The Best Sun-protective Clothing for Women of 2023
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These UPF-rated pieces provide stylish sun protection.
Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan
Looking to protect your skin without sacrificing style this summer? Enter: actually attractive sun-protective clothing. It’s made with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) technology, which protects your skin from UV radiation much like the SPF in sunscreen does — only, there’s no need to reapply every few hours.
“Sun protective clothing is designed to shield the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays,” explains Dr. Sam Ellis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “It works by incorporating special fabrics that block or absorb UV radiation, reducing the amount that reaches the skin.”
When shopping for sun protective clothing, Dr. Ellis recommends prioritizing pieces with a UPF rating of 50+, “meaning that 98 percent of UV radiation is intercepted by the clothing before it reaches the skin,” she explains. To cover the remaining 2 percent, it’s still recommended to apply sunscreen as directed.
Here, we’ve rounded up the most effective and stylish sun protective pieces on the market, from workout tops to versatile travel dresses. Whether you’re looking for options to wear on beach days, while biking, or while sightseeing in a new city, this high UPF-rated clothing will appeal to every type of traveler.
Best T-shirt: Athleta Essence Explore Crop Tee
Why We Love It
It’s crafted from a breezy and soft, odor-resistant material that will keep you feeling fresh and cool all day long.
What to Consider
The cropped fit might not appeal to everyone.
This easy, breezy tee is made to mix-and-match with your entire wardrobe. It’s the perfect travel companion, as it takes up minimal packing space and will keep you cool on the go thanks to sweat-wicking and quick-drying technology. The ultra-soft polyester blend is made from recycled materials and packed with antimicrobial silver ions, which eliminate odor and help you go a little longer between laundry days (and yes, it’s machine washable) — a huge plus while you’re away from home. It offers an extra layer of sun protection for your adventures as it’s rated UPF 50+ and features a little extra length on the sleeves. Notably, the cropped fit is designed to hit just above the waist, and we love that it doesn’t ride up when we’re out and about. There’s also a shade to suit every style: choose from black, white, or olive.
Price at time of publish: $59
The Details: UPF 50+ | 2XS to XL | Recycled polyester, TENCEL™ modal, spandex, polyester | Machine wash and dry
Best Visor: Girlfriend Collective Black Recycled Visor
Why We Love It
It's made from recycled plastic bottles and features four-way stretch for maximum comfort.
What to Consider
The brand’s logo is prominently featured on the back, which might not be to everyone’s tastes.
Girlfriend Collective pieces are made with sustainability and size-inclusivity in mind. This sleek and stylish visor helps to keep plastic out of landfills thanks to the recycled materials it’s made from — something you can feel good about the next time you’re strolling on a plastic-free beach. There’s no need to worry about the sun in your eyes with this visor, which features a generous brim that protects your peepers (and is rated UPF 50+). We love that it’s made with four-way stretch and an adjustable closure in the back, so you can customize the fit to your liking. For those who don’t like logos, the Girlfriend Collective branding on the back may be a dealbreaker, but who doesn’t love showing support for sustainability?
Price at time of publish: $28
The Details: UPF 50+ | One size | Recycled plastic, spandex | Machine wash cold with a microfiber filter, hang dry
Best Long-sleeve Shirt: Eddie Bauer Women's UPF Guide Long-Sleeve Shirt
Why We Love It
The shirt is endlessly adjustable — you can cuff the sleeves or skip the bottom buttons to transform it into a tie-front shirt.
What to Consider
The outdoorsy, safari-inspired style may be too relaxed for formal occasions.
Designed to keep you sun-safe and sweat-free on your outdoor excursions, this button-up shirt from Eddie Bauer is lightweight, cooling, and easily adjustable. It’s made with AirSpace technology, which infuses the polyester and nylon blend with moisture-wicking and cooling properties. The boxy, boyfriend-style fit allows for plenty of airflow, ensuring you won’t get sticky or sweaty on hikes or any other adventure. While the style definitively skews outdoorsy, it’s easy to switch it up to suit your personal taste and needs; it’s available in 10 vibrant colors and a huge range of sizes, plus there are handy roll-tabs on the sleeves to keep them in place if you roll them up. The cuffs are asymmetric to offer additional sun protection, beyond the shirt’s UPF 50+ rating. Two chest pockets and one discreet side pocket offer enough room for all of your small essentials, (like extra sunscreen), so you can explore hands-free.
Price at time of publish: $80
The Details: UPF 50+ | Regular (XS to 2XL), petite (S to L), tall (M to 2XL), plus (2 to 3XL) | polyester, nylon | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Related: We Tested the Best Beach Sandals of 2023
Best Sun Hat: Jenni Kayne Cotton Canvas Sun Hat
Why We Love It
This sun hat is dermatologist-recommended and comes in a variety of colors to choose from.
What to Consider
It’s rather pricey.
Dr. Ellis recommends this wide-brimmed sun hat from California lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne for travelers who are looking for a stylish, easy-to-pack piece. It’s not hard to picture ourselves wearing it while sunbathing on the French Riviera — it’s more polished and elegant than most sun hats, which tend to skew utilitarian aesthetically. While the UPF rating isn’t marked, canvas is a densely woven material that inherently blocks out more UV rays than more sheer or porous fabrics. It’s available in five timeless shades — think khaki, navy, and more — and there are two sizes to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.
Price at time of publish: $125
The Details: S/M, M/L | Canvas, cotton canvas lining
Best Swimsuit: Coolibar Women's Escalante Sleeveless Swimsuit UPF 50+
Why We Love It
The extended zipper makes this a breeze to pull on and off, especially when wet.
What to Consider
It isn’t moisture-wicking and shouldn’t be worn during active fitness, as it could potentially cause overheating.
Coolibar is the first brand to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation for their UV protectant fabrics, which gives you an idea of how trustworthy and well-crafted their pieces are. This slick and flattering one-piece swimsuit boasts a deep zipper that makes it easy to pull on and off after some fun in the sun. The UPF 50+ fabric provides medium compression and shape retention, while sewn-in cups offer sturdy support that will stay in place even in the roughest surf. We love that the Aqua Helios fabric is crafted from a recycled lycra blend that’s designed to withstand sweat, saltwater, and chlorine up to 10 times longer than traditional spandex, so you can take as many dips as you want without worrying about your suit fading.
Price at time of publish: $99
The Details: UPF 50+ | 2XS to 2XL | Recycled nylon, Xtra Life lycra blend | Machine wash cold, hang dry
Best Hoodie: Patagonia Women's Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody
Why We Love It
The roomy hood is designed to fit over a baseball hat to allow for extra sun protection.
What to Consider
There’s no classic kangaroo pouch on the front, but there is a side zip pocket.
A lightweight, ultra-soft hoodie that boasts UPF 40+ protection and unique on-the-water functionality, Patagonia’s Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody is a dream even in warm weather. The modal sun and spandex jersey blend is made from natural beech tree pulp, a renewable material that’s incredibly breathable and cozy. We love that it’s Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, and features extra long sleeves for additional sun protection — the thumb-holes provide extra coverage for the back of your hands. Another convenient feature is the hanging neck loop, which allows you to easily store and dry your piece after a day of boating or hanging at the beach.
Price at time of publish: $99
The Details: UPF 40+ | XS to XL | Modal sun, spandex jersey | Machine wash and dry
Related: The 16 Best Sunscreens of 2023
Best Cover-up: Coolibar Women's Revilla Convertible Sun Wrap UPF 50+
Why We Love It
This wrap is incredibly customizable — buttons on either side allow you to wear it as a poncho, scarf, cape, wrap, and more.
What to Consider
It’s not chlorine or saltwater resistant, nor is it water-repellent so avoid getting it wet.
Dr. Ellis suggests always keeping a Coolibar wrap in your carry-on, as it’s an extremely versatile piece that can be worn as a scarf, a cover-up for legs or shoulders (which is particularly great for travel to religious sites which may require more modest dressing), a blanket to keep you cozy on the plane, and more. The possibilities are practically endless thanks to buttons on either side that allow for an adjustable style and fit. It’s available in four summery colors and the hand-feel is super soft, as it’s crafted from the brand’s proprietary ZnO™ Fabric, a cotton and viscose blend that’s been Skin Cancer Foundation-approved.
Price at time of publish: $27
The Details: UPF 50+ | One size | Cotton, viscose from bamboo, elastane blend | Machine wash and dry
Best Skirt: Columbia Women’s Anytime Casual Skort
Why We Love It
This rain- and stain-resistant miniskirt boasts a chic design and convenient pockets.
What to Consider
The built-in shorts offer fantastic coverage for activities like hiking, but some people may prefer a true skirt.
While this mid-rise piece from Columbia is technically a skort, you could fool anyone into thinking it’s a going-out skirt thanks to the flattering and feminine design, which features adjustable ties at the side for a custom fit. The two front pockets are deep enough to hold your phone and other small essentials, but lay flat when empty for a sleek silhouette. The Skin Cancer Foundation-approved blend of nylon and elastane Summiteer Lite provides UPF 50+ protection, as well as two-way comfort stretch. Built-in shorts are the biggest draw, as they offer additional coverage when hiking, climbing, or simply hitting the town for a night out. Scoop it up in nine colorways, from a darling lilac to classic black.
Price at time of publish: $70
The Details: UPF 50+ | XS to 2XL | Shell: nylon, elastane Summiteer Lite; Lining: polyester, elastane, Anytime jersey
Best Tank Top: Athleta Sunchaser UPF Tank
Why We Love It
It’s quick-drying, breathable, and features discreet side zip pockets to store your essentials.
What to Consider
Some people may not like the athletic look of the seams.
Designed for medium-to-high impact workouts both indoors and outdoors, this tank top skews more athletic — but is still basic enough to pass as a versatile wardrobe addition beyond the gym or studio. While the seams on the front and back may not appeal to everyone, we love how they enable more breathability in this moisture-wicking piece, which is made from recycled polyester. Its quick-drying abilities are second to none, as the material is made to wick away and dry sweat almost instantly, helping to keep you cool during a workout or while sightseeing on a hot and sunny day. UPF 50+ offers a boost of sun protection — but since your arms are exposed, you’ll want to take care to lather up your SPF as well.
Price at time of publish: $59
The Details: UPF 50+ | 2XS to 3X | Recycled polyester, spandex | Machine wash and dry
Best Dress: Lightbare Women’s UPF 50+ Tank Dress A-Line with Pockets
Why We Love It
Hidden side pockets and moisture-wicking material make this simple, stylish dress a versatile addition to any travel wardrobe.
What to Consider
The dress runs small, so consider sizing up.
The trendy design of this swishy, A-line dress is ideal for a travel capsule wardrobe, as it’s easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. The fitted bust — which is double-layered for extra coverage — gently flares out for a breezy, flowy fit, so you won’t feel constricted after long lunches on vacation. Two front pockets allow you to keep your phone, wallet, keys, and other small essentials at arm’s reach, while the non-pilling and anti-static fabric is easy to pack in any suitcase. This combines all of the style of an everyday dress with the coveted features of a performance piece, like moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, so you’ll stay cool in even the hottest weather.
Price at time of publish: $32
The Details: UPF 50+ | S to 3X | Cotton, viscose from bamboo, elastane blend | Machine wash and dry
Best Pants: KUHL Freeflex Dash Pants - Women's
Why We Love It
These are highly touted as some of the comfiest hiking pants on the market — plus, they’re stylish enough to wear for a casual dinner.
What to Consider
They fit similarly to leggings through the thigh, which may be too fitted for some tastes.
These slim-fitting joggers are crafted from an ultra-stretchy and soft polyester blend that is made to stand the test of time. The ultra-flexible mid-rise waistband has an internal drawstring, allowing you to adjust the fit to your preference. Ample zippered front and back pockets offer enough space to store your phone and other essential belongings within easy reach. These pants are our go-to for hiking and travel, as they’re lightweight and sweat-wicking, keeping you cool during outdoor activities and making sure you look equally stylish when you head straight into town afterwards.
Price at time of publish: $99
The Details: UPF 50 | XS to XL | Polyester | Machine wash and dry
Best Shorts: Columbia Women's Coral Point Iii Shorts
Why We Love It
They’re polished enough to wear in the office or while on a hike.
What to Consider
The pockets are fairly small and may not offer enough space for all your essentials.
The versatility of these nylon and elastane shorts is nearly endless, thanks to the rainbow of 23 colors they’re available in. They’re made from an Omni-Shade fabric that’s boosted with UVA- and UVB-blocking rays that offer UPF 50 protection, thanks to a tight weave of dense yarn. The moisture-wicking shorts are designed for wear around water, and will dry quickly if dampened while fishing or boating. The stretchy waistband allows for a comfortable fit, while the shorts themselves are body-skimming throughout. Two front pockets and one zippered pocket allow for storage of your smallest possessions — just note that the pockets aren’t particularly deep and may not be able to accommodate all of your belongings.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: UPF 50 | 2 to 24 | Nylon, elastane | Machine wash and dry
Related: The 10 Best Travel T-shirts of 2023
Best Joggers: Libin Lightweight Cargo Joggers
Why We Love It
Five pockets make these pants as functional as they are fashionable.
What to Consider
They run long and loose, so you may want to size down.
With top-notch UPF 50+ protection and a drawstring closure that can be used to adjust the fit, these joggers are perfect for tossing in your suitcase year-round. They take up minimal space when folded and boast moisture-wicking properties that make them an excellent choice for outdoor walks or workouts, even on misty days. The lightweight fabric has just the right amount of elastic give and is super quick-drying, which is great if you can’t get to a laundromat and want to hand wash these between wears. What really stands out is the number of pockets, which makes these the ideal airport pants: two side zippered compartments to stash your wallet, passport, and boarding pass, as well as two cargo pockets with loop closures for your phone, plus one back zip pocket. They’re also available in 15 fresh and fun colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits best with your wardrobe.
Price at time of publish: $35
The Details: UPF 50+ | XS to 3X | Polyester, spandex | Machine wash and dry
Best Athleisure Wear: Outdoor Voices SolarCool 3" Beach Short
Why We Love It
These protective shorts come in fun floral patterns that look and feel good both recreationally and while working out.
What to Consider
The pockets are relatively shallow.
Say goodbye to the dorky sun protective styles of yore and hello to these chic shorts, which are designed to keep you cool during medium-to-high sweat activities, from kayaking to rollerblading or biking along the boardwalk. They’re available in a milky white and cerulean blue, as well as our personal favorites — two trendy floral patterns that channel laid-back beach vibes, especially when paired with the matching SolarCool Tourist Shirt. Like all of our favorite athleisure pieces, these are lightweight, quick-drying, and easily absorb moisture, so they’re comfy to wear around water on beach days. They feature an adjustable waistband for a custom fit, two front pockets and a zippered back pocket (none of which are particularly large, but will still stash your keys and other small belongings), and a handy loop on the back for sunglasses or hang-drying.
Price at time of publish: $68
The Details: UPF 50+ | 2XS to XL | Polyester, recycled polyester | Machine wash, hang dry
Best Workout Top: Athleta Women's Sunchaser UPF Top
Why We Love It
It features discreet and secure zippered pockets to hold your essentials.
What to Consider
While the long sleeves offer maximum sun protection, some people may prefer a shorter-sleeved style for workouts.
This full-coverage top is ideal for medium-to-high impact activities both indoor and out, whether you’re running, hiking, or taking a HIIT class. The breathable recycled polyester and spandex blend allows for ample airflow while in motion and is quick-drying, so you can push yourself in your workouts without worrying about overheating. This recycled top, which is made from post-consumer plastic bottles, works to rapidly wick sweat away from skin and bring it to the fabric’s surface, where it evaporates before getting trapped against your body. Crucially, it’s machine washable, so there’s no need to fuss over hand washing it after breaking a sweat.
Price at time of publish: $35
The Details: UPF 50+ | 2XS to 3XL | Recycled polyester, spandex | Machine wash and dry
Related: The 17 Best Travel Dresses of 2023
Best Bodysuit: Watskin Lola Bodysuit
Why We Love It
This sophisticated bodysuit doubles as swimwear.
What to Consider
It’s the most expensive pick on this list, and it needs to be hand washed.
Who knew sun protection could be so sexy? Watskin’s iconic bodysuit is feminine and flirty — we love the leopard print and peachy orange color options. It’s instantly recognizable thanks to a trademark chunky zipper that can be adjusted for your desired chest protection, and which makes removing the suit easier while wet. This bodysuit boasts four-way stretch for maximum comfort, plus high-cut hips and a cheeky backside for a flattering silhouette. While this is more of an investment purchase than the other options on this list, the designer quality is evident in the cut and feel of the material, which offers thoughtful protection thanks to its built-in hood and long sleeves with thumbholes (so even the backs of your hands will be covered). Watskin’s suit is a power player for light packers as it’s extremely versatile: it’s waterproof and quick drying, so it can be worn as a swimsuit as well — plus, it’s stylish enough to layer with a skirt or jeans for a going-out look.
Price at time of publish: $325
The Details: UPF 50+ | XS to L | Nylon, spandex | Hand wash, hang dry
Best Jacket: Uniqlo UV Protection Pocketable Parka
Why We Love It
This high-performance parka packs up into a compact carrying case for easy portability.
What to Consider
It runs quite oversized and is not designed for extended use in inclement weather.
The perfect travel parka doesn’t exi—. This layer is a dream for travelers and those looking for lightweight, ample-coverage sun protection. It’s super simple to pack — just tuck it into the carrying case it comes with, which features a handy strap. The parka’s long sleeves, generously-sized hood and zip-up closure allow for fully customizable UV coverage, and the recycled polyester features UPF 40 protection as well as a water-resistant finish. Note that the fit is designed to be oversized, so you may want to size down for a more streamlined look; we love how airy and breathable this piece is as a result of the sizing. While it is machine washable, it’s also easy to hand wash, and thanks to the quick-drying material, it’ll be ready to go in the morning if hung up overnight.
Price at time of publish: $50
The Details: UPF 40 | 2XS to 2XL | Polyester | Machine wash cold
Tips for Buying Sun-protective Clothing
Check the UPF rating
UPF, which stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is a rating which indicates how well the fabric of any given article protects against UV radiation (both UVA and UVB). UPF 50+ is the highest rating, which provides excellent protection by ensuring that 98 percent of the sun’s rays are intercepted by the clothing before reaching your skin. Dr. Ellis recommends pieces that are rated UPF 50+ for its high-level of protection — at a minimum, check for a rating of UPF 30 and up, which is the baseline qualification for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
Consider coverage
Think about which parts of your body you’d like to protect when shopping for sun-protective clothing. If you’re sun-sensitive or just looking for maximum coverage, check for long-sleeve options that have thumbholes, which will comfortably keep the fabric on the back of your hands as well. Consider if you want a high neck or hooded option, or one with a zipper for adjustable coverage. Decide how much coverage you feel comfortable with, and be sure to apply sunscreen as directed as baseline protection — particularly in any places that are exposed to sunlight. For facial protection, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat in addition to sunscreen.
Choose dark colors
Dark colors are more protective than light colors, says Dr. Ellis, who suggests opting for darker shades and pieces with long sleeves or pants for maximum protection. The color of the fabric adjusts the amount of UV radiation that’s able to filter through, with darker and brighter colors providing more of a shield than lighter ones, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sun protective clothing really work?
Yes! Sun protective clothing works by greatly reducing the percentage of UV radiation that can reach the skin. Densely woven fabrics or fabrics that have been treated with UPF protection prevent the harmful rays from penetrating through, offering more protection than just sunscreen alone — especially as we often forget or fail to reapply sunscreen as directed, which causes a steep drop in efficacy and can lead to sunburns or worse. Clothing with a UPF rating of 50+, like most of the pieces on this list, only allows 2 percent of the sun’s rays to pass through the fabric, which is a fantastic amount of protection compared to a classic white T-shirt, which has a low UPF rating of around 8.
Do I need to wear sunscreen if I’m wearing sun-protective clothes?
Sun protective clothing is meant to be used in conjunction with sunscreen for maximal protection, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. While clothing with a UPF rating of 50+ prevents 98 percent of the sun’s rays from hitting your skin, there’s still that pesky 2 percent to consider, which dermatologists suggest you mitigate by regularly applying sunscreen. Dr. Ellis suggests wearing sunscreen on the face while wearing a hat, “because even hats with wide-brims do not fully protect the face from UV rays, particularly the UV rays that reflect off surfaces,” she explains.
How long do clothes with UPF keep protecting you from the sun?
Whenever you set out for a day of fun in the sun, don’t worry about the UPF in your clothing running out — it’s not time or exposure sensitive like sunscreen, says Dr. Ellis. “A UPF garment has no time limit on efficacy, unlike sunscreen which we recommend reapplying every two hours because it can be degraded or rubbed off with time,” she explains. However, UPF clothing’s protective qualities won’t last forever.
“The UPF protection of clothing can diminish over time with wear, washing, and exposure to sunlight, so it's essential to monitor the condition and effectiveness of the clothing regularly,” she warns. “Many manufacturers will actually provide a suggested number of wears or washes for which the garment will remain effective.” Be sure to check the care label for instructions on how to best extend the lifespan of your pieces.
Why Trust Travel +Leisure
For this story, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd extensively researched the top sun-protective fabrics across a wide range of brands in order to pull together this list of our top recommendations. She also consulted Dr. Sam Ellis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at UC Davis, on what to look for when shopping for sun protective clothing, from UPF ratings to performance factors like quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabrics.
Related: The 11 Best Toiletry Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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