Hiking is a fun activity, but too much exposure and heat from the sun can make it detestable. While you cannot control the weather, you can control what you wear. We always recommend wearing the best long-sleeved sun protection shirts that protect you from hot weather elements such as the sun’s harmful rays. What’s more, UV barrier shirts and best sun SPF hats , help shield our precious skin from the sun’s harmful elements.
Here are our top picks for long-sleeved SPF protection shirts and all you need to know to choose the best one for you. Jump to our Men’s sun protection shirt and women’s best Long Sleeve Sun Protection Shirts.
Table of contents
What is a Sun Shirt?
Sun shirts or SPF shirts or sun protection shirts, play a pivotal role in safeguarding your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which are known to cause sunburn and other skin damage. When shopping for sun protection shirts, it’s vital to check the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. This rating is a key indicator of how well the best sun shirt can block UV radiation.
The fabric of spf clothing is a crucial factor in determining their effectiveness. Spf shirts made from woven materials like denim are excellent at blocking UV rays. In contrast, sun shirts made from cotton and linen typically have a UPF rating of only 5, allowing a considerable amount of UV rays to penetrate. Polyester sun shirts, however, generally have a UPF rating of over 30, offering superior protection.
The color of sun protection clothing also contributes to their UV protection capability. Opting for dark or bright-colored sun shirts is beneficial as these colors can absorb more ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from reaching your skin.
For effective protection, sun shirts should have a minimum UPF rating of 30, as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. The best sun shirts often boast a UPF 50+ rating, providing the highest level of UV protection.
To check the quality of sun shirts, you can perform a simple test: hold the sun shirt up to a light source. If light is visible through the sun shirt, then it might not provide adequate protection against the hot sun. This test helps you choose sun guard shirts that offer the best defense against UV radiation.
In summary, choosing the right sun protection shirts is vital for outdoor activities like trail running, hiking, and rock climbing. Factors like UPF rating, fabric type, and color play significant roles in the effectiveness of sun shirts in protecting against UV rays.
Remember, a well-chosen sunshirt can be your best defense against the sun’s potentially harmful effects.
Benefits of Long Sleeve Sun Protection Shirts
Protection
Having protection from the sun is the most important advantage of spf long sleeve shirts. Specifically, the best sun shirt clothing like upf clothing has been designed to ensure that you have some level of protection from sun damage. Because it has been tested, you are aware that you are indeed protected.
Keeps You Cool
The fabrics used on long-sleeved sun shirts are usually lightweight and breathable. They also have moisture-wicking ability. These attributes allow you to stay cool even during hot and humid conditions.
Expert-Approved
You can see from trusted brands that experts and dermatologists approve their products. Wearing a UPF 50 clothing t is equivalent to having an SPF50+ sunscreen on your skin. Thus, you have protection from at least 98% of the dangerous UV rays.
Decreases Skin Aging
We all know that tanning and too sun exposure increases skin aging. Wearing sun safety shirts helps limit your skin’s exposure to the sun. The best sunshirts also prevents sunburns and other skin damage that may occur.
Good for Your Health
According to the American Dermatology Association, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Indeed, collective hot sun exposure can cause basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer.
This is why protecting yourself by wearing long-sleeved sun shield shirts can limit the chances of skin cancer from developing. It also prevents you from developing severe sunburns that may result in melanoma in your later years.
Things to Consider Before a Purchase
Comfort
Hiking can be an intense activity, especially on a challenging trail. This is why you need to wear something comfortable to move freely and without restriction on activities like trail running and hiking.
For optimal comfort during your outdoor adventures, investing in a moisture-wicking shirt can make a significant difference, as it helps regulate your body temperature by drawing sweat away from your skin and promoting quick evaporation.
Fabric
Fabrics with a dense and tight construction like denim, merino wool, or canvas are the best options for the best sunshirt because these fabrics block out sun rays the most. Polyester is also a good choice, but cotton, hemp, and rayon are not ideal since they have low UPF ratings unless they undergo added treatments.
UPF Rating
Always check the UPF rating of the best sun shirt you want to purchase. The minimum approved rating is UPF 30 for a sun shirt, while the best rating is UPF 50+.
Fit
Fibers play an important role in blocking off the sun. If you wear tight clothes, then the fibers are stretched and decrease the protection provided by the clothing. Hence, loose-fitting clothes are ideal.
Coverage
Long-sleeved sun shirts are better than short sleeves. Long-sleeved shirts cover a wider skin area, thus, giving you more protection against the sun. Similarly, it is better to wear long pants for hiking than shorts.
Treatments
Treating the fabrics with chemicals and dyes makes them more effective in blocking off harmful rays. Always check for added treatments to see whether the sun shirt is worth your purchase.
Men’s Long Sleeve Sun Protection Shirts
1. Solbari Long Sleeve Polo Shirt UPF 50+ – Active Collection
Solbari takes pride in their comfortable sun UV protection shirts. From Solbari’s Active Collection, we love this long-sleeved polo sun shirt that has a UPF 50+ rating. Indeed, this rating is the highest possible score that the best sun shirts for men can get, which maximizes your protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
The lightweight and versatile long-sleeved sun protection shirt has a collar and is stylish. You can wear it during hiking escapades, but you can also wear it as your casual daily wear. We like that it is made from 88% polyester and 12% elastane.
The polyester fabric is also odor-resistant to keep you smelling good all day long. It is also moisture-wicking, which keeps sweat away from your body.
What We Do Like:
- No need to be ironed
- Moisture-wicking
- Does not shrink
- Soft on the skin
- Lightweight
- Anti-odor
- UPF 50+
What We Don’t Like:
- Small sizing
2. Coolibar Arobello Polo UPF 50+
Amazon price: .
Coolibar’s Arobello Polo sun shirt boasts a UPF 50+ rating which ensures you are protected from the sun. The design details are exemplary, such as the hidden placket and thumbholes. The shirt has a trademark Active Diamond fabric with jacquard knit construction.
It gives the sun shirt for men, excellent moisture-wicking abilities to ensure that it dries easily and keeps you cool. The nylon-spandex blend is a good choice for a breathable, soft, and lightweight mens uv protection shirt whether you are out for hiking or other active sports you want to enjoy.
The recommendation of The Skin Cancer Foundation also says a lot about this shirt. Coolibar takes pride in being the first clothing company to secure The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation! That puts the company on a pedestal, and thus it is ideal for tennis, golf, and other outdoor activities like hiking.
What We Do Like:
- Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation
- Nylon and spandex blend
- Double layer cuff
- Quick to dry
- UPF 50+
What We Don’t Like:
- Not recommended for swimming
3. Patagonia Sun Shirt Self-Guided Hike
Long-sleeved sun protection shirts are essential to shield you from the UV light from the sun. If you are traveling light or are on a hiking trail, then this Patagonia mens sun shirt is a good choice. The versatile shirt is made for trail and travel due to its lightweight construction.
What’s more, it is made from recycled ripstop polyester, making it a sustainable pick from the other shirts on our list. With a UPF 50+ rating, we promise you’ll get the highest level of protection against the harmful sun’s UV rays.
The sunscreen shirt features a classic button-down collar, full-button placket, and patch chest pockets with a left pen pocket. If you want to roll the sleeves up, it has self-fabric tabs so that you can easily button the cuffs.
And if you are into supporting fair labor, then Patagonia is one of the companies with a Fair Trade Certified label. This means that the people who made these shirts are fairly compensated for their hard work.
What We Do Like:
- Fair Trade CertifiedTM Sewn
- Pure odor control
- Well-ventilated
- Sustainable
- UPF 50+
- Durable
What We Don’t Like:
- Sizing may not be accurate
4. Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Shirt
Amazon price: , See prices on Backcountry, Outdoor Research
The Astroman Sun Shirt is Outdoor Research’s best-selling sun shirt. It has a high UPF score of 50+ and is stretchable enough for most outdoor activities. Outdoor Research is also lightweight so that it feels soft on your skin. The synthetic construction is breathable so that you can still enjoy many outdoor adventures, even on hot days.
The button-up sun shirt has an inner back yoke, an integrated chest pocket, and a regular fit. Due to the fabric blend of 85% nylon and 15% spandex, this guarantees durability as well. Outdoor Research also provides a lifetime warranty for this best sun shirt, which says a lot about its quality.
What We Do Like:
- Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Great for many outdoor activities
- Ultimate stretch
- Best-selling
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- UPF 50+
- Durable
What We Don’t Like:
- May pill
5. KÜHL Ryzer UPF 50 Sun Protection Crew
KÜHL’s Ryzerong sleeve shirt combines luxury with sportswear. This long sleeve UPF 50 protection shirt for men, is made from a combination of polyester and spandex fabric. Additionally, this shirt has an athletic fit, and great for those who don’t need extra fabric around their mid-section.
With its natural ability to help resist moisture and odor, their UV shirts for men is a top choice. Furthermore, it helps the body properly regulate the temperature so that you won’t feel too hot and sweaty. It provides a better fit compared to other sun shirts, thanks to the shirt’s sleeves 5-panel articulated pattern.
What’s more, it also features thumb loops to make it easier for you to layer garments whenever needed and prevent the sleeves from bunching up. If you need to layer, then the stitching pattern allows you to wear extra clothing without creating bulk.
Another favorite from KUHL’s lines of UPF 50 clothing is the Engineered Krew, both in short sleeve and long sleeves. Read the Engineered Krew shirt review from our adventure journalist, Owen Clarke, and see why this is his new favorite shirt.
What We Do Like:
- Odor and moisture-resistant
- 5 panel articulated sleeve design
- Soft
- Light
- Natural antimicrobial properties
- Not itchy
What We Don’t Like:
- Shirt can be too long
Women Long Sleeve Sun Protection Shirts
6. Solbari Long Sleeve Polo Shirt UPF 50+ Active Collection
Amazon Price: , See prices on Solibari
Solbari’s Active Collection for Women is one of our favorite long sleeve sun protection shirts for ladies. Like the men’s sunshirt from the same collection and brand, it also has a UPF 50+ rating. This maximizes UV barrier to shield you from dangerous UV rays. It is made from 88% anti-odor polyester, which has moisture-wicking properties and is 12% elastane.
The comfortable and versatile shirt is not only a sun protector, but also a stylish choice for active women. It doesn’t pill or shrink. These spf shirts for women also don’t need to be ironed because of its synthetic construction. This is a no-fuss sun shirt that every on-the-go gal should have.
What We Do Like:
- With hidden thumbholes
- No need to be ironed
- No shrinking
- Breathable
- Versatile
- Anti-pill
- UPF 50+
What We Do Like:
- Runs small
7. Coolibar Devi Long Sleeve Fitness T-Shirt UPF 50+
Amazon price: $75.00. For more prices and colors: Coolibar
One of the things we like the most with Coolibar’s Devi long-sleeve shirt is the wide selection of colors and prints. It also keeps you safe from the sun with UPF 50+. The Cooltect Technology wicks moisture away to let you stay dry at all times while keeping your body cool.
This athletic fit sunblock shirt features flatlock seams, a back zipper pocket, and a breathable mesh underarm panel. What’s helpful is the bonded eyelet inside the pocket where you can insert a headphone cord to keep you entertained while hiking.
What We Do Like:
- Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation UPF 50+
- Antimicrobial protection
- Increased air circulation
- Wide color selection
- Reduced odor
- Lightweight
- Versatile
What We Don’t Like:
- Not meant for swimming
8. Outdoor Research Activelce Spectrum Sun Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Amazon price: .
A UPF 50+ rating is just one of the few amazing features of Activelce Spectrum Shirt from Outdoor Research. It also has a self-cooling technology that automatically adjusts depending on your body temperature!
Moreover, this unique feature lets you stay cool all the time, thanks to Activelce technology containing a special additive that fast tracks the cooling process. This makes the shirt breathable and quick-drying, especially when the weather is hot.
It’s made from a 94% polyester and 6% spandex blend. These UV shirts further features movement-mirroring stretch, thumbholes, and a drop-tail hem. It has a flat-seam construction and a chaff-free design to withstand both washing and drying.
What We Do Like:
- Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty
- Active Cooling Technology
- Quick-Drying
- Lightweight
- Regular fit
- Breathable
- Anti-odor
- Wicking
- UPF 50+
What We Don’t Like:
- None
Conclusion
What helps us enjoy hiking to the fullest is shielding ourselves from the elements, and the sun’s rays are one of the most harmful. When outdoors, wearing a long-sleeved sun shirt is the best way to keep the dangerous rays away from direct contact with the skin.
A sun shirt is a good investment for all hikers should have in their arsenal. Sun shirt will not only keep you safe from sunburns but will also keep your skin healthier and protected.
FAQS
A: The best long-sleeved sun UV protection shirts for rock climbing are designed to offer unparalleled UV defense and breathability, crucial for climbers exposed to direct sunlight.
These shirts, crafted for rock climbing, feature moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics. A favorite by climbers, because it keeps them comfortable and focused, allowing them to tackle challenging ascents safely and efficiently.
A: Mountain Hardwear long-sleeved SPF shirts are considered among the best due to their superior craftsmanship and commitment to outdoor performance. Featuring advanced sun-protective technology, these Mountain Hardwear shirts provide robust UV defense, ideal for various outdoor settings.
Mountain Hardwear focus on durability and comfort makes its UV protective clothing a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable gear from a trusted Mountain Hardwear collection.
A: Long sleeve sun shirts are ideal for yard work as they offer extensive coverage and UV protection, crucial for prolonged outdoor tasks. These shirts, specifically designed for outdoor labor like yard work, feature breathable fabrics and UPF ratings that shield the skin from harmful sun rays, ensuring safety and comfort while performing various yard maintenance activities.
A: The best long sleeve sun protection shirts are essential for anyone planning a visit to Crater Lake National Park. Given the park’s high elevation and the intense sun exposure at Crater Lake, these shirts provide vital UV protection.
They’re ideal for hiking around Crater Lake, where the sun can be surprisingly strong, reflecting off the lake’s surface. Additionally, wearing a sun protection shirt during your Crater Lake adventures ensures you stay comfortable and safe, whether you’re exploring the Rim Drive or enjoying boat tours on the lake.
Need hiking outfit inspirations? Read our articles on trail-friendly clothing for any trail!
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Last update on 2025-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API