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Sunscreen has long been the go to choice for sun protection, but not everyone enjoys using it. Many people dislike the greasy feeling, scent, and need to constantly reapply throughout the day.An alternative that is often overlooked is UPF clothing. Most of it is outdoor and athletic apparel, but now UPF clothing has a range of everyday styles. Here are some great ones I found, and a few are on sale.
$89 $45 Buy at Coolibar
$79 $45 Buy at Coolibar
$80 $56 Buy at The North Face
$69 $28 Buy at Suntect
$69 $59 Buy at Solbari
What is UPF and how does it work?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. UPF clothes are designed using specialized weaves that are tight and dense, which helps block out UVA and UVB rays. Synthetic materials like polyester block rays out much more effectively compared to natural materials like cotton, too. Some are even treated with zinc oxide (found in mineral sunscreens), which are embedded in the fibers of the fabric to further improve the UPF rating of the garment.What’s the difference between UPF and SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It mainly measures the protection against UVB rays (main culprit of sunburns), while UPF measures how much UV rays can penetrate the fabric (UVA and UVB).
Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie – Men’s
This UPF 50 sun protection hoodie features thumbholes, a handy zippered pocket, and scooba hood for extra coverage on the neck. Comes in a few color options.$75 Buy at Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie – Women’s
The hoodie for women comes in a few fun color options as well.$75 Buy at Cotopaxi
Columbia Men’s PFG Shadowcaster Zero Hoodie
The price for this one is steeper but it has lots of features! With a UPF 50, it has loops in the cuff to keep sleeves in place, glasses wipe sewn into the inside, built in hoodie and neck gaiter with laser cut holes for breathing, a pocket, and wicks sweat away to keep you dry.$100 Buy at Columbia
Columbia Men’s PFG Tamiami II Short Sleeve Shirt
For fishing, this button up shirt with a upf of 40 is perfect. The back has a mesh vent mesh, there’s plenty of pockets for gear and tools, even a rod holding loop. There’s a long sleeve version that can secure the sleeves if rolled up.$50 Buy at Columbia
Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Utility II Long Sleeve Shirt
Hikers looking for a long sleeve button up: go with this. You have a serious UPF 100 with breathable mesh vents and a snap to secure a rolled up sleeve. The pocket has velcro to keep things in place.$65 Buy at Columbia
Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Utility II Long Sleeve Shirt
The women’s version has a straighter hem in the front and only one chest pocket.$65 Buy at Columbia
Columbia Women’s CSC Soft Stretch Short Sleeve T-Shirt
For everyday wear, this tee has a UPF of 50. It’s a soft heather knit made of a poly rayon blend.$40 Buy at Columbia
Columbia Men’s CSC Soft Stretch Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Here’s the same shirt for men. It comes in even more colors than the women’s shirt.$40 Buy at Columbia
Coolibar Women’s LumaLeo Wrap with Back Slit
Made of cotton and bamboo, this UPF 50+ cardigan is created with zinc oxide treated fibers for better protection from the sun. Has thumbholes and a back slit.
Sunitect Men’s Flaig Performance Shorts
These UPF 50+ performance shorts wicks moisture to keep you cool and dry. In addition to front and back pockets, you get a microfiber sunglasses patch for lens cleaning.
The North Face Women’s Dune Sky 28” Leggings
Built in moisture-wicking materials and anti-odor technology, this buttery soft legging is great for for working out or hiking. It’s got a pocket on the back waist, is made with recycled materials, and has a UPF 40.
Suntect Women’s Valorus Golf Skort with Scallop Detail
Stay cool playing golf with this adorable scalloped hem skort. It has front and back pockets plus inner pockets on the shorts. An antimicrobial finish on the fibers helps eliminate odors to keep you feeling fresh.
Coolibar Women’s Isla Convertible Wrap
UPF 50+ Designed for the beach, it can be worn multiple ways. It transforms from a skirt to a halter or strapless dress. The wrap tie is adjustable for a better fit.$89 Buy at Coolibar
Columbia Women’s PFG Freezer Maxi Dress
Columbia’s Omni-Freeze tech keeps you cool and dry with accelerated wicking. This UPF 50 dress has a drawstring waist and pockets, too.$70 Buy at Columbia
Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
Hats are a popular UPF accessory. This one has UPF 40 with mesh side panels, a removable cape, and a wicking sweatband. Secure the drawstring under the neck to keep the cape down.
Solbari Shoulder Wrap UPF 50+
Keep your shoulders and arms protected with a wrap. Wear under a short sleeve to add extra coverage. The fabric is cooling, wicks sweat, and breathable with anti odor.
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Sleeves
If you feel the wrap is too much, this may be easier for you to get on and off. UPF 50 sleeves keep you protected and cool from the heat with ActiveIce tech, which is a polyester blend approved by Bluesign.