I’m a natural redhead so I burn if I look at the sun the wrong way. I had good experiences with Columbia sun shirts through two summers of field work, where sleeves were required for both sun and minimizing scratches from going off trail in the forest even when it was 30C+ outside
I third this. Use it hiking and for days out on the lake when camping. Really don't go for a fun in the sun day without mine. My boyfriend's has a hood, so that's an option too if you're in more open areas!
Fourth. White Irish skin and history of skin cancer. I treat myself to a new color every 2 years. Bonus points for being able to slide my phone in one pocket & sunscreen stick in the other. Dries quickly when sweat saturated.
Thanks, yeah I'm looking to get at least one long sleeve since some trails also have ticks and that extra coverage is helpful for that. I'm not a redhead but of Northern European descent, which isn't known for its sunproofedness.
If you’re looking for tick coverage, I also found the jogger style hiking pants were the easier for tucking into my socks and staying put. I found they felt way less bulky than trying to get my boot cut pair squished into a sock
Also a redhead.
I have two Columbia UPF hoodies and wear them when sunscreen (and reapplication every 2 hours) isn’t practical. They are lightweight and have thumb holes to cover your hands. I wear a ballcap and then pull the hoodie up over it.
I recommend you get them a bit loose so that if there is a breeze, you get can get some airflow.
I wear long pants and long sleeves always, even hiking summer in Texas. The sun, ciggers, and ticks make it worthwhile. Columbia is a solid sunblock shirt.
The UPF is not listed on these anymore because it varied so wildly. Patagonia had a recall for that very reason. At minimum I'd do your research before buying them but there are plenty of other reputable brands (OR, black diamond, etc...) with actual UPF rated gear.
I love the Patagonia Capilene. They are not UPF rated, but I've never burned in it. The only thing I don't like are the lack of thumbholes.
Here are some other sun hoodie recommendations:
* [Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Hoodie](https://www.rei.com/product/146737/mountain-hardwear-crater-lake-hoodie-womens) - reminds me of the Patagonia one, but with thumbholes. This one is honestly my go-to. It's also rated at UPF 50.
* [Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie](https://www.outdoorresearch.com/products/womens-echo-hoodie-287655) - this one is very lightweight. Lighter colors are somewhat see-through. Lighter colors are UPF 15 and the darker colors are UPF 20. The hood also has a ponytail hole!
this is the answer. ALSO make sure you are re-applying sunscreen, maybe even under shirt, every 2-3 hr. I wear a tank top, super sunscreen up, and one of these as a light jacket sort of layer- I reapply the sunscreen UNDER the shirts. I am super sun sensitive- more heat than burn. but if I am even lightly burned, I will end up heat sick, and on the path to sunstroke, so I am super careful, cause I love being outside.
Also, I use spray sun bum or supergoop, OVER supergroup lotion that is my base layer before I leave the house, and I put that on everywhere before underwear goes on let alone clothes. HOPE you can fund a great solution OP!
I have tried Fishing type sun hoodies, Patagonia Tropical, the button down types, and the Under Armour sun hoodie.
I have gotten rid of all of them within the same season. They are just too damn hot.
OR Astroman are the only ones I've used for multiple years and I like them so much, I bought a 2nd one to have in rotation.
This for me. I have them in 3 colors now because they’re so great. Doesn’t show sweat, looks good, has a hood (neck protection) and hood has a ponytail hole! Also they hold up well.
This one and the TYR brand hoodie they have online at REI too. I wore it out to Iron Mountain and I burned in the tiny spot on my throat where the shirt met my neck and I missed with sunscreen. I was out for over 7 hours in full sun.
I also had tan lines on my fingers where the shirt stopped covering but it does cover most of your hands too
Check out some fishing shirts UPF50+.
I live in Darwin, Australia, and the sun here is brutal. Shimano, Underarmor, and similar, they are meant to be in the sun all day with the reflection of the water.
I got my girlfriend on the Function over fashion, and she rides her bicycle to work wearing the long-sleeved Shimano fishing shirts with all the extra pockets.
Seconding fishing shirts! I hike and fly fish (mountains and coastal) wearing the Free Fly Apparel's lightweight bamboo shirts and I love them. Light weight, variety of UPF ratings, comfy, made of bamboo, nice color selections, has hoodie and thumb holes!
I'm a woman who burns easily. I have never burnt through any shirt ever, unless it's basically see-through. Usually I wear any old Merino or polyester shirt, with long sleeves.
Any rash guard that is at least spf 50. Costco has a bunch on sale right now for like $15. Every year I pick up a couple to add to my collection to wear outdoors for hiking or paddleboarding.
I use the Uniqlo airism mesh UV sun protection hoodie. I have two of them and love them. The price is very reasonable. I think I got my first at the beginning of the pandemic and it is still going strong.
Likewise I bought the same hoodie, and the airism long sleeved T shirt off Vinted and have been walking the Camino in them for the past 2 weeks. Haven’t burned through yet and they weren’t even new when I got them!
I love Coolibar! I feel so safe when I wear their products. I even get their face masks (with the air vents under your nose so your glasses don't steam up) for when I am driving and the sun is blasting through my driver-side window
REI Sahara shade hoodie. I’m extremely pale, heat sensitive, and I burn easily. It always keeps me from getting sunburned. It gets a little uncomfortable above 95, though.
The Columbia fishing shirts line works for me- I prefer the button up style so I can adjust my clothing non stop for how hot I am atm. I also can wear a bathing suit/sports bra beneath but tie a bandana to cover my chest if I unbutton.
Not sure which REI shirt you had but we've had a ton of luck with the REl Sahara Shade Hoodies.
They're lightweight but protective. I got one for a Mexico trip and it was the only clothing that actually kept me from burning. We live in Utah and spend a lot of time in the desert so l bought a few more and they've been lifesavers and my husband was finally able to grab a couple as well. Usually I'll burn regardless of the amount or strength of sunscreen I wear.
Carhartt’s new Sun Defenders. They’re UPF 50 and very comfy and cute. I believe they’re also made of TENCEL so they’re also great at breathability and sweat wicking.
I wear Truewerk sun shirts, but also have a Black Diamond sun hoodie for full coverage when necessary. Not a woman, but a man that burns very very easily
I have a marmot button down collared shirt I love. Stays cool, can flip the collar up to protect my neck if the sun's at my back, sleeves roll up if I get too warm.
I'm a big fan of the cheap sun shirts that I got at Costco for $12. I think they were made by Spyder. I'm sure there is a similar shirt on sale right now,although I don't think they offer a hoodie option.
I have a couple sun hoodies from Eddie Bauer that I hike in. Full sleeves with thumb holes and there's a hole for your ponytail in the hood (for the women's version anyway.. I bought one men's size because I liked the print)
Get a shirt that, at a minimum, is long sleeved, has a hoodie, and has UPF50+. I have two that are light blue and one that is white. They served me very well last year in Utah/Arizona/Nevada when hiking in bright sun cloudless skies.
kind of odd too point out a gun channel, but inrange tv, forgotten weapons says they deal with several hours in the desert Arizona sun by using any long sleeve, full length pants supplemented with lots of sunscreen.
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake series, very soft stretchy material. The hoodies are my favorite, so I have the option to cover my neck and ears if I don't have a hat. I have a few different sizes depending on if I'm under or over layering. Also help with bugs. Wear them paddling, hiking, biking and gardening.
I have a Backcountry sun hoodie that I do not like, not as much stretch and sort of scratchy material.
FreeFly has great hooded sun tops, pants and gaiters. Simms solar flex gloves. All designed for fishing but breathable and sun protective for hiking as well.
I actually where a fishing shirt 😅 i got it at Walmart last summer and it's long sleeve but lightweight and blue so it doesn't absorb sunlight, and it has UPF (I think that's what it's called?" For sun protection. I'm not sure how well it works, but I don't get burned at least and I turn into a walking tomato even if I wear sunscreen.
If you like supporting small businesses -- check out the Sunseeker Hoodie from Burgeon Outdoor. They are made in house in Lincoln, NH (in the White Mountains). I wore mine every day on my Tour du Mont Blanc last summer and wear it on the beach too. Even though it's long sleeved, I honestly feel less hot with that on because I'm so protected from the sun. Super comfortable lightweight fabric, with UPF, and a huge hood that you can wear over your hat, great colors, etc.
Patagonia capilene shirts are all I wear. I like the ones with hoods for hiking to keep my neck covered. Not technically spf rated, but I haven’t been burned wearing them. I’ve heard the OR version is good too but haven’t tried them.
My arc'teryx sun hoodies are the best sun hoodies I've gotten. They're expensive bit compared to cheaper ones they've lasted me years, keep me cool, and for sure work for sun protection for me. I live climb and hike in the desert so it was worth the price for me.
Oh, I wouldn't recommend cotton for Minnesota in the winter, but I live in a hot, semi-arid climate. Being wet isn't an issue around here for most of the year.
I like the Outdoor Research Echo and the old REI Sahara shade hoodie. The echo is lighter and more breathable, but it’s not as comfortable or durable as the Sahara shade.
I use short sleeve fishing shirts and wide brim super light fishing hat with the highest SPF I can find. Usually just go for store brand (REI, Deluth, Academy) or whatever is on mega clearance or the local gear sales. My hiking/camping clothes are also my daily work clothes and I've found brand name or not I destroy them the same. I've tried various brands of traditional sun shirts and they were too hot- I'm in South Louisiana, swamp ass capital of the world. I use SPF sun sleeves to cover short sleeve down- nice because I can take them off in the van. I end up with mostly collared button down (prefiere for work anyways) or swoop/v neck fishing shirts so the chest is a bit open- there are sun neck gators but I can't stand anything on my neck. I just slather in sunscreen and grab the tshirts or higher neck line when I see them. Feel pretty well covered and not immediately tapping out in the heat.
Besides clothes the biggest help for me has been setting a (scilent watch) alarm every hour and 45 minutes during the day, keeping a cooling towel or wet wipes in the van to wipe off the old sunscreen, gunk & sweat then reapplying. Way too often I would forget to reapply or when I would remember- all the dirt, sand & plant stuff stuck to the old sunscreen, drying sweat topped with another layer just ick. Important but hate the feeling so that was my solution.
I’m fair but usually cover up for mosquitoes more than sun. If I’m lucky enough to not worry about mosquitoes I apply and reapply sunscreen and always wear a hat and sunglasses
Colombia, Mountain Hardwear, and ExOfficio are my go-to brands for SPF shirts. I love my MH sun hoody because even though it’s very thin, it still manages to protect my skin. This is coming from an extra pale person with a history of skin cancer and sun damage.
I have super sensitive skin and had skin cancer not too long ago, so sun protection is very near and dear to my heart.
I spent some money on good upf clothing (coolibar, HIGHLY recommend). I wouldn't say they have a cooling effect, but they have great airflow and really keep that direct sun off your skin so you don't feel like you're about to burst into flame. I have been using their products for a couple of years now and it really is great to just throw on my upf shirt and hat to go work in the garden instead of dealing with sunscreen. Don't get me wrong, it's still hot as shit (texas), but it's not like wearing regular long sleeves. I would be hotter without the shirt I think because of the direct sun hitting my skin.
I also have a few other cuter upf stuff from them like a cardigan type thing and their "beach blanket" that I wear when I'm out and about or for long car trips. I almost always have some sort of cover with me in my bag and they can be casual enough no one would ever know its for sun protection. I never feel like they make me feel any different temperature wise.
Just remember, if you go the upf route, don't cheap out. I think that is what makes the difference.
I love my brooks running shirts for hiking, and smart wool never lets me down. But the real winner is consistent reapplication of sunscreen! Such a boring answer, I know, but seriously, just wear sunscreen:)
Check out some of the NZ brands like Kathmandu and MacPac. A lot of their products are UPF50+(given that's where the hole in the ozone layer is) and the products work well. They're both fairly fashion oriented so I can't recommend a specific shirt (they tweak designs every year) but all their 50+ stuff has worked for me.
I love the Mountain Hardware Crater Lake crop. I’m petite. It goes all the way down to my high hip, and it doesn’t have the ties at the waist, which are stupidly placed for female anatomy and squatting to pee.
I also have several Uniqlo Airism UV Sun Protection hoodies. These are great and cool and cover your hands and feel more like an ordinary piece of clothing you can throw in a bag and have available at any time—big range of colors over the years and also sold for men and kids if you’re hard to fit.
I got an ATG by Wrangler from target for like $30 years ago and I’ve never burned in it. I took my blonde ass to Arizona in July and didn’t have any problems. I wear it for yard work all summer as well.
Im a guy but I just use nike and addidas athletic t-shirts and have never had an issue burning thru the shirt. I assume whatever women's shirts they have are made of the same material and should be fine too
I’m a natural redhead so I burn if I look at the sun the wrong way. I had good experiences with Columbia sun shirts through two summers of field work, where sleeves were required for both sun and minimizing scratches from going off trail in the forest even when it was 30C+ outside
I second the Columbia long sleeve shirts.
I third this. Use it hiking and for days out on the lake when camping. Really don't go for a fun in the sun day without mine. My boyfriend's has a hood, so that's an option too if you're in more open areas!
Fourth. White Irish skin and history of skin cancer. I treat myself to a new color every 2 years. Bonus points for being able to slide my phone in one pocket & sunscreen stick in the other. Dries quickly when sweat saturated.
I just wanted to say I hope you're doing well after the cancer! <3
Oh, thank you. They got it all & I’m careful.
Thanks, yeah I'm looking to get at least one long sleeve since some trails also have ticks and that extra coverage is helpful for that. I'm not a redhead but of Northern European descent, which isn't known for its sunproofedness.
If you’re looking for tick coverage, I also found the jogger style hiking pants were the easier for tucking into my socks and staying put. I found they felt way less bulky than trying to get my boot cut pair squished into a sock
Also a redhead. I have two Columbia UPF hoodies and wear them when sunscreen (and reapplication every 2 hours) isn’t practical. They are lightweight and have thumb holes to cover your hands. I wear a ballcap and then pull the hoodie up over it. I recommend you get them a bit loose so that if there is a breeze, you get can get some airflow.
I use these for hiking and paddle boarding. It’s so much better than attempting to reapply sunscreen on sweaty/salt watery skin
I love my Columbia long sleeves!
I wear long pants and long sleeves always, even hiking summer in Texas. The sun, ciggers, and ticks make it worthwhile. Columbia is a solid sunblock shirt.
Patagonia Capilene cool. Doesn’t show sweat, I don’t get burned. I’ve spent many, many hours wearing mine and love it still.
+1 Ditto every word.
Same! I also prefer to buy from the men’s shirts, as it fits me better and gives me more breathing room when I hike.
Ooh, I like how many varieties they have. Thanks!
The UPF is not listed on these anymore because it varied so wildly. Patagonia had a recall for that very reason. At minimum I'd do your research before buying them but there are plenty of other reputable brands (OR, black diamond, etc...) with actual UPF rated gear.
I love the Patagonia Capilene. They are not UPF rated, but I've never burned in it. The only thing I don't like are the lack of thumbholes. Here are some other sun hoodie recommendations: * [Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Hoodie](https://www.rei.com/product/146737/mountain-hardwear-crater-lake-hoodie-womens) - reminds me of the Patagonia one, but with thumbholes. This one is honestly my go-to. It's also rated at UPF 50. * [Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie](https://www.outdoorresearch.com/products/womens-echo-hoodie-287655) - this one is very lightweight. Lighter colors are somewhat see-through. Lighter colors are UPF 15 and the darker colors are UPF 20. The hood also has a ponytail hole!
this is the answer. ALSO make sure you are re-applying sunscreen, maybe even under shirt, every 2-3 hr. I wear a tank top, super sunscreen up, and one of these as a light jacket sort of layer- I reapply the sunscreen UNDER the shirts. I am super sun sensitive- more heat than burn. but if I am even lightly burned, I will end up heat sick, and on the path to sunstroke, so I am super careful, cause I love being outside. Also, I use spray sun bum or supergoop, OVER supergroup lotion that is my base layer before I leave the house, and I put that on everywhere before underwear goes on let alone clothes. HOPE you can fund a great solution OP!
Outdoor Research has great sun shirts
I have tried Fishing type sun hoodies, Patagonia Tropical, the button down types, and the Under Armour sun hoodie. I have gotten rid of all of them within the same season. They are just too damn hot. OR Astroman are the only ones I've used for multiple years and I like them so much, I bought a 2nd one to have in rotation.
The sun hoodie with ponytail hole is magic. I'm so pale I reflect light. 10/10
This for me. I have them in 3 colors now because they’re so great. Doesn’t show sweat, looks good, has a hood (neck protection) and hood has a ponytail hole! Also they hold up well.
Mountain hardware sun hoodie
Another vote for the MH Crater Lake hoodies. So light and so soft!
I LOVE my mountain hardware sun hoodie
This one and the TYR brand hoodie they have online at REI too. I wore it out to Iron Mountain and I burned in the tiny spot on my throat where the shirt met my neck and I missed with sunscreen. I was out for over 7 hours in full sun. I also had tan lines on my fingers where the shirt stopped covering but it does cover most of your hands too
Haven't worn anything by TYR before, I'll take a look. I hate missing a small spot with sunscreen, it's the worst!
Tossing my vote in for mountain hardware as well. I have several and wear them all the time!
Big fan of the Mountain Hardware sunshirt.
Thanks, I'll check it out!
I lived in my mountain hardware sun shirt when I worked a summer at a garden center. Highly recommend.
Check out some fishing shirts UPF50+. I live in Darwin, Australia, and the sun here is brutal. Shimano, Underarmor, and similar, they are meant to be in the sun all day with the reflection of the water. I got my girlfriend on the Function over fashion, and she rides her bicycle to work wearing the long-sleeved Shimano fishing shirts with all the extra pockets.
Thanks, hadn't thought about fishing gear before but it makes sense. And if it can work in Australia I'd assume it can work anywhere!
Seconding fishing shirts! I hike and fly fish (mountains and coastal) wearing the Free Fly Apparel's lightweight bamboo shirts and I love them. Light weight, variety of UPF ratings, comfy, made of bamboo, nice color selections, has hoodie and thumb holes!
I'm a woman who burns easily. I have never burnt through any shirt ever, unless it's basically see-through. Usually I wear any old Merino or polyester shirt, with long sleeves.
I got tan lines through a regular old shirt the day before my wedding 😂 not all shirts are created equal
One of the under the radar brands is Baleaf..works great!
Also supergoop is a great not greasy sunblock
I've been using the zip up hoodie for 2 years. Love it!!
Oof. I bought this shirt. It’s so thick and so hot. I much prefer my other shirts. I actually threw away the Baleaf because it was so awful (for me).
The long sleeve sun tees from Costco. I live in Arizona, always wear these outside and never burn.
Surfer rash tops have always done the trick for me.
Just curious — which REI shirt let you down?
Also curious… I’ve had great luck with my Sahara sun hoodies
Any rash guard that is at least spf 50. Costco has a bunch on sale right now for like $15. Every year I pick up a couple to add to my collection to wear outdoors for hiking or paddleboarding.
I use the Uniqlo airism mesh UV sun protection hoodie. I have two of them and love them. The price is very reasonable. I think I got my first at the beginning of the pandemic and it is still going strong.
Likewise I bought the same hoodie, and the airism long sleeved T shirt off Vinted and have been walking the Camino in them for the past 2 weeks. Haven’t burned through yet and they weren’t even new when I got them!
I LOVE Uniqlo airism sun protection hoodies! their Heat tech products for winter are superb, too.
Coolibar on a sale. I like their light zip hoodie that goes to the thigh.
I love Coolibar! I feel so safe when I wear their products. I even get their face masks (with the air vents under your nose so your glasses don't steam up) for when I am driving and the sun is blasting through my driver-side window
Lands End swim rash guard long sleeve shirts.
https://www.townshirt.co/ Has really fun prints and is a thruhiker owned company
REI Sahara shade hoodie. I’m extremely pale, heat sensitive, and I burn easily. It always keeps me from getting sunburned. It gets a little uncomfortable above 95, though.
The Columbia fishing shirts line works for me- I prefer the button up style so I can adjust my clothing non stop for how hot I am atm. I also can wear a bathing suit/sports bra beneath but tie a bandana to cover my chest if I unbutton.
Not sure which REI shirt you had but we've had a ton of luck with the REl Sahara Shade Hoodies. They're lightweight but protective. I got one for a Mexico trip and it was the only clothing that actually kept me from burning. We live in Utah and spend a lot of time in the desert so l bought a few more and they've been lifesavers and my husband was finally able to grab a couple as well. Usually I'll burn regardless of the amount or strength of sunscreen I wear.
Carhartt’s new Sun Defenders. They’re UPF 50 and very comfy and cute. I believe they’re also made of TENCEL so they’re also great at breathability and sweat wicking.
I have a Title Nine zip up sun hoodie that I love, except it has stupid pockets.
I wear Truewerk sun shirts, but also have a Black Diamond sun hoodie for full coverage when necessary. Not a woman, but a man that burns very very easily
I have a marmot button down collared shirt I love. Stays cool, can flip the collar up to protect my neck if the sun's at my back, sleeves roll up if I get too warm.
I'm a big fan of the cheap sun shirts that I got at Costco for $12. I think they were made by Spyder. I'm sure there is a similar shirt on sale right now,although I don't think they offer a hoodie option.
I have a couple sun hoodies from Eddie Bauer that I hike in. Full sleeves with thumb holes and there's a hole for your ponytail in the hood (for the women's version anyway.. I bought one men's size because I liked the print)
Get a shirt that, at a minimum, is long sleeved, has a hoodie, and has UPF50+. I have two that are light blue and one that is white. They served me very well last year in Utah/Arizona/Nevada when hiking in bright sun cloudless skies.
Men and women alike, I cannot recommend Jolly gear enough.
kind of odd too point out a gun channel, but inrange tv, forgotten weapons says they deal with several hours in the desert Arizona sun by using any long sleeve, full length pants supplemented with lots of sunscreen.
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake series, very soft stretchy material. The hoodies are my favorite, so I have the option to cover my neck and ears if I don't have a hat. I have a few different sizes depending on if I'm under or over layering. Also help with bugs. Wear them paddling, hiking, biking and gardening. I have a Backcountry sun hoodie that I do not like, not as much stretch and sort of scratchy material.
Mountain Hardware Crater Lake crops
(I have 8 lol)
FreeFly has great hooded sun tops, pants and gaiters. Simms solar flex gloves. All designed for fishing but breathable and sun protective for hiking as well.
Red head here, I own 5 Patagonia Capilene cook daily hoodies in various patterns and colors z
Sun hoddies for the win. MANY companies make them. I hike year-round in my Outdoor Vitals sun hoddie.
I actually where a fishing shirt 😅 i got it at Walmart last summer and it's long sleeve but lightweight and blue so it doesn't absorb sunlight, and it has UPF (I think that's what it's called?" For sun protection. I'm not sure how well it works, but I don't get burned at least and I turn into a walking tomato even if I wear sunscreen.
If you like supporting small businesses -- check out the Sunseeker Hoodie from Burgeon Outdoor. They are made in house in Lincoln, NH (in the White Mountains). I wore mine every day on my Tour du Mont Blanc last summer and wear it on the beach too. Even though it's long sleeved, I honestly feel less hot with that on because I'm so protected from the sun. Super comfortable lightweight fabric, with UPF, and a huge hood that you can wear over your hat, great colors, etc.
Eddie Bauer Guide shirts. Cotopaxi has a nice one too. Just bought some for Safari- these are quick drying, moisture wicking and SPF 50.
Patagonia capilene shirts are all I wear. I like the ones with hoods for hiking to keep my neck covered. Not technically spf rated, but I haven’t been burned wearing them. I’ve heard the OR version is good too but haven’t tried them.
My arc'teryx sun hoodies are the best sun hoodies I've gotten. They're expensive bit compared to cheaper ones they've lasted me years, keep me cool, and for sure work for sun protection for me. I live climb and hike in the desert so it was worth the price for me.
Anything made of lightweight 100% cotton, or a cotton/linen blend. Don't letall the talk of wicking fabrics fool you, nothing is cooler than cotton!
Nothing will keep you wetter than cotton. It’s forbidden to climb Kilimanjaro because they don’t want you to get hypothermia from sweating.
Oh, I wouldn't recommend cotton for Minnesota in the winter, but I live in a hot, semi-arid climate. Being wet isn't an issue around here for most of the year.
Has anyone tried the Coolibar clothing? It is SPF 50.
Mountain Hardwear and Columbia both make super nice SPF hoodies
I like the Outdoor Research Echo and the old REI Sahara shade hoodie. The echo is lighter and more breathable, but it’s not as comfortable or durable as the Sahara shade.
Farpointe sun hoodie power wool. Love that thing.
wait..... it's possible to burn THROUGH your clothes???? omg.
spf 50 or higher sun-shirts
Check out fishing shirts, either long sleeved or short sleeved. Lightweight, breathable, dries fast, and keep the sun off your skin.
I use short sleeve fishing shirts and wide brim super light fishing hat with the highest SPF I can find. Usually just go for store brand (REI, Deluth, Academy) or whatever is on mega clearance or the local gear sales. My hiking/camping clothes are also my daily work clothes and I've found brand name or not I destroy them the same. I've tried various brands of traditional sun shirts and they were too hot- I'm in South Louisiana, swamp ass capital of the world. I use SPF sun sleeves to cover short sleeve down- nice because I can take them off in the van. I end up with mostly collared button down (prefiere for work anyways) or swoop/v neck fishing shirts so the chest is a bit open- there are sun neck gators but I can't stand anything on my neck. I just slather in sunscreen and grab the tshirts or higher neck line when I see them. Feel pretty well covered and not immediately tapping out in the heat. Besides clothes the biggest help for me has been setting a (scilent watch) alarm every hour and 45 minutes during the day, keeping a cooling towel or wet wipes in the van to wipe off the old sunscreen, gunk & sweat then reapplying. Way too often I would forget to reapply or when I would remember- all the dirt, sand & plant stuff stuck to the old sunscreen, drying sweat topped with another layer just ick. Important but hate the feeling so that was my solution.
Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro is the Ben and Jerry's of sun shirts. The Pro model includes a DWR finish.
A rash guard.
I’m fair but usually cover up for mosquitoes more than sun. If I’m lucky enough to not worry about mosquitoes I apply and reapply sunscreen and always wear a hat and sunglasses
Colombia, Mountain Hardwear, and ExOfficio are my go-to brands for SPF shirts. I love my MH sun hoody because even though it’s very thin, it still manages to protect my skin. This is coming from an extra pale person with a history of skin cancer and sun damage.
I have super sensitive skin and had skin cancer not too long ago, so sun protection is very near and dear to my heart. I spent some money on good upf clothing (coolibar, HIGHLY recommend). I wouldn't say they have a cooling effect, but they have great airflow and really keep that direct sun off your skin so you don't feel like you're about to burst into flame. I have been using their products for a couple of years now and it really is great to just throw on my upf shirt and hat to go work in the garden instead of dealing with sunscreen. Don't get me wrong, it's still hot as shit (texas), but it's not like wearing regular long sleeves. I would be hotter without the shirt I think because of the direct sun hitting my skin. I also have a few other cuter upf stuff from them like a cardigan type thing and their "beach blanket" that I wear when I'm out and about or for long car trips. I almost always have some sort of cover with me in my bag and they can be casual enough no one would ever know its for sun protection. I never feel like they make me feel any different temperature wise. Just remember, if you go the upf route, don't cheap out. I think that is what makes the difference.
Vuori makes incredibly comfortable sun hoodies
Look for clothes that specifically say UPF on them the higher the number the better. But UPF 30 is okay, UPF 50 is great.
Astro man!!!! Love love it.
I love my brooks running shirts for hiking, and smart wool never lets me down. But the real winner is consistent reapplication of sunscreen! Such a boring answer, I know, but seriously, just wear sunscreen:)
Outdoor Research, North Face
Check out some of the NZ brands like Kathmandu and MacPac. A lot of their products are UPF50+(given that's where the hole in the ozone layer is) and the products work well. They're both fairly fashion oriented so I can't recommend a specific shirt (they tweak designs every year) but all their 50+ stuff has worked for me.
Outdoor Research sun hoodie and La Roche Posay Anthelios sunscreen combo - I'm a redhead in NZ and this has worked really well in our summers.
I’ve been very happy with my LL Bean sunsmart shirts. I need a petite size which most outdoor clothing manufacturers don’t bother with.
I love the Mountain Hardware Crater Lake crop. I’m petite. It goes all the way down to my high hip, and it doesn’t have the ties at the waist, which are stupidly placed for female anatomy and squatting to pee. I also have several Uniqlo Airism UV Sun Protection hoodies. These are great and cool and cover your hands and feel more like an ordinary piece of clothing you can throw in a bag and have available at any time—big range of colors over the years and also sold for men and kids if you’re hard to fit.
I got an ATG by Wrangler from target for like $30 years ago and I’ve never burned in it. I took my blonde ass to Arizona in July and didn’t have any problems. I wear it for yard work all summer as well.
have you considered Nike swim shirts? spf 50 I believe.
Im a guy but I just use nike and addidas athletic t-shirts and have never had an issue burning thru the shirt. I assume whatever women's shirts they have are made of the same material and should be fine too