More recently, using clothing as my first line of sun defense on runs, at the beach, and just around town has left me with less exposed skin to worry about covering in sunscreen. We chose items to test through a combination of research and recommendations from experts and staff. Then two other testers and I tried out top contendersβabout a dozen shirts and half a dozen hats and other accessoriesβin daily life, on runs and a camping trip, around the neighborhood, and at home while doing yard work.
If fabric stretches against your skin, it creates larger gaps in the fiber and lets in more UV rays. A roomier fit is better. Experts recommend sunscreen with an SPF of at least That said, many button-up shirts can offer solid protection. Look for those with a tighter weave, a dark color, synthetic or blended fabric, and a loose fit.
Here are the UPF-rated shirts whose comfort, performance, and style made us more likely to stay covered up. Our testers found that the stylish cut and colors of this shirt made them more likely to wear itβand stay shaded from the sun. This boxy, stretchy, breathable shirt comes in handy for trail, travel, or just hanging around. Back vents and a zipper pocket are incorporated into a central chest panel.
For stashing an extra layer in your bag, it folds into its own pocket. But thanks to its slightly boxy, untucked cut and understated colors, our testers chose to wear this lightweight, UPF 50 shirt out to lunch and on walks in the park as well.
We also found that it fits quite snugly, as some buyer reviews note. This soft shirt has a simpler design than many outdoor shirts and can translate to other casual contexts, especially as a comfy overshirt. It also comes with the reassurance of a Skin Cancer Foundation seal of recommendation, which some people may appreciate for such a thin shirt, especially in light colors. It has an unstructured style, and our testers said it felt great buttoned up or worn as an overshirt.
