Whether you’re kayaking, hiking or just mowing the lawn, sunscreen alone might not cut it, especially when the sun is beating down. Usually rated with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 30- or even 50-plus, the best sun shirts can spell the difference between an enjoyable time outdoors and a painful, damaging sunburn. Our top pick, the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie, offers UPF 50+ protection preferred by dermatologists and protects vulnerable areas like the ears and neck. For runners seeking extra UV protection, we recommend the Rabbit EZ Tee.
Why We Named It Best Overall
The Sahara Shade Hoodie has been a long-standing favorite among REI customers, preferred for its soft, premium feel at a relatively affordable price. In addition to the UPF 5o+ rating (the highest recognized rating for fabrics), a three-panel drawstring hood and a crossover-style opening at the neck further keeps out the sun’s rays and other elements. Buyers report that the hood has been especially helpful in preventing ears and the back of the neck from getting toasted. For ease of movement, the shirt has raglan sleeves and is cut to have an overall loose fit, while generously sized thumb holes keep the sleeves in place to cover the hands.
Who Might Not Like It
Although the fabric is designed to wick away moisture, several customers found that on particularly scorching days the shirt is prone to absorbing sweat rather than keeping it at bay. Others find the hoodie best suited to dry heat instead of more humid climates.
Why We Named It Best For Hiking
The Sombra Sun Hoodie has you covered with its UPF rating of 50+, its fabric blend of recycled polyester and stretchy spandex, and its thumb holes that help the sleeves stay in place. The shirt’s zippered stash pocket is perfect for holding a wallet, a snack or your keys, and it’s the only sun shirt on our list that has a pocket. Soft, flexible, wicking and odor-reducing, this is a sun shirt you can wear all day on an epic thru-hike, then pull on again the next morning without an olfactory assault.
Who Might Not Like It
Several customers report the fabric at the elbows showed signs of wear sooner than they expected. If you really do relegate this sun shirt to use only while hiking, that should be a moot point, but if you use it for paddling, mowing the lawn or running, it may wear out quicker.
Why We Named It Best For Running
Beyond its UPF 50 rating, what stands out about Rabbit’s EZ Tee and earns high marks from customers is its comfort. The recycled polyester and spandex fabric is incredibly soft and lightweight, and it wicks away sweat and doesn’t cause chafing, even on lengthier runs. A slightly relaxed fit keeps you from feeling too restricted, and the shirt sits at the hip and includes thoughtful details like 1.5-inch slits at the side seams. If you don’t feel like slathering your arms or sunscreen or are running in cooler temps, the shirt is also available in a long-sleeve version, made from the same quick-drying fabric and also featuring a UPF 50 rating.
Who Might Not Like It
Because of the shirt’s semi-relaxed silhouette, some customers report that the shirt can look and feel a little boxy, so if you prefer a shirt that fits closer to the body, consider sizing down.
Why We Named It Best For Fishing
The Free Fly Elevate Hoodie is an angler’s dream shirt because it keeps you safer from sunburn and drier, whether it’s wicking away sweat or releasing moisture splashed your way from the bay, lake or river. It’s soft enough for all day wear, yet durable enough to last for many seasons. The fabric blend, which is more than 80% recycled polyester and a mix of breathable lyocell and stretchy spandex, ensures you have full range of motion, which you need as you cast and reel. This shirt’s quick drying and ease of flex also make it a fine choice to wear paddling.
Who Might Not Like It
Several customers report that the hoodie has a slim fit, so if you want it to fit more loosely, consider sizing up. It’s also important to note that the women’s version has a lower UPF rating.
Why We Named It Best Value
For $15, you might expect a poorly made and uncomfortable sun shirt, but what you get is a soft, flexible and quite effective garment rated at UPF 50+ that wicks sweat and cools you even as it blocks those UV rays. This shirt comes in many different sizes and in many different color options, so you can find the one that fits your body and your sense of style even as it easily fits your budget.
Who Might Not Like It
The torso of this sun shirt runs long, so if you are on the shorter side, it might be a good idea to keep shopping. That, or just see the overly long shirt as added sun protection below the waist.
How We Chose The Best Sun Shirts
To find the best sun shirts, we researched popular, trusted brands and evaluated factors like UPF rating, materials and weight.
- We researched top-rated and bestselling sun shirts from trusted brands we have firsthand experience with, including REI and Cotopaxi.
- In selecting our picks, we pored over customer reviews, taking care to note common highlights as well as pain points, and only recommended products rated 4 stars or higher.
- We interviewed a dermatologist and textile expert whose insight and expertise helped guide our picks.
What To Look For In The Best Sun Shirts
There are a few things you need to look for in any sun shirt worth your consideration, and perhaps a few new terms you’re going to encounter, too.
UPF Protection
Most people are familiar with the term “SPF,” which is used to rate the efficacy of sunscreen. SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor,” and the higher the number, the more protection a sunblock affords your skin.
“Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) measures how much ultraviolet (UV) radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin,” says Dr. Steven A. Nelson, assistant professor of Dermatology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. “For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of UV rays, allowing only about 2 percent (1/50th) to penetrate.” Nelson recommends a UPF rating of 50+ for sun shirts, but says that a rating of 30 to 49 also offers good protection. However, “A fabric must have a UPF rating of 50 to qualify for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation,” says Nelson.
Fabrics
When it comes to sun shirts, the fabric’s thickness, weight and density are more important than the type of fiber used. “Essentially, the more fiber material present in the fabric, with fewer and smaller pores, the higher the UV protection typically is,” says Emiel Den Hartog, head of the department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science at NC State Wilson College of Textiles. “A tighter construction should typically reduce the pores between the yarns and thus may be expected to improve UV protection.”
Den Hartog notes that as a result of a tighter woven fabric, its breathability and ability to evaporate sweat might decrease, but most sun shirts are made with quick-drying, moisture-wicking and flexible fabrics like polyester, spandex and nylon.
Caring For Your Sun Shirt
You should take the time to read each garment’s label and follow its washing directions as specifically as you can, but as a general rule, sun shirts and rash guards can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cool water and a mild detergent.
It’s best to dry them flat on a towel or over a pair of lines. If you must, some brands can be dried on the lowest heat setting in the dryer, but know this may shorten their working life. Also, you really should wash your sun shirt after each use that involved any appreciable sweat or splashes, because keeping these garments cleaner helps them avoid being exposed to chemicals or bacteria that can break down the fiber slowly but steadily over time.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The gear team at Forbes Vetted is committed to researching the best apparel to help you make the most of the time spent in the great outdoors.
- Steven John is a former commerce writer at Forbes Vetted who covered gear and tech. He is an avid wearer of sun shirts for biking, kayaking, canoeing and more.
- Overseeing this article, Cam Vigliotta is the gear editor at Forbes Vetted. He has over six years of experience reviewing and testing wellness, fitness and outdoor products.
- We review and update our stories regularly to ensure our recommendations remain accurate and up-to-date. This story was last updated in June 2026.
Our Experts
- Dr. Steven A. Nelson, assistant professor of dermatology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a member of The Skin Cancer Foundation Photobiology Committee, which sets the standards for The Seal of Recommendation.
- Emiel Den Hartog, professor and department head of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) at NC State University Wilson College of Textiles in Raleigh, North Carolina.