When it comes to sun protection, we’ll bet sunscreen is the first thing that comes to mind. And while applying a broad-spectrum, high-factor SPF every day — especially through spring and summer — can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer, protecting your skin doesn’t stop there.
If you’ve been shopping for a new swimsuit or a lightweight summer shirt recently, you may have come across UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing. Think of it as sunscreen in fabric form: specially designed materials that help shield skin from harmful UV rays in much the same way sunscreen does. It’s just as straightforward, too — UPF 50+ clothing, for instance, blocks around 98% of UV radiation.
Until recently, UPF pieces tended to prioritize function over style — but that’s changing. Ahead, our fashion editors share the most wearable UPF buys, from jackets to shirts and everything in between.
Swimwear
Salt Gypsy Jade One-Piece Surf Suit
If you’re looking for a sporty style, this one-piece from Salt Gypsy gives Baywatch vibes — but with sun protection. Beyond the mock neckline and medium-coverage bottoms, the recycled nylon and Lycra fabric offers UPF 50 protection. Available on Free People as part of its Care FP collection, it currently has a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews. Both petite and tall shoppers have extolled the virtues of the swimsuit, saying that it’s roomy and that there are plenty of colors to choose from.
Avid Swim Sera Zinae Swimsuit
Don’t let the playful print fool you. This isn’t just another trendy swimsuit; it’s a masterclass in combining high-end aesthetics with uncompromising sun safety. In a market where sun protection often translates to uninspiring utilitarian designs, this swimsuit reigns supreme. Available in sizes up to XXL and boasting a UPF 50+ rating, it provides the highest level of ultraviolet protection available in apparel, effectively blocking out 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. What truly sets it apart is its technical design. The scoop neck maintains enough coverage to protect the delicate skin on the chest — an area often neglected and prone to sun damage — and the fabric is both smooth and breathable, ensuring that staying protected doesn’t lead to overheating.
Minnow Rashguard One-Piece
We can’t forget about the kiddies. The Slate Floral Rashguard by Minnow shows that children’s swimwear can be both buttery-soft and built for heavy-duty protection. This one-piece utilizes UPF 50+ fabric, providing a reliable shield against 98% of UV rays. But the real genius is the silhouette. By extending the coverage to full-length sleeves, it minimizes the sunscreen struggle for parents, protecting the high-exposure areas of the arms and shoulders without being heavy or restrictive. What’s more, the prints are undeniably cute (and available in matching styles for adults, too). For the families that live for a beach day, Minnow’s heroic swimsuit is the ultimate insurance policy for skin safety.
Hunza G Katya UPF 50+ Swimsuit
Hunza G might be internet famous for its crinkly fabrics (they’re so good, Burberry is working with the brand on a collaboration), but it’s the sporty chic, UPF 50+ designs that are truly deserving of an award. The Katya is a high-performance design that has a mock-neck silhouette and utilizes an ultrafine, flexible Italian fabric. The sporty contrast piping and rubberized logo detailing give it a “Bond Girl” edge, while the front-zip closure allows for a customizable neckline. In other words, you can transition from full coverage during peak UV hours to a more relaxed look for a sunset cocktail. Even better, it’s crafted from 74% recycled polyamide, proving that the future of sun safety is as much about environmental responsibility as it is about skin health. It deserves a spot in your luggage.
Seea Georgia Surf Top & High-Waisted Surf Bottoms
This vintage-inspired Seea surf set (sold as separates) found a spot under Free People’s Care FP curated collection of consciously made materials and clothing. Designed for surfing, the durable ribbed fabric ranges between UPF 30 and 50. The top — which has a 4.3-star rating from 39 reviews on Free People’s site — features double-lined fabric, wide straps for extra support, and fuller bust coverage. The bottoms — 4.3-star rating from 54 reviews — have a snug high-waisted silhouette with a back zipper closure for easy changing. Shoppers are glad they took a chance on it, praising its thick, stretchy, high-quality fabric and gorgeous color, also noting it offers a bit more coverage than a typical bikini while still looking cute and stylish.
Shirts
Daise Cropped Pru Button Down
Crafted from 100% Global Organic Textile Standard-certified Turkish cotton, the Pru button-down is a quiet feat of textile innovation. Achieving a UPF 45–50+ rating in such an airy crinkle gauze fabric is no small thing, balancing breathability with serious sun protection. Instead of constantly reapplying thick sunscreen, it offers a reliable extra layer that blocks up to 98% of UV rays. The boxy silhouette leans into soft minimalism, with genuine shell buttons and a relaxed drape that works from morning coffee runs to long, sun-drenched afternoons on deck. It’s a rare piece that treats sun safety as non-negotiable, without compromising ease or style. Chic, practical, and quietly technical, it rethinks what everyday summer dressing can do.
Club and Court Stripe Sun Shirt
Picture this: You’ve just finished a killer set on the court, the sun is beating down, and instead of applying sunscreen onto sweaty skin, you’re already protected. That’s the effortless magic of Club & Court’s Stripe Sun Shirt. It’s a total reimagining of the classic quarter-zip pullover, trading in the gym teacher aesthetic for a retro-stripe energy that feels more like a vintage Riviera moment than a piece of athletic gear. The secret sauce includes All Court Performance fabric combined with UPF 30 protection. Together they create breathable comfort and a tailored fit that looks great with a tennis skirt or comfortable trousers. Whether you’re hitting the courts or going for a stroll, it’s the award-winning essential that keeps you cool, covered, and chic all year round.
Old Navy Long-Sleeve Matte Rashguard Swim Top
Perfect for protecting your skin from sun radiation and from chafing (especially during water activities like surfing), this Old Navy rash guard is a fan favorite (and back for summer 2026), with a 4.2-star rating from 196 reviews so far. The top has built-in UPF sun protection that accords with ASTM D6603, an international organization that sets standards for UV textiles. The cherry on top is that this style comes in under $50 (and frequently on sale), in multiple colorways, and available in sizes XS through 4X. Shoppers say it runs snug, so if you want some extra wiggle room to wear over a bikini top, size up.
Lands’ End SunShade UPF 50 Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Tee
With a 4.7-star rating from 2,236 reviews, you can be assured that this rash guard will have your back covered — literally. Shoppers love that the versatile top can even be worn for gardening or going to the gym. The high UPF 50 fabric ensures that only 2% of UV radiation can pass through it, and its soft, lightweight, and moisture-wicking properties keep you comfortable all day in the sun. This SunShade style is available in regular, petite, plus size, and long torso sizing, and boasts options with summery patterns or highly-rated three-quarter length sleeves.
Tom Beckbe Tidewater Shirt
The Tidewater shirt by Tom Beckbe is what happens when rugged, outdoor performance meets a refined, coastal sensibility. It’s the kind of piece that feels just as natural on the lake as it does on a sun-drenched deck. The magic lies in the exclusive 2.8-ounce cotton-nylon blend. It’s ultra-lightweight and engineered with enough spandex for a flattering, flexible fit that moves with you. Most importantly, it delivers UPF 30+ sun protection, shielding you from harmful rays. It’s also incredibly lightweight and quick-drying. For anyone who has been waiting for an outdoor shirt that actually looks as good as it protects, the search ends here.
Cabana Life Gauze Button Down Shirt
This deserves an SPF award for achieving what was once thought impossible: delivering high-level UPF 50+ protection in a 100% cotton, triple-cloth gauze. Usually, lightweight natural fibers are the enemy of UV protection because the loose weave acts like a sieve for sun rays, but Cabana Life has engineered a breathable, soft-hand fabric that still blocks 98% of UVA and UVB. This shirt will be the backbone of your warm-weather wardrobe. Wear it buttoned up with the matching pants, or leave it unbuttoned and show off your swimsuit underneath. It’s a rare find that transitions from a beachside lunch to a sun-drenched afternoon walk without looking like technical gear. With that in mind, we’ll take two.
Sunglasses
Meller Nemy Sunglasses
Refinery29’s beauty director Jacqueline Kilikita receives endless compliments on these shades, but they’re far from style over substance. While the frames are slim and stylish, the tri-acetate cellulose polarized lenses reduce eye strain and glare, and block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, protecting your eyes without compromising clarity. Beyond the protective lenses, Kilikita also praises the durability of the frames, which still feel sturdy after years of wear.
Ray-Ban Bill 60mm Square Sunglasses
The bigger the lens, the better the coverage. Not only do these popular Ray-Ban glasses offer 100% sun protection, shielding against both UVA and UVB rays, but wearers also praise their comfort — there are no nose pads to pinch or leave dubious dents on the skin, the arms are slim, and the actual frames can be fitted with prescription lenses.
Maui Jim Palulu 99mm Oversize Gradient PolarizedPlus2® Shield Sunglasses
The wrap-around style makes these frames feel like armor against the sun, offering 100% UV protection thanks to PolarizedPlus2 lens technology, which also enhances colors. Despite the all-encompassing lens, they remain comfortable to wear thanks to the slim arms, with reviewers noting they’re lightweight, easy to wear, and ideal for working out in.
Hats
Eric Javits Champ II Visor
Eric Javits knows a thing or two about UPF 50+ headwear, with eight bestselling styles gaining ratings of 4.8 stars or higher from more than 200 reviews. The luxury brand’s top-performing style, though, has a 4.8-star rating from a whopping 450 shoppers. The second-generation visor has a larger bill to protect more of your face, an adjustable Velcro closure, and a detachable and washable terry forehead pad. The patented Squishee recycled material resembles raffia straw, but we can confirm that it won’t splinter or crack when wet. It’s recommended for several outdoor activities, from walking, golfing, and boating to gardening.
Solbari Holiday Sun Hat UPF 50+
Sun-protection brand Solbari has tons of top-performing UPF 50 hats for the whole family. From wide-brim and bucket to visor silhouettes, seven bestselling women’s styles have gained over 4.6-star ratings from over 200 reviews each. But the clear winner is Holiday Sun Hat in a UPF 50 cotton-linen blend. It features a flexible brim, adjustable drawstring, and detachable chin strap, and comes in two size ranges. Beyond shopper approval, the style is recognized and recommended by the Cancer Council, the Skin Cancer Foundation, the National Psoriasis Foundation, and various dermatologists.
Terrain Cotton Crusher Hat
Everyone can benefit from a sunhat with UPF 50 protection, which helps shield both the scalp and face. This utilitarian-style, packable hat by Terrain is a fan favorite on Anthropologie; it’s gained a 4.5-star rating from 391 reviews so far. Shoppers enjoy that it can be molded and reshaped for different coverage options, and that the inner drawstring can adjust the tightness. It also comes in many colors to suit any vibe.
Athleisure
Free People FP Movement Don’t Let Go Sports Bra & Quick Step Bubble Pants
This matching FP Movement activewear duo is bound to become your go-to set for everything from running errands to actual running. The UPF-rated fabric has four-way stretch, is sweat-wicking, and breathable. The sports bra is compressive and designed for medium-impact workouts. The athleisure pants are a fan favourite for their comfort, featuring a drawstring, soft fabric, and an overall elevated basic design.
Halfdays Rosalie Trail Shorts
These active shorts are designed to go wherever you do. The retro, utilitarian belted style is improved by stretchy, sweat-wicking recycled nylon with UPF 50 protection, and they’re made for temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees. With a 4.8-star rating from 19 reviews, one shopper said: “These are the best hiking shorts I’ve owned. The fabric is super soft, the pockets are big enough for your phone and snacks, and the belt detail keeps everything together.” Another added: “Finding plus-size comfy outdoor fits isn’t easy, so I highly recommend these shorts.” (Bonus: if you’re looking for a full-coverage bottom, check out the brand’s bestselling trail pants.)
Suntect Arabella Quarter-Zip Golf Shirt
Coolibar is one of the best sun-protection brands in the world, and its activewear sub-brand Suntect has all your athleisure needs covered. This quarter-zip top, which has gained a 4.5-star rating from 382 reviews, should be on your radar whether you’re heading to the golf green or doing any other physical activity, like walking, tennis, or pickleball. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, the UPF 50 style blocks 98% of UV. That’s all thanks to the brand’s Active Diamond fabric, which is moisture-wicking, fast-drying, breathable, and lightweight. In addition to shoppers loving the high-neck for extra coverage, the long sleeves and thumb holes offer sun protection for your hands, too.
Jackets & Cardigans
Lululemon UV-Protective Lightweight Half Zip
Lululemon has a range of new (and quickly selling out) UV-protective styles, and this retro-inspired jacket has caught our eye. From the funnel-neck to the water-repellant fabric, and, of course, the UPF 40+ protection, it’s a must-have spring jacket (especially for channeling the sporty windbreaker trend). While it was inspired by golf ‘fits, you can certainly wear it off the green. And though it’s new, it already has a 5-star rating, with shoppers praising the lightweight fabric and perfect cut.
Uniqlo UV Protection Cardigan
Yes, even your work outfits can feature sun protection thanks to Uniqlo’s popular under-$50 cardigans. The cotton blends offer UPF 25 protection and come in several neutral and spring-ready colors and sizes, from XXS through XXL. One shopper writes: “Really nice outerwear to put over sleeveless tops or dresses. It’s nice to wear during summer or spring because the material is cool.”
Athleta Salutation Crop Jacket
Whether you’re looking for a topper for your warm-weather athleisure ‘fits, or a lightweight layer for summer travel (especially on flights), this top-rated Athleta zip-up jacket is at the top of our list. With 753 ratings and 642 reviews, most shoppers highlight the “buttery soft” Powervita material and flattering cropped length. The compressive material is specifically designed for low-impact activities like yoga. The high neck detail and thumbholes also add extra protection to the already-impressive UPF 40+ sun protective material.
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