The Best UPF Clothing for Maximum Sun Protection
SPF is a year-round necessity, but even if you judiciously use body and face sunscreen, you may still be missing a step in your sun-protection routine: UPF clothing, which, especially in the depths of summer when rays are at their peak, is an easy way to double down on your efforts.
“UPF is an acronym that stands for ultraviolet protection factor, a measure of how much UVA and UVB radiation reaches your skin through a fabric,” says Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in NYC. “Fabrics that are thick and tightly woven will have higher UPF ratings than looser, thinner materials. UPF clothing can also rely on a finish of a chemical additives for sun protection.”
Do you really need UPF clothing?
You don’t have to stock your entire closet with UPF clothing, but it’s a great idea to snag at least a few pieces. “It has been found that UPF clothing provides more effective UV protection than sunscreen,” says Dr. Green. “Investing in UPF clothing is an effective way to help protect your skin against the development of skin cancer and sun damage.” But there’s another big advantage to UPF clothing: You can go on autopilot. That is, it isn’t necessary to remember to reapply sunscreen to the covered areas every two hours, she says. “Many individuals that sustain sun damage, including age spots and wrinkles, forget to reapply their sunscreen.”
What is the highest level of UPF clothing?
The range of UPF ratings is between 15 and 50+, says Dr. Green, who explains that at the highest level, just 2% of UV radiation can penetrate the fabric. “Fabrics with a UPF rating below 15 are not considered UPF clothing.”
Does UPF clothing lose its efficacy over time?
Like all other clothing, UPF clothing experiences wear and tear over time, but there’s not necessarily a set time frame in which you should confidently toss your duds. The amount of wear you can get out of UPF clothing depends on the type of fabric and how the clothing was made. “UPF clothing that relies on a chemical finish for its UPF rating tends to last 30 to 50 washes,” says Dr. Green. “If the UPF clothing has inherent sun protection properties due to the fabric itself, then it will not lose efficacy over time due to washing or frequent use.”
So you’re ready to bring on the sun protection? From long-sleeve swimsuits, pickleball outfits, cute cover-ups, and a top-rated baby bathing suit, these are the best clothing options with UPF, according to rave reviews and Glamour editors who have put them to the test.
Our top picks:
Best for Swimming: Free People Seea Lido One-Piece Surf Suit, $140
Best for Women: Coolibar Women's Samoa Bay Cover-Up UPF 50+, $85
Best for Babies: RuffleButts Baby/Toddler Girls UPF 50+ Sun Protective Wide-Brim Sun Hat, $22
Best for Men: Fair Harbor The Seabreeze UPF 50+ Henley, $68
Best Lightweight: Athleta Girl Catching Rays UPF Tee, $35
Best Plus-Size: Summersalt The Beyond the Lounge Chair Windbreaker, $95
Best for Toddlers: Lands’ End Kids Long-Sleeve UPF 50 Sun Hoodie Rash Guard, $30
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Courtesy of brand1/25Uniqlo UV Protection Pocketable Parka
Available in six colors and in sizes XXS to XXL, this parka has a durable water-repellent finish that’s perfect for rainy days or mountain treks on that bucket-list summer vacay. It has a relaxed loose-fitting design with a slight crop, so it’s nice and breathable—one reviewer says it feels comfortable in temps as hot as 100°F.
UPF rating: 40+
Courtesy of brand2/25Coolibar Women's Samoa Bay Cover-Up UPF 50+
It may be a cover-up, but this striped number is so cute it doubles as a summer dress. It’s slightly fitted and has all kinds of fun details, including full-length sleeves with slight bell shape and pompom trim. Overall, the certified organic cotton fabric is easy, breezy, and the perfect example of what resort wear should be.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand3/25RuffleButts Baby/Toddler Girls UPF 50+ Sun Protective Wide Brim Sun Hat
RuffleButts is well-known among parents—the brand offers the cutest swimwear for babies and toddlers, the majority of which is manufactured with UPF protection in mind. But aside from its bathing suits, its wide-brim sun hat is one of its most popular offerings. It’s made of a unique bathing-suit-like fabric that dries in an instant; plus, it's big enough to shade baby’s entire face. A simple tie keeps the whole thing secure, even on the squirmiest tots.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand4/25Athleta Girl Catching Rays UPF Tee
Consider this a must-have upgrade to your basic white tee. The go-with-everything option has a classic fit that’s perfectly suited for whatever the day brings your way. Plus, it’s nice and lightweight to keep you cool in the heat and boasts as much UPF protection as you can get from clothing.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand5/25Vuori Terry UPF Hoodie
This is made with a supersoft and lightweight performance stretch French terry fabric, so you’ll basically want to live in this hoodie. Reviewers say it’s simple and has a nice drape that goes with everything from leggings to jeans—a real closet staple with the bonus of UPF 50+ protection.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand6/25Lululemon UV Protection Running Long-Sleeve Shirt
If you’re heading out on a long run, you won’t want to worry about reapplying sunscreen midway, so why not pull on this lightweight long-sleeve shirt instead? The four-way stretch material is breathable and sweat-wicking to keep you cooler, but also has UPF 40+ protection to beat those rays.
UPF rating: 40+
Courtesy of brand7/25Summersalt The Beyond the Lounge Chair Windbreaker
Another lightweight jacket that will see you through all of your outdoor activities whether it's springtime in the Northeast or a cooler winter day in Florida. The windbreaker boasts Summersalt’s signature color-block design—a definite eye-catcher—but the real draw is the breathable, comfortable material, complete with mesh vents, a plethora of pockets, and even a hidden hood.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand8/25Lands’ End Kids Long-Sleeve UPF 50 Sun Hoodie Rash Guard
Your kid might fight you on a true rash guard, but consider this cool hoodie your sneak attack. It comes in five vibrant colors both boys and girls will love, and is lightweight and doesn’t stick to skin the same way those rash guards do. It’s also moisture-wicking, so they’ll dry in a flash.
UPF rating: 50
Courtesy of brand9/25Free People Seea Lido One-Piece Surf Suit
This printed one-piece bathing suit is made with a thicker fabric to provide light compression that smooths all around. But it’s not at all restrictive—the printed fabric is a layered knit, which allows it to move with you and renders it more breathable. And even though the front is full-coverage (great for water sports), the back features a deep V to keep you feeling just a little bit sexy.
UPF rating: 30+ to 50+
Courtesy of brand10/25Lilly Pulitzer UPF 50+ Luxletic Dania Dress
It may be built with tennis in mind, but this feminine dress has life well beyond the court. It skims the body at the chest, waist, and hips for a sleek silhouette but is packed with performance features like a built-in bra, removable cups, and undershorts. For true Lilly devotees, it also comes in one of the brand’s signature prints.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand11/25MWL by Madewell Flex Cutout Fitness Dress
Even if your skills on the tennis or pickleball court could really use a little work, you’ll feel like a superstar in this fitted fitness dress by Madewell. Sure, it provides the UPF protection you’re looking for, but it also has sleek lines complete with a back cutout, details like a built-in shelf bra with removable padding, and built-in shorts with hidden hip pocket. And, yes, it’s totally suitable for errands too.
UPF rating: 40+
Courtesy of brand
Courtesy of brand13/25Marissa Rancher Hat Attack
Another hat that will do the trick when the sun is high overhead, but this time with the added protection of full coverage all around. The woven raffia, adorned with a knotted gauze band, will look good with just about any ’fit you pair it with, and the interior drawstring sweatband will keep perspiration from dripping down your face (not cute!).
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand14/25Fair Harbor The Seabreeze UPF 50+ Henley
What is it about henley shirts that are just so attractive? Any guy will make a splash in this lightweight top—especially in the aqua “ocean wave” color. Aside from aesthetics and stellar sun protection, this long-sleeve number is also breathable and moisture-wicking for comfort.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand15/25Nike Dri-Fit UV Flat-Front Chino Golf Shorts
Whether on the links or simply strutting his stuff around town, these tailored shorts are made of a stretchy moisture-wicking fabric to keep him cool. They’re also fashioned with a number of pockets—including a dedicated one for golf tees–and a grippy stripe inside the waistband to help keep his shirt tucked in.
UPF rating: Not listed
Courtesy of brand16/25J.Crew Girls' Printed Rash Guard One-Piece With UPF 50
A long-sleeve bathing suit is an easy way to protect more of your toddler’s precious—and ultra-sensitive—skin. This one comes in three fun patterns (we’re partial to the vintage florals!) and is made with an ultra-comfy, fast-drying fabric that will allow your little one to have even more fun in the sun.
UPF rating: 50
Courtesy of brand17/25J.Crew Stretch Swim Trunks
The rainbow stripe may be our favorite, but these swim trunks come in more than 20 other fun patterns and colors. The build is classic—the suit has a drawstring waist and a mesh lining—but the style is modern and slim-fitting. And as a bonus, the recycled fabric boasts a water-repellent UPF finish to keep him drier and reflect the sun’s rays at the same time.
UPF rating: 50
Courtesy of brand18/25Outdoor Voices SolarCool Three-Inch Shorts
With these lightweight and breathable shorts in your closet, you’ll never start the day wondering what you should wear. This pair slips on effortlessly and has a cooling, fast-drying fabric with UPF 50+ protection that’s perfect for whatever the day brings—a workout, a trip to the pool, or a marathon day of errands.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand20/25Beyond Yoga Featherweight Gather Minidress
This dress may be manufactured by a yoga brand, but it’s most definitely cool enough for everyday wear—even a casual date night or a summer barbecue. The ruched sides make for a fit that’s ultra flattering, since it hugs curves without being too tight. And because it’s made with a supersoft and lightweight performance fabric, it’s the right pick for a sunny day.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand21/25Athleta Conscious Crop Bra A-C
This bra-workout top combo has nearly 2,000 five-star reviews for a reason. Wearers say it truly checks all of the boxes—it’s the perfect size, tightness, length, shape, and color. That’s because it’s tailored to specifically fit bra cups A through C and is made with a special buttery-soft fabric that offers light compression to smooth without restricting.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand22/25Vapor Apparel Women's UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection Oasis Performance Tank
When it comes to your summer wardrobe, you can’t go wrong with a basic white tank, especially one that has UPF 50+ protection. This pick has it all: a four-way stretch fabric that’s moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Good thing it comes in five colors—you’ll want to stock them all.
UPF rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand23/25L.L.Bean Adults' No Fly Zone Baseball Hat
Hang this go-with-everything baseball hat inside your entryway. It’s an easy grab when you’re on your way out the door, and will offer both the shade and the UPF protection the experts say is so crucial. And if you’re headed on a hike? You’ll love that this hat also has a unique technology that helps naturally repel biting insects like ticks, black flies, and mosquitoes.
UPF Rating: 50+
Courtesy of brand24/25Athleta Cool Down Top
Have plans immediately following your fave workout class? Slip on this cropped top. It’s cinched at the waist to stay put during light movement, and works to draw sweat away from the body and onto the fabric so it can evaporate. But here’s where things get really cool: All that sweat won’t leave you stinky, since the shirt is knit with odor-controlling antimicrobial silver ions to eliminate odors.
UPF rating: 25+
Courtesy of brand25/25Faherty All Day Air UPF Shirt
The classic button-up just got an upgrade, thanks to the 50+ UPF protection this shirt offers up. It’s soft and lightweight, and has a relaxed fit that won’t weigh him down in the heat. It also packs all kinds of cool features, including a hidden zip pocket on the left chest and a bungee locker loop to keep the shirt from wrinkling when he’s working out or taking a dip in the pool.
UPF rating: 50+
