What Is UPF Clothing and Do You Need It?

Wearing long sleeves in the summer may seem counterintuitive, but ensuring that whatever garment you’re wearing is breathable will ease any fears of overheating. With a UPF 50 rating, this long-sleeve button-up will keep you protected on bright hikes or days spent tending your garden, and the sweat-wicking nylon and spandex fabric allows plenty of airflow. There’s even a mesh vent at the back of the shirt, so you’re less likely to suffer from that dreaded sweaty-spine feeling we’ve all experienced.

UPF clothing doesn’t have to look like a rash guard or hiking gear, which is why we love this affordable pair of pants. They’re perfect for the beach or a way-too-sunny outdoor restaurant. Made from breathable, quick-drying fabric with UPF 50 protection, they offer a casual look that makes them the ultimate vacation pants.

Made from lululemon’s sweat-wicking and quick-drying Pace Crush fabric, this top is designed to keep you cool during sweaty workouts, so it’ll definitely do the job while you’re running errands or lounging on the patio. The back vent allows for a nice breeze, but keep in mind that it will leave part of your lower back uncovered, so you may want to apply a touch of sunscreen there just in case.

You don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount on UPF shirts — this one comes in under $20 and offers the same level of protection as more expensive options. With more than 20,000 positive reviews, it’s clear that people love how breathable, lightweight, and well-fitting this top is. Many reviewers also appreciate that the torso is on the looser side, which helps keep the shirt from sticking in the humidity.

Consider this our official request that all swimwear be made from UPF fabric. After all, getting burned in a bikini — even after applying copious amounts of sunscreen — is not the kind of souvenir we want to bring home from vacation. That’s why we love Carve: All of its beachwear is made with UPF 50+ fabric and manages to look effortlessly chic at the same time, including like this full-coverage swim skirt.

If you’re anything like Katie, you’ll be spending long days on the pickleball courts practicing your serves and backhands while the weather is nice. Unlike your average polo, this one has a UPF of 50, a zippered collar so you can adjust your coverage, and it’s safe to wear in the water if you want to take a quick swim off the court. You’ll still need SPF on your arms, but it’s a great way to keep your torso sun-free.

Our deputy editor Maggie has this crusher hat and will be wearing it all summer. She’s not a gardener (which it appears this hat is designed for, based on the images) but she doesn’t feel out of place wearing it to the beach, and loves that the wide brim provides extra protection with a touch of glam. It’s made from a cotton canvas rather than synthetic fabric, with UPF 50. 

On particularly sweltering days, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as splashing cold water on your face or running a cool towel across your forehead, which is why we’re obsessed with this UPF 50 cooling hat. Before putting it on, soak it in cool water and wring it out; as it dries, it keeps you cool by using the power of evaporation to wick heat away from your body.

Not everyone wants to rock a bikini (or deal with applying sunscreen to their entire torso), which is why swim dresses are a great full-coverage option that doesn’t feel dowdy. This one has a zipper at the collar so you can adjust how much cleavage you show, drawstrings on either side to customize the length, and a looser bodice than others we’ve seen, which is perfect for those who prefer more room in the tummy area. Do note that it doesn’t have a built-in swimsuit and is meant to be worn over whatever suit you choose, but Coolibar does make versions that are the whole shebang.

Combining sun protection with pieces in your wardrobe you already love is a great way to get more out of what you own and reduce the need for full-body SPF. This wrap is similar to a bolero in that it covers your shoulders and arms, and looks like a chic top layer. It’s shockingly versatile for a high-tech item — throw it over a sundress for a daytime event or under a workout tank for a run or walk.

We all know that the thin skin on the backs of our hands ages quickly, but did you know you can help slow that photoaging process by covering them? One of the places our hands are most exposed to the sun is while driving, and wearing these fingerless gloves will block the light that streams in through your windshield or sunroof, protecting your precious skin.

Hiking, swimming, walking, or running in the summer leaves your legs exposed, and while we often forget the bottom half of our bodies when it comes to sunscreen, you still need to protect them. These UPF 50+ leggings can be worn in the water if you’re an avid swimmer, but they’ll also block any rays that bounce off the sand or pavement while you’re out and about, so you won’t be left with that painful back-of-the-knee burn we’ve all suffered through.

We’d be remiss not to mention John’s favorite pants for days out on the water. Not only do they offer UPF 50 protection, but they’re also lightweight enough to keep you cool on hot days. The material dries quickly if it gets wet, and they pack down to nearly nothing, making them incredibly easy to bring along on vacation.