If you’re anything like us, reapplying sunscreen every 90 minutes all summer long just isn’t realistic. That’s why a high-quality sun shirt for women is the perfect alternative, providing reliable UV protection without the need for constant reapplication.
We tested over 20 high-UPF sun shirts to narrow down the 7 best options of the year. These shirts were put through real-world use, from trail running and snorkeling to gardening and hiking in harsh climates.
So, whether you fully trust National Park Shops or not, we hope this guide helps you find a shirt that keeps you protected and comfortable outdoors.
Best Overall: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody ($50.40 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane
- Sun Protection Level: UPF 50+
- Coverage: Long sleeve, hood, thumbholes
During testing, we were thoroughly impressed by the Crater Lake Hoody from Mountain Hardwear — one of the standout sun shirts for women on the market. It checks nearly every box: UPF 50+ protection, a lightweight hood that fits comfortably under a helmet, and thumbholes that work well even for those with longer arms. Made from a silky blend of polyester and elastane, this hoody is incredibly stretchy and scored top marks in our comfort and fit evaluations.
Its thin fabric makes it ultra-lightweight and impressively breathable without being sheer. One lead tester noted that it was one of the rare sun shirts she could wear under the blazing sun without needing to roll up the sleeves, high praise coming from someone who usually avoids full coverage in the heat. We also appreciated thoughtful touches like a zippered hip pocket and an adjustable hem, which proved useful during upside-down activities like yoga or climbing.
While the stretchiness is a plus, it does mean the hip pocket isn’t ideal for heavier items like phones, and the thin material can show bra lines. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Crater Lake Hoody quickly became a go-to layer for everything from biking and gardening to long hikes in the sun.
>> Read More: The 7 Best Technical T-Shirts for Climbing: Men & Women
Best Value: Baleaf UPF 50 Crew ($16.99 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 100% Polyester
- Sun Protection Level: UPF 50+
- Coverage: Long sleeve, crew neck
Our testing found that the Baleaf UPF 50 Crew is a budget-friendly option among sun shirts for women, delivering reliable sun protection without a steep price tag. This athletic-cut shirt features a silky, smooth fabric that feels nice against the skin and offers a comfortable, easy fit. While it didn’t score as highly in comfort and fit, it still holds its own. The crew neckline offers excellent coverage without feeling restrictive or too tight.
Available in a wide range of vibrant colors, the Baleaf Crew is affordable enough that you can buy multiple for the price of one premium sun shirt. However, it does run slightly small, especially in the sleeve length, so sizing up is a smart move if you’re between sizes or prefer a roomier feel.
For those seeking even more coverage, Baleaf also offers a Hoodie with Face Cover, which sacrifices some breathability for added protection via a built-in gaiter. While the Baleaf Crew works well for everyday sun protection, it’s not ideal for high-intensity activities in hot weather due to limited breathability and its tendency to retain odors after extended use.
Best Rash Guard: O’Neill Basic Skins L/S Crew ($34.93 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: Other Fibers
- Sun Protection Level: UPF 50+
- Coverage: Long sleeve
For all-day aquatic adventures, the O’Neill Basic Skins stand out as a top choice among sun shirts for women. Designed to deliver dependable sun protection while staying securely in place, this sun shirt performed exceptionally well in our tests during swimming, surfing, kayaking, and jet skiing. Its strategically placed seams help minimize chafing, even through intense movement, and its high UPF rating puts it on par with other top performers. The fabric also provides moderate insulation in cooler water without becoming uncomfortably warm in tropical settings.
That said, the Basic Skins is best suited for water-based activities. Its skintight fit, while ideal for staying streamlined in the water, lacks the breathability needed for land-based use. Our testing revealed that it tends to trap sweat and restrict airflow, making it less comfortable for hiking, biking, or everyday wear compared to more versatile sun shirts for women designed with breathability in mind.
>> Read More: 8 Best Waterproof Hiking Pants on Amazon for Men & Women
Best Lightweight: Outdoor Research Women’s Echo Hoodie ($74.95 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 100% Polyester
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
- Origin: Imported
- Closure type: Pull On
The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is one of the lightest and most breathable options we found among sun shirts for women. During testing, it felt as cool as a short-sleeve athletic tee while running, with the added benefit of a hood that offered welcome shade without trapping heat.
However, its superior airflow comes at the expense of UV protection. Light-colored versions offer only UPF 15, while darker shades reach UPF 20. Though a UPF 15 rating meets the American Cancer Society’s minimum recommendation for sun safety, experts advise aiming for UPF 30 or higher for better coverage. Still, if it’s a sun shirt you’ll consistently wear, even modest protection is far better than none.
The hoodie includes thumbholes and a fitted hood (without pockets), and the women’s version features a convenient ponytail port for added comfort on active days. This piece stands out among sun shirts for women for high-performance breathability, even if it’s not the most sun-shielding option on the market.
>> Read More: Summer Essentials: 9 Best Sun Hats for Travel 2025 (Tested)
Long Sleeve: Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Utility Shirt ($36.93 – $56.10 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 100% Polyester
- 100% recycled quick-drying polyester
- Two chest pockets
Columbia’s Silver Ridge Utility Long Sleeve Shirt (available for both women and men) is one of the most affordable and comfortable UPF button-ups we tested, making it a great option among sun shirts for women.
This shirt comes with the added reassurance of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of recommendation, offering peace of mind, particularly when worn in light colors, thanks to its thin design. Crafted from 100% polyester, the fabric is silky smooth and slightly stretchy. The shirt features an unstructured fit, which our testers found comfortable whether buttoned up or worn as an open overshirt. However, those who prefer a more tailored look may find the Silver Ridge a bit too loose.
The shirt’s outdoor-specific features are subtle but effective. Unlike other hiking or fishing shirts, the collar offers minimal neck coverage and is softer and more flexible. The top two closures are snaps, which make adjusting the shirt for added airflow or coverage a breeze. Both versions have venting along the back and two chest pockets, with the women’s version also offering a small internal pocket for extra convenience.
Best for Swimming: Land’s End Crew Neck Long Sleeve Rash Guard ($33 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 91% Nylon, 9% Spandex
- Care instructions: Hand Wash Only
- Origin: Imported
- Closure type: Pull On
Unlike other sun shirts for women we tested, this long-sleeve rash guard from Land’s End is specifically designed for swimming. Available in over two dozen colors, it’s also endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation, making it one of the best Amazon buys of the year.
The only downside? The brand recommends hand washing, which I acknowledged could extend the life of the shirt but might be a time-consuming chore for some. If you’re okay with hand-washing, this Land’s End rash guard offers great value and excellent protection.
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Coolibar Rhodes Shirt UPF 50+ ($89 on Amazon)
- Fabric type: 91% Nylon, 9% Spandex
- UPF 50+ – blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays
- Features: Relaxed fit
Another standout among sun shirts for women is the Coolibar Rhodes Shirt. This long-sleeve button-down, made with the brand’s signature Aire fabric, delivers UPF 50+ sun protection along with a silky-soft, ultra-lightweight, and breathable feel.
Its relaxed fit and wrinkle-resistant design make it a perfect travel companion, pack it tight without worrying about creases. Plus, it’s both machine washable and dryer-safe for hassle-free care. Whether you layer it, wear it open or closed, or throw it over a swimsuit, it’s a versatile option, just keep in mind that saltwater may affect the fabric’s durability.
Tips for choosing Sun Shirts for Women
More coverage means better protection
When it comes to sun shirts for women, more fabric coverage often means less need for sunscreen underneath. A long-sleeve, hooded swim cover-up can reduce your sunscreen use to just your face, hands, and legs. Look for high-neck designs and thumbholes to shield vulnerable areas like your hands and neck, and consider pairing your top with full-length pants for added coverage.
Pay attention to the UPF rating
UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, is the textile equivalent of SPF. Dr. Lolis recommends choosing sun shirts for women with a minimum UPF of 30, which blocks 96.7% of UV rays. For prolonged sun exposure, UPF 50+ is ideal, as it blocks at least 98% of harmful rays. If you’re planning long hours outdoors, such as golfing or hiking, prioritize garments with higher UPF ratings to maximize your protection.
How We Tested
The demand for sun shirts for women continues to rise each year, and we’ve kept pace by diving deep into research to find the most effective and promising UV-protective tops on the market. Before recommending anything, we invest months testing these shirts side by side, from daily wear to extreme adventures, while laundering them repeatedly to gauge their long-term performance. Some have become our go-to favorites for years, even doubling as cozy sleepwear.
In our evaluation of sun shirts for women, we didn’t just consider sun protection – we focused on how each shirt fits, feels, breathes, and holds up over time.
Our in-depth review process uses five key rating metrics:
- Comfort and Fit (30% of the overall score)
- Sun Protection (25%)
- Breathability (20%)
- Versatility (15%)
- Durability (10%)
FAQs
How do I wash sun shirts?
Most sun shirts for women can be safely machine-washed using cold or warm water and dried on a low-heat setting. (Opting for warm water is especially helpful if you’ve been sweating in the garment for hours, as it aids in eliminating odor-causing bacteria.) However, certain delicate pieces may require gentler care, such as hand washing or air drying, to maintain the integrity of the fabric. To ensure the longevity and performance of your sun-protective clothing, it’s always best to follow the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Do I need to wear sunscreen if I’m wearing sun-protective clothes?
When wearing sun shirts or other clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or above, sunscreen is typically not needed underneath, as the garments are designed to block UV rays from penetrating the fabric and reaching the skin, thereby reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. However, Dr. Lolis advised that sunscreen should still be applied under the hems and along the edges of UPF clothing, since movement may cause the fabric to shift and expose small areas of skin.
How long do clothes with UPF protect you from the sun?
Clothing with a UPF rating offers continuous sun protection for as long as it is worn. They don’t require reapplication like SPF creams and lotions. UPF provides more reliable and consistent coverage, whereas SPF products can vary in effectiveness depending on how much is applied and how long they remain on the skin. In contrast to sunscreen, which generally needs to be reapplied every one to two hours or after water exposure, UPF clothing maintains its protective barrier throughout wear.
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