget-friendly after-sun lotion is a must-have for your bathroom cabinet. With aloe to soothe and mint to cool, it calms redness and prevents peeling.

Burt’s Bees After Sun Soother

Burt’s Bees strikes again with another killer formula. Formulated with deeply hydrating coconut oil and cooling aloe, it helps restore moisture and calm inflammation on stressed-out skin. Whether you’re nurturing your tan or crying out “SOS” for sunburnt skin, Burt’s Bees After Sun Lotion is the go-to au natural choice.

Sun Bum Cool Down

Misjudged the UV on beach day? All’s not lost. Slather on Sun Bum Cool Down as soon as you get home, and stop that burn in its tracks. Not only does the cocoa butter and aloe formula soothe burnt skin, but this clever lotion intensifies your precious tan, too. Whether you’re peeling like a croissant or just want to lock in your golden glow, Sun Bum’s non-greasy dream cream deserves a spot in your post-sun ritual. Hot tip: Store it in the refrigerator for an extra pop of ice-cool relief. 

Sunburnt Advanced After-Sun Lotion

With organic aloe as its hero ingredient, Sunburnt Advanced After-Sun Lotion is a genie in a bottle. Whether your wish is to nourish fried skin, get gone of itchy bites, or soothe a rash, this after-sun lotion is an all-in-one skin savior. Clean-beauty devotees, rejoice: it’s free from parabens, phthalates, and dyes, meaning your skin gets all the good without the gross (and unnecessary!) additives, which could irritate your skin even more. All of this for less than the price of an Erewhon smoothie? Count me in.

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