The best sun shirts for cooling protection

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When you're spending long hours under the sun, it's priority number one to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Together, these rays accelerate skin aging and increase your risk of skin cancer. The problem: Applying sunscreen every two hours to every inch of exposed skin just isn't feasible.

But when you put on a UPF-rated sun shirt, it can often do a better job than an inadequate sunscreen application, points out Maya Thosani, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Phoenix.

Many sun shirts are too thick to wear in the heat, or don't actually hit the UPF rating they claim to. I would know — I live in the Colorado mountains where I test outdoor gear, and have tried all the good, the bad, and the stuffy.

Our top pick: The best sun shirt I tested is Columbia's PFG Bahama II Long Sleeve (Men's | Women's). It's been my go-to for years thanks to its quick-drying UPF 50 fabric, exceptional breathability, and timeless button-up design.

My husband and I tried 42 sun shirts while hiking, road running, golfing, boating, working outside, and spending hours adventuring on my local trails and rivers. We found that the best sun shirts don't just offer UV protection, but can also keep you comfortable in the heat with smart fits and cooling, quick-dry materials. For more great outdoor gear, see our guide to the best base layers.

Best overall: Columbia PFG Bahama II Long Sleeve

Pros

• UPF 50 sun protection
• Extremely breathable
• Quick-drying fabric
• Versatile button-up styling
• Fabric has Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation
• Extended sizing for big, tall, and plus-size

Cons

• Wrinkles easily
• Runs intentionally oversized

I’ve been wearing some version of the Columbia PFG Bahama Shirt for years, and, after testing 41 other options, it’s still the sun shirt I recommend for most people. My husband is a summer landscaper and it’s practically the unofficial uniform for his crew because it stays cool in high temperatures and provides full coverage of the arms, chest, and lower neck.

The lightweight nylon fabric is rated UPF 50 and has the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation, verifying it as an effective UV protectant. It’s also very soft, stays lightweight when it gets wet, dried quickly, and never feels heavy or stuffy thanks to the large back vent that keeps air moving.

What really makes this shirt a staple in my summer outdoor wardrobe is its versatility. The button-up design and collar look polished enough to wear into a restaurant during a lunch break, but it’s just as at home fishing, hiking, or lounging at the beach. I often wear mine oversized (I prefer the men’s fit, even as a woman) and open over a swimsuit, then button it up when I want more sun protection. The sleeves can be worn down like a traditional button-up, or rolled above the elbows and secured with button tabs, making it feel like two shirts in one. Columbia also makes a Short Sleeve PFG Bahama II (Men's | Women's).

Columbia packs this shirt with real-world useful features, like two large chest pockets with Velcro closures (perfect for securing your phone); small utility loops on the pockets that are handy for sunglasses, pliers, or other small gear. The collar even buttons down so it won’t flap around in the wind. Plus, it comes in a ton of colors (15 options for men’s, 10 options for women’s), all of which are rich in person and clean easily after a machine wash. And for $55-60 each, it's a great value option as well.

In short: The PFG Bahama II feels like Columbia has been refining the design and details for decades. The fit is intentionally oversized to maximize airflow, so I’d recommend sizing down if you prefer a closer-to-body fit. My only real complaint is that it doesn't protect the back of your neck like a hooded sun shirt can, so if you'll be in direct overhead sun all day, I'd opt for a sun hoodie instead.

Best runner-up: Stio Hylas Crew LS

Pros

• Buttery-soft UPF 50+ fabric
• Excellent breathability
• Flattering, comfortable fit
• Available in a crewneck or hoodie

Cons

• More expensive than similar sun shirts
• Limited color variety

If you're looking for a simple, athletic-style sun shirt, the Stio Hylas line is about as good as it gets. Instead of pockets, vents, or fishing-specific features, it focuses on nailing the fundamentals: an incredibly soft fabric, excellent breathability, and a comfortable fit that works whether you're hiking, trail running, paddling, or spending a day above the tree line. The recycled polyester-Spandex blend has just enough stretch to move with you, and stays cool even as temperatures climb.

I prefer the Hylas Crewneck (Men's | Women's), and the women's design had a unique high V-neck that lands slightly higher — meaning the fabric protects more of your chest and neck from the sun, while still feeling unrestrictive.

The Hylas Hoodie (Men's | Women's) is equally well designed. The hood lays comfortably when worn down, and frames the face nicely when it's on. It stays up easily, and has enough room to fit a hat underneath. Both the crewneck and hoodie have hidden thumbholes, which disappear when they're not in use.

The Hylas doesn't have quite the same all-around versatility as our top pick, the Columbia PFG Bahama II. It's built for movement first, so it looks more like a technical performance shirt than one you'd wear out. That said, it's still a very clean aesthetic for a sun shirt.

Best budget: Cotopaxi Sombra Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt

Pros

• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Moisture-wicking and quick drying
• Fun, vibrant colors
• Comfortable regular fit

Cons

• Slightly warmer than ultralight sun shirts
• No pockets

While Columbia's PFG Bahama II is technically the most affordable sun shirt on this list, Cotopaxi's Sombra Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt is another great (and inexpensive) alternative.

It comes in a wide range of fun, bright colors for both men and women, and little details like the contrasting trim around the bottom and well-placed thumbholes make it feel more thoughtfully designed than your average performance shirt.

Compared to some of the featherweight sun shirts I tested, the Sombra's fabric is slightly more substantial — but that's not a bad thing. It still feels incredibly lightweight, wicks sweat quickly, and dries fast, but the slight heft to the material also gave me a reassuring sense that it's creating a reliable barrier between my skin and the sun. I did notice myself getting a little warmer hiking in the June sun than I did in shirts like the REI Flash Shade Hoodie or the vented Columbia Bahama II, but the fabric never felt heavy or clammy, even after I started sweating.

The regular fit strikes a nice middle ground between athletic and relaxed. The flatlock seams stayed comfortable under backpack straps, and the thumbholes were well positioned to provide extra coverage without tugging on the sleeves. Cotopaxi also makes a Sombra Hoodie, which costs $15 more. But I love the versatility and freedom of a crewneck sun shirt, especially for just $60.

Overall, I think this sunshirt hits the sweet spot for everyday adventures — whether that's a summer run, walking around town, paddling on the water, or an afternoon hike. It's also worth mentioning that Cotopaxi is a certified B Corp with a long-standing commitment to responsible manufacturing and community impact, which I feel good in supporting.

Best button-up: Poncho Western

Pros

• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Soft, lightweight fabric
• Pearl snap closures
• Smart storage features

Cons

• No women's sizes

Technically this Poncho shirt is a snap-up rather than a button-up, but I actually think that makes it superior since snaps are easier to undo. It delivers all the performance you'd expect from a technical sun shirt — UPF 50+ protection, excellent breathability, built-in stretch, and a vented back — all wrapped in a classic Western silhouette that feels just as appropriate at a brewery or backyard barbecue as it does on the water. Between the wide range of colors, prints, and Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve options, it's also one of the easiest shirts on this list to make your own.

The fabric is buttery soft, incredibly lightweight, and dries within minutes of getting wet, so it never feels sticky or weighed down. Despite how airy it feels, it still offers UPF 50+ protection that kept us comfortable during long days in the summer sun.

In addition to the two chest pockets, there's a hidden zippered pocket for valuables, a secret sunglasses holder, an integrated lens cloth, and hidden collar snaps to keep it from flapping in the wind.

Besides Poncho's Western shirt, we also loved The Original Poncho, which is a traditional button-up made from the same performance nylon with all the same great features. Unfortunately, both only come in men's sizing. If you prefer a women's button-up, I recommend Hikerkind's Trail Sun Shirt, which offers 50+ UPF in a quick-dry, breathable fabric in an elevated silhouette.

Best lightweight: REI Flash Shade Hoodie

Pros

• Featherlight fabric
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Moisture-wicking and quick drying
• Packs down small

Cons

• No pockets
• Sleeves run slightly long

While I tested a lot of really great lightweight sunshirts, the REI Flash Shade Hoodie hits the best cross of performance and price. This fabric, made from an airy performance grid fabric, almost disappears when you put it on. This was one of the shirts I consistently reached for because it stayed cool, wicked sweat well, and dried quickly after getting wet.

At just 6 ounces, it packs down to almost nothing, so it's easy to stash in a hiking pack, beach bag, or carry-on without any deliberation. I also love how easily it layers under a fleece or rain jacket if the weather changes. The UPF 50+ fabric, high-neck hood, and thumbholes provide excellent coverage, while the relaxed fit and performance grid recycled nylon keeps plenty of air moving on hot days. I will admit the thinness of the fabric has me skeptical of how thorough that UPF 50 truly is, but I didn't experience a sun burn any of the half-dozen times I wore this.

The biggest downside is the fit. The sleeves run a little long and the overall cut feels a bit roomy, though I also appreciated the extra airflow this created in the summer heat. It also doesn't have any pockets. REI does make a slightly cheaper sun shirt, the Sahara Shade Hoodie, for $60. But after testing both, I think the breezier feel and lighter fabric of the Flash is worth the extra $10.

Best for running: Janji Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve

Pros

• UPF 50
• Fabric feels cool to the touch
• Exceptional breathability
• Thoughtful running-specific details
• Excellent moisture management

Cons

• Expensive
• Sporty design isn't as versatile off the trail

Runners like myself swear by Janji's elite workout clothes, and the Sunchaser 50 proves why. It's not only incredibly airy and lightweight (just 5.3 grams), but feels incredibly functional on a run. It comes with well-placed thumb holes and a window on the wrist so your running watch can peek through. Plus, the hood stays perfectly snug and secure while you move fast. The women's Sunchaser 50 even has a hole for a ponytail.

The fabric is UPF 50, lightweight, cling-free, soft to the skin, and super breathable. It also feels noticeably cool against your skin as you sweat; on hot late-morning runs, I could feel it quickly pulling sweat away from my body to create a subtle cooling effect.

There are a lot of sun shirts you can exercise in, but you need only spend one mile in the Janji Sunchaser to recognize its runner-focused design. You can also find a Sunchaser in a crewneck (Men's | Women's).

Best for hiking: Kühl Eclipser Hoody

Pros

• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Cooling graphene-infused fabric
• Excellent moisture management
• Comfortable under a backpack
• Hooded, crew neck, and short sleeve options

Cons

• Athletic fit isn't as versatile
• Expensive

Living in the Colorado mountains, I hike a lot in summertime. I was seriously impressed by how comfortable the Kühl Eclipser sun shirt felt during a six-mile, mostly-uphill trek. The UPF 50+ fabric is a polyester-nylon blend, infused with a cooling graphene yarn that helps dump body heat quickly and preserve it when it gets cold. Even as I sweat through most of my climb, the fabric wicked moisture well, the mesh panels kept air flowing, and the sun shirt dried quickly and never felt sticky against my skin. An added bonus: It resisted odor surprisingly well.

The fabric itself is incredibly soft without being overly silky, so my backpack straps stayed put instead of sliding around on my shoulders. Plus, this shirt is made with seamless construction so there wasn't any weird chafing under the pressure of my pack. The athletic fit of the shirt moves naturally with your body without feeling restrictive, and the hidden thumb loops are easy to use when you want a little extra protection over the backs of your hands. I also love that the lightweight construction packs down to almost nothing.

The Eclipser comes in hooded, crewneck, and short-sleeve versions. I'm normally a crew neck girlie, but I must admit Kühl nailed the hood design here — it comfortably shields your neck and ears from the sun, fits over a baseball cap without stretching out, and the women's version includes a ponytail opening that was genuinely useful on a long hike.

Best for golf: Solbari Short Sleeve Polo

Pros:

• Certified UPF 50+ sun protection
• Soft bamboo-blend fabric
• Breathable and moisture-wicking
• Polished, athletic fit
• Fabric has Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation

Cons:

• Limited color variety
• Short sleeves leave arms exposed

Standing still on a golf course in direct sun for four or five hours — often during the strongest UV hours of the day — requires a special sun shirt. Besides protecting your skin and keeping you cool, it needs to allow for a free range of motion so you can take big swings. It also ought to look polished enough for lunch in the clubhouse afterward. Of all the golf polos my husband tested, the Solbari Short Sleeve Polo struck the best balance of certified UPF 50+ protection, performance, and luxe style.

Solbari was founded in Australia, a country considered to be the skin cancer capital of the world. The bamboo-blend fabric of their polo feels incredibly soft against the skin while staying breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally odor resistant through a full day outside. It also has just enough stretch to move comfortably through your swing without ever feeling restrictive, and the collar provides a little extra protection for the back of your neck compared to a standard T-shirt.

My only real complaint is the limited color selection, though it is nice that this polo comes in a long-sleeve version (Men's | Women's) if you want more coverage. For a solid UPF polo that's slightly cheaper, we really liked the Tasc Everywear Polo ($78), too.

How we tested sun shirts

To find the best sun shirts, I tested 42 different sun shirts over the course of spring and summer, wearing the contenders for hiking, running, golf, boating, river beach days, yard work, and everyday life in the Colorado mountains. Between my own testing and additional wear testing from my husband — who works outside as a landscaper all summer — we spent at least two hours in each shirt in direct sunlight, across a wide range of temperatures and activities.

Rather than relying on UPF ratings alone, I paid close attention to how each shirt actually performed when it was hot, sweaty, windy, or wet. In the end, the best sun shirt is the one you'll actually want to wear when the sun is beating down.

For every shirt, I evaluated:

• Sun protection: UPF rating, neck coverage, hood design, thumbholes, and overall body coverage
• Breathability: How well the fabric moved air, regulated heat, and stayed comfortable in hot weather
• Moisture management: How quickly each shirt wicked sweat, dried after getting wet, and resisted feeling sticky or clammy
• Comfort: Fabric feel against bare skin, stretch, freedom of movement, and whether seams or backpack straps caused irritation
• Fit: Overall cut, sleeve length, layering ability, and how the shirt performed during active movement
• Versatility: Whether the shirt worked for multiple activities like hiking, fishing, boating, travel, or everyday summer wear
• Packability: How easily each shirt packed into a backpack, beach bag, or carry-on
• Style: Whether I'd actually want to wear it beyond the trail or water, along with color selection and overall design

Because no single sun shirt is perfect for every activity, I also considered where each one excelled most. Some are purpose-built for runners, others shine on the water, while a few are versatile enough to become everyday summer staples.

What to look for in the best sun shirts

Type of sun protection: Any sun shirt worth its salt will have a UPF rating, measuring how effectively the fabric blocks UV rays. This is achieved either by how the fabric is constructed — a tighter weave will physically block UV rays from reaching your skin — or how the fabric is treated, namely with some kind of chemical. They’re both effective, but a treatment can gradually wash away over time, so for a sun shirt that’ll last season after season, look for shirts that highlight something like a "tight fabric construction" rather than mention of the fabric being treated with a UV-absorbing compound.

UPF rating: Danny Guo, MD, a double board-certified medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist in Calgar, says the ideal UPF rating aligns with sunscreen best practices — UPF 30 should be the minimum a sun shirt offers, though UPF 50 is better.

Material: Sun shirts are usually made from some kind of synthetic performance material, like polyester or nylon, since these fibers are easier to manipulate into a tighter weave to block UV rays. This is also the ideal material for workout or technical apparel since it’s great at wicking moisture, drying quickly, and letting air flow through on hot days. Other good news: Sun shirt fabrics are usually sensitive-skin friendly and well-tolerated by people with eczema or contact allergens, says Dr. Thosani.

Weight and fit: Because most people are wearing sun shirts during hot summer months, look for lightweight and breathable material, as well as a loose fitting design, Dr. Guo recommends.

Brand reliability: The reason it’s smart to buy a sun shirt from a trusted brand: "Not all sun shirts are built the same and the standards for regulating UPF clothing is not as rigid as sunscreen so it depends on the maker," Dr. Guo points out. Stick with reputable outdoor clothing manufacturers like those on the list above. Bonus points if the shirt has the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Coverage style: Naturally, having a hood, high neck, and long sleeve are the most ideal for the ultimate sun protection. But be realistic about what you need: Some people may prefer a loose crew neck or collared shirt combined with a UPF sun hat to cover the neck, or a short sleeve UPF shirt with regular application of sunscreen down the exposed arms and neck. A combination approach is always reasonable — as long as you’re protecting all your exposed skin, Dr. Thosani says.

Durability: If a shirt looks damaged or faded, consider getting a new one to ensure the UPF value is still good.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Rachael Schultz is a health, fitness, and outdoor journalist with more than a decade of experience testing technical apparel and gear, largely from her home base in the Colorado mountains. She has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including hiking boots, rain jackets, running gear, recovery footwear, camping equipment, and outdoor clothing, with a focus on separating real-world performance and frustrations from hyped marketing claims.

As an avid whitewater rafter, hiker, and runner around her home in sunny Colorado, Schultz has years of testing sun-protective clothing and delineating a good sun shirt from a mediocre option. For this guide, Schultz tested 42 sun shirts from leading outdoor and athletic brands, wearing them throughout the spring and summer while hiking, running, boating, and spending everyday life outdoors in the Colorado mountains. She also incorporated additional wear testing from her husband who works part-time as a landscaper and spends much of his free time on the river or outside.

FAQs on sun shirts

Do I need a sun shirt if I already put on sunscreen?

In general, UPF clothing plays the same role as sunscreen, so it depends where you've applied the SPF lotion. At the beach or pool, most of our skin is exposed and, ideally, already lathered with SPF, so you don't need to wear a sun shirt unless you want an added layer of protection, assuming you are reapplying sunscreen regularly and properly.

But in everyday life or during outdoor activities, most people only apply sunscreen on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, hands, and arms, points out Dr. Guo. "Normal T-shirts have a UPF value of around 5 to 7 and that drops to 3 when the shirt gets wet from sweating, for example,” he says. This can create an “inverse burn” where you have more sun damage under their clothes than where they are exposed, he adds. Wearing UPF clothing will reduce the risk of this significantly.

Also, sun shirts are sometimes even more reliable than sunscreen due to sunscreen wearing off over time, skin getting wet, and inconsistent applications, Dr. Guo adds.

Can sun shirts really shield you from skin damage?

Yes, they absolutely work at protecting your skin, both experts agree. UPF fabrics have a tighter weave density which allows less light to penetrate through, and the fabric and fibers that are used to make it naturally block UV better, Dr. Thosani explains. Many UPF shirts have chemical UV absorbers that are bonded into the fabric as well.

However, not all sun shirts are built the same, Dr. Guo points out, and the standards for regulating UPF clothing are not as rigid as sunscreen so it depends on the manufacturer. Also, UPF clothing can also lose efficacy with wear and tear or washing over time, he adds.

When should I wear a sun shirt?

Sunshirts are great any time you're going outside for a short stint and don't want to fully lather your body in SPF, like walking the dog or chatting with your neighbor (although you should put sunscreen on any exposed skin not covered by the shirt).

It's also smart to wear a sunshirt any time you're going to be outside for a long period and aren't likely to reapply SPF cream, like a game of golf or taking a nap by the pool, our experts adds. Also, people who sunburn easily or often forget to reapply sunscreen should consider wearing UPF clothing most any time they're outside, he adds.

When does a sun shirt stop being effective?

UPF fabrics are generally well made, long lasting, breathable, comfortable, and reusable, but they "expire" when they’ve become worn, stretched, or have holes, Dr. Thosani says. The UPF protection comes from a garment’s tight weave and, potentially, any additional UV-absorbing treatment that’s been added to it. That means when wear-and-tear compromises the integrity of the fibers, it’s time to replace your sun shirt.

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