Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Safeguard your skin from the sun’s rays without sacrificing style.
Credit:Travel + Leisure
The best sun-protective clothing will have a UPF rating which is like SPF but for textiles.
“A UPF of 50 protects against 98 percent of sun rays.”
Check out our favorite sun-protective tops, bottoms, dresses, activewear, and swim essentials below.
Credit: Columbia
It might not be long enough for taller women.
It’s also stretchy to allow freedom of movement on active days.
The fit is somewhat loose, so you may want to size down for a slimmer fit.
Credit: Amazon
Eddie Bauer makes a great long-sleeve option for optimal sun protection.
The Resolution T-shirt offers UPF 50+ protection for your arms, shoulders, and midsection.
The sweat-wicking fabric has odor-control technology to keep you smelling fresh.
Credit: Amazon
Plus, you might wear it multiple times between washes, making it a stellar choice for travel.
It’s not water-repellent, and saltwater may damage the material.
We also like the Coolibar Rhodes Shirt.
Credit: Lands' End
This long-sleeve button-down is made of the brand’s Aire fabric.
Beyond UPF 50+ sun protection, the material is silky-soft and breathable with an ultra-lightweight feel.
And that’s not all.
Credit: Zappos
The drapey, wrinkle-resistant fabric can be packed tightly in a suitcase without creasing.
It’s also conveniently machine washable and dryer-friendly.
It’s not for swimming but can be worn to the beach or on a boat.
Credit: Moosejaw
The UPF 50 fabric is a super soft and somewhat stretchy blend of polyester, modal, and spandex.
It’s also lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking with built-in odor control.
It’s best as a swim cover-up, as the wrap front can be exposing.
Credit: Amazon
Toad&Co’s Sunkissed Maxi is theperfect travel dressfor warm, hot, or humid weather.
It also has two hip pockets and a hidden zipper pouch inside the right pocket.
What’s more, the recycled UPF 50+ fabric is moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant, and machine washable.
Credit: L.L.Bean
The UPF rating isn’t as high as other items on our list.
Looking for a dress that covers your arms?
You might like the Free Fly Elevate Coverup.
Credit: Athleta
The mid-rise cut sits below the belly button on most people.
We like that there are zippered pockets on each side for stashing a key, ID, or cash.
They’re designed with fishing in mind.
Credit: Amazon
L.L.Bean makes our favorite sun-protective shorts for women.
These travel-friendly shorts have five pockets, including one zippered to keep your essentials secure while on the go.
The waistband tends to roll through dynamic movement and may not work well for vigorous exercise.
Credit: Neiman Marcus
I’m particularly fond of Athleta’s Salutation Stash Tights.
These leggings are ideal for travel, thanks to the phone-sized side pockets and highly wearable, buttery-soft feel.
The material is also moisture-wicking, allowing sweat to evaporate from the surface, and is conveniently quick-drying.
Credit: Amazon
It’s designed specifically for running.
Meanwhile, the slightly longer sleeves provide a little more coverage than a typical T-shirt.
The size range and color options are limited.
Credit: Patagonia
This one-piece only comes in two colors (black and navy).
The fabric isn’t water-repellent or moisture-wicking.
But if you ask us, this one checks many boxes.
Credit: Solbari
You’d be wise to pack a lightweight, sun-protective hoodie.
Besides covering your head, neck, and ears, the thumb holes help prevent sunburned hands.
The size range is somewhat limited.
Credit: Hat Attack
More to the point, the material promises UPF 50+ protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
It only comes in one size.
Hat Attack’s Luxe Novelty Hat looks lightweight and breathable to the untrained eye and itis.
It’s also easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Though there’s only one size available, the interior band adjusts to fit most women’s heads.
Note the UPF rating
UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely!
But not all sun-protective apparel is created equal.
“Fabrics that are more tightly woven are much better than thinner, more see-through fabrics.”
And of course, you’ll want to apply sunscreen to any areas of exposed skin.
Clothes with UPF will protect you from the sun for as long as you wear them.
(Sunscreen typically needs to be reapplied every hour or two and after getting wet.)
Sun-protective clothing can often be machine-washed with warm or cold water and tumble-dried on low heat.
(If you wore your clothes for hours while sweating, warm water can help kill odor-causing bacteria.)
Some pieces might call for hand washing or air drying to avoid damaging the material.
Your best bet is to go with the brand’s recommended care instructions.
