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Summer would be a lot of fun if not for the looming threat of a really painful sunburn. If you've lived your whole life in fear of the sun's harsh rays, consider grabbing a beach tent, wide-brimmed hat, or canopy for your backyard.
1. Pleated paper shades if you find that the sun is waking up way before you. This affordable solution is easy to apply (just trim, peel, stick) and comes with clips to raise or lower them.
Promising reviews: "These things are fabulous. It couldn’t be easier to put up, and once I trimmed the extra off the bottom, they’re a perfect fit. I put them in the master bedroom behind our nice-looking wood blinds AND in the kids' room. Our 7-year-old used to wake up with the sun even with good blinds...she now sleeps through the night and will sleep in later than us! I would pay for these time and time again to get the extra peace and quiet in the morning! Thank you for these inexpensive miracle workers! Parents, do yourself a favor and get these!" —Kate
"I love these so much that I just keep buying them. I think I've reviewed them like five times already but whatever. They are that awesome. If you are renting a home, traveling in hotels/at a family's house, moving to a new house, or just having kids — these are LIFE. I've used them for years under my kids' curtains since they were babies because they truly are blackout. We are military and move A LOT and the first thing I do is buy these before our trip because it's not always possible to hang curtains right away. They are literally just paper; they come extra wide, so you can cut them with scissors to fit your window, and they are peel-and-stick. Too easy." —esskay
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes).
2. A bottle of Coppertone shimmering sunscreen offering just a subtle sprinkle of glitter, meaning people might briefly mistake you for a vampire. Plus, the SPF 50 will ensure you just sparkle like a Twilight vampire instead of burn like a True Blood one.
3. A car windshield sunshade to keep your car from becoming hotter than the center of the earth. Please! No more scorched thighs this summer.
It comes in different sizes (depending on your make and model) with a money-back guarantee.
Promising review: "This is super easy to use. Open and put in in the window, can't get any easier than that. My GMC Denali sits outside in the Southeastern NC sun all day and this really made a difference. When I get into my truck I can actually sit on the leather seats without being burned. It also keeps the sun off my dash which is important down here in the Southeast. I would definitely recommend it.' —Sharon
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in six sizes).
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4. A cotton bucket hat with polka dots, a frayed edge, and, most importantly, a huge brim to keep your face protected. People will wonder: celebrity or responsible sun avoider?
Get it from Urban Outfitters for $35.
5. A laptop tent because sun glare is the number one reason why we're not all working from beach. The reflective fabric creates a little dark room for your computer to prevent overheating and sun glare. Now you can actually see the email you're writing and not accidentally type, "Best regrads."
It can fit laptops up to 17 inches in diameter. It folds into its own carrying case with a handle and has pockets and openings on both sides!
Promising review: "I knew that this product was a great idea immediately after I saw the listing online. Having used it for a couple of days, I have to say that I am not disappointed. A few things I love about this product:
"1. It allows me to work on my deck in the bright sun without my laptop being at maximum brightness. Reduces glare and allows me to work longer outdoors.
"2. It is lightweight and twist-folds down to a small flat disc that I can store in my closet when not in use.
"3. A bunch of thoughtfully designed features like a cushioned base to protect my laptop, flaps for charging ports, and a reflective exterior to prevent the unit from accumulating heat in the sun." —Clarence Chio
Get it from Amazon for $49.99.
6. A beach chair with a built-in canopy so you don't have to constantly readjust your seat every time the sun sneaks past the umbrella. The chair comes with two cup holders, can hold up to 350 pounds, offers 50+ UPF protection, and folds up neatly in a 14-pound parcel for easy traveling.
Promising review: "These chairs are exactly what I wanted. They are very sturdy; we were able to leave them on the beach with the shade up and swim in the water without either of them blowing over. My husband and I are very comfortable while sitting in them. Your legs are not pinched. The material is thick, so I think it will last a while. We are very happy with this purchase." —Stacey
Get it from Amazon for $59.98 (available in three colors; also available in a set of two).
7. A UPF 50 beach tent to create a lil' den-like area for the sun-fearing beachgoers among us. It has room for up to 10 people (depending on what size you get), folds up nicely for easy traveling, and promises not to easily blow away in the wind like some umbrellas I know. 😒
Promising review: "This beach tent sun shelter was fantastic for keeping my toddler safe from the sun on our beach days. The UPF fabric provided excellent shade, blocking out harsh rays and keeping the inside noticeably cooler. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, with a quick setup that didn’t require any complicated tools. The tent is spacious enough for my toddler to play comfortably and has good ventilation to keep the air flowing. I appreciated the stability too — it stayed put even on windy days. A must-have for any family beach trip with young kids!" —Misty
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in five sizes and seven colors).
8. A packable floppy hat that'll keep your face shaded (with UPF 50!), yes, but more importantly, it will make you feel posh and dramatic while walking on the boardwalk and looking out at the ocean.
Promising review: "Perfect hat for Disney World! I wore it every day for two weeks, and it held up beautifully! It also helped drastically in the Florida heat! Kept me shaded and was very lightweight to where my head didn’t feel all sweaty like normal hats. Highly recommend!!" —D. S. Hensen
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in two sizes and eight styles).
9. A leafy lounger float with a built-in shade for anyone who feels like a sitting duck (ready for the oven) whenever they're trying to relax at the pool. There are even cup holders in case you want to bring some sunscreen on your maiden voyage.
Promising review: "It provided good shade and held air pretty well after being used for two days. Fit my pregnant self and my 5-year-old daughter on it and didn’t start sinking. We both enjoyed the open part for the feet. Was nice to either tan my feet or put them in the water. My daughter enjoyed using it as a tube to swim us around. Probably gonna buy another one." —Court
Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in three colors).
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10. A handy sports umbrella you can clip onto your chair for some personal shade, since it's unlikely you'll find someone to follow you around with an umbrella any time soon. Plus, the long shape is designed to ensure your whole body gets covered.
The pictured blue color is currently sold out, but there are red and black options!
Promising review: "Take note of the umbrella shape... It's not round and will cover the legs while sitting in a wheelchair. Hardware tightens securely and moves easily between equipment. Spines of the umbrella are strong but fold conveniently into the included bag." —sheila
Get it from Amazon for $15.17+ (available in two sizes and two colors).
11. A dermatologist-recommended tinted sunscreen with SPF 41 so you can take on the day without fear of burning your delicate face to a crisp (so long as you reapply!). It's fragrance free, lightweight, perfect for people with sensitive skin, and boasts 11,400+ 5-star ratings.
Promising review: "Finally a sunscreen that doesn’t make my face itch all day! Sure wish they would bring the price down. Love how it blends in and is soft and moisturizing. I’m 59 and this goes on smooth and doesn’t ball up under my makeup." —Melony
Get it from Amazon for $46 (also available in rosy tinted).
12. Or Beekman 1802's Solar Milk boasting SPF 50 that goes on 100% transparently. The goat milk-infused gel will feel so silky-smooth on your face, you'll almost forget it's there.
This is my all-time favorite sunscreen! It's completely clear, super lightweight, and absorbs quickly. It starts off sticky enough to use as a primer, but quickly dries matte. After about 5-ish minutes, it feels like I'm wearing nothing at all. I won't say it's completely non-greasy, but it's as close as it gets.
Promising review: "This sunscreen really has staying power! It was effective through 6+ hours of yard work! I love that it has a primer-like feel and definitely goes on clear with no chalkiness or residue." —J.
Get it from Beekman 1802 or Amazon for $40.
13. A large-brimmed visor if you want to give your head some breathing room. The extra-long brim offers supreme coverage and is made with anti-UV, UPF 50+ material. Let's see the sun get through that!
Promising review: "I'm not a hat person, but shading my face from the sun as I get older has become more important than being fashionable. I was shocked when I put the hat on and LOVED it immediately. I've never loved a hat on me before. I think it not only looks good with my hair up or down but is super comfortable with the adjustable Velcro closure AND shades my whole face, including my ears!! I couldn't ask for more. Absolutely would recommend this hat if you are looking for good face protection from the blazing sun." —Kelliar
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors).
14. A Lozi & Gabe pop-up tent to keep you and your little safe and secluded at the beach, park, or backyard hang. It truly just snaps into shape when you pull it out of the bag, so set-up is a breeze.
I love this thing! It has UPF 50+ protection, window flaps, internal pockets, and a little hook on the top for a fan or baby toy. It pops into shape immediately, so you just have to unleash it and weigh it down with sand or rocks. It's so nice having a roomy tent to stay safe from the sun. My baby took an hour nap in it, which is remarkable. Folding it back down and putting it away can be a little tricky, so I recommend practicing at home first when you're not tired, hot, and cranky, trying to decipher this video.
Get it from Lozi & Gabe for $159 (available in four colors).
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15. Or a baby beach tent with a built-in pool so you can keep your little one shaded and bring the ocean to them. Now your baby can splash to their heart's content, and you can stay shaded and cool under your own umbrella.
The tent offers 50+ UV protection and pops up in seconds.
Promising review: "Great buy! Brought my 3-month-old to the beach for the first time, and this was perfect! I placed a towel on the bottom and she was able to be out of the sun napping. With the flap open, the breeze kept her cool. I loved that it came with stakes and its own bag. It folds up and is easily carried." —Annemarie's wish list
Get it from Amazon for $32.95+ (available in five styles and with toys or a hat).
16. A set of special stickers that tell you when it’s time to reapply sunscreen. Cover it (and your skin, of course) with sunscreen, and the sticker will turn clear. When it turns purple, you know it’s time for another generous coating of sun protection.
Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application, and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun, it turns purple. If you use sunblock, it starts to become clear or semi-clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times, the spot started turning purple, and I applied sunblock again. In a minute, the spot was clear again. So this is very effective in alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque
Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $19.95.
17. A pair of round polarized sunglasses because if you're going to have to brave the summer heat and strong sun, you might as well look cool while doing it.
Polarized sunglasses help reduce glare and eye strain. They also have 99.99% UVA/UVB protection!
Promising review: "I bought these for a vacation to San Diego in May. I didn’t want to spend too much because I generally break them or leave them on the beach somewhere. These were amazing. They have awesome eye protection, great price, and they look trendy without trying too hard! I will definitely buy these again this summer if I lose them!!" —chanpdx
Get them from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in six colors).
18. Or a pair of retro-inspired sunglasses you definitely need for the beginning of summer. They provide UV400 protection to properly protect your eyes from the ever-intensifying sunlight.
Promising review: "I had originally seen these pair of glasses on TikTok and was very eager to buy them, and let me tell you, they did NOT disappoint. They are very sturdy, fashionable, and look like a high-end pair of glasses." —Alejandra Larios
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in 14 color combinations).
19. A high ponytail baseball hat because I would never want you to have to sacrifice a cute hairstyle for the sake of shade. The discreet slot closes when not in use, so you can wear it normally as well.
KBEthos is a small business founded in 2001.
Promising review: "OK, so I am very picky about my hats. It’s really hard to find hats that fit nicely but also sit above my ears. This hat is perfect!! It’s above my ears and it has two openings in the back so you can have the option of high ponytail OR wearing it regularly with a low ponytail. I have been trying to find a good material ponytail hat for working out/running and for summer beach/pool trips… THIS WORKS! I will definitely be purchasing more colors, too." —Holly
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 45 styles).
20. A cabana-style umbrella offering plenty of shade for your next beach trip. It comes with cloth corners you fill with sand to weigh down the umbrella, so you don't have to worry about it blowing away in the wind. Beach trips are supposed to be stress-free, after all.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this beach canopy and actually bought two. It's easy to carry — the bag has a strap and is not too heavy. It sets up easily. It is very stable on windy days because it's weighed down on all four corners and is vented on the top. The size is perfect for two adults. It seems very durable and worth the money I paid." —WAYNE
Get it from Amazon for $73.08+ (available in 10 styles).
21. A Shibumi wind-blown shade that sails with as little as a 3-mph breeze, providing much-needed shade for up to eight people. Since it's designed to float through the air, it's flexible and won't blow away or fall over.
I know this thing is spendy, but I regret to inform you it's absolutely worth it. It solves every annoying problem that comes with a traditional umbrella. First of all, it takes literally less than five minutes to set up and break down. You need two people to do it, but it's so easy, you don't even need the instructions. Once it's up, it provides A TON of shade but doesn't overly obscure the view of the people behind you. Even the tiniest hint of a breeze will get the fabric moving, and it flutters in the wind kind of like a flag — it's pretty relaxing to watch! Thanks to the front weight, there's no fear of it blowing away in the wind and impaling someone. If there's truly no breeze, there are additional weights you can attach to the back to create a tent-like structure. When you're done, you can just shove it back into the bag without any strategic folding. This thing is a game changer if you hate setting up beach umbrellas or tents!
Get it from Amazon for $305 or Shibumi for $215+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).
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22. A "beach blouse" for anyone looking for a versatile cover-up that hides your delicate shoulders from the sun. It's lightweight and so effortlessly chic, you could easily wear it off the sand as well!
It doesn't offer UPF protection, so remember that sunscreen!
Promising review: "Not only is it a cute and classy cover-up, for the resort pool or beach, it has just enough weight to throw on over my tank tops or dresses when you enter those air-conditioned restaurants and stores in the summer and need something for the chill! It's so comfy and looks so cute. Can also wear it over a tank top tied up on the bottom with denim shorts or jeans. Seems to wear well and not wrinkle. This white shirt has been my go-to so far this summer! Liked the white so much I bought the black and the ****!" —Jennifer K.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in one size and 25 colors; check out a version with plus-size options here).
23. Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush offering some light coverage (and extra sun protection on top of your normal sunscreen) that won't weigh you down on hot days. Most intriguing: Reviewers are using this on their scalp and hairline because YES scalp burns can happen and NO we're not putting goopy sunscreen in our hair. It's also wayyy cheaper than the $69 Colorescience version.
Promising reviews: "Wish I would have found this sooner! Works great and so far the cheapest option I have found for powder sunscreen. Love that my face isn’t greasy anymore from normal sunscreen!" —Michelle
"I have fine hair so anytime I’m in the sun I get burnt on my scalp. Regular sunscreen make my hair super oily and gross and I cannot stand wearing hats. I'm so glad I found this. You do have to apply it more often, and also it doesn’t work if it gets wet. Love this stuff, it's such a lifesaver." —james
Get it from Amazon for $15.87.
24. A sleek long-sleeve rashguard perfect for hitting the waves or just the poolside bar. The UPF 50+ material will keep you protected either way! The fun-yet-practical piece is breathable, quick-drying, and delightfully '90s.
Promising review: "I ordered a lot of long-sleeve suits for snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding purposes, and was starting to feel defeated as one after another was a bust. Either too baggy in weird places like arms and bum, weird patterns that emphasize my least favorite areas, too stretchy, or not stretchy enough. This one was just right, and also the most affordable! It's nice and stretchy, but has enough firmness to have good rebound and not be saggy anywhere. The pattern/color is not obnoxious, and the lines look nice on me. A lot of plus-sized clothing is geared toward pear-shaped, full-hipped, smaller-waisted goddesses, which I am not. And yet, I'm still very satisfied. Hopefully it performs well too!" —PlumBlossom
Get it from Amazon for $23.03+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 34 colors and patterns).
25. A canopy that provides shade without trapping in hot air and turning your otherwise pleasant patio into a sweatbox. It comes in a ton of different sizes, and reviewers say it's easy to install.
Don't forget to purchase the hardware set to attach this canopy to your home.
Promising review: "I have had it up for over a month, and it is holding up very well to sun, wind, rain, and storms. I take it down when I get enough forewarning of strong storms, but sometimes we've been out of town, and it has held up quite well. We roll it up and to the side using the installation kit anchors when we get a warning for strong winds. But, like I've said, we've come home after storms to small branches down in the yard, but the sail was good. It does a great job of blocking the sun and cools the house and patio quite nicely from the summer sun." —Ms. Shannon
Get it from Amazon for $23.69+ (available in 12 colors and various sizes).
26. Or a triangular sail you can layer up to create a breezy backyard-of-a-brewery-type vibe.
The corners of the sails have D rings, so you can attach them to whatever you'd like with your choice of hardware or rope.
Promising review: "Purchased this to increase privacy and provide some shade. The color is vibrant and hasn't faded, and the loops are well-stitched. The sail has also fared well in winds, thunderstorms, monsoon rain, and the brutal heat of Vegas. The shade is wonderful, and one can definitely feel the temperature difference from full sun to being under this sail. The look and feel compliments our pool area, and will certainly be purchasing an additional one." —VHC Media
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 70 sizes and eight colors/patterns).
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Reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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