The Best Sun-protective Clothing for Women of 2025
The importance of sun protection can’t be overstated. In addition to significantly reducing your risk of skin cancer, protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays can prevent uncomfortable sunburns and premature signs of aging. We get it—applying sunscreen repeatedly during the day can be a pain even though there are some great options out there. Sunscreen is a great line of defense against sun damage, but it needs to be reapplied frequently in order to be totally effective.
That’s where sun-protective clothing comes in. These clothing items and accessories block the sun’s rays based on factors like fabric type, weave density, color, and construction. All sun-protective clothing comes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating, which is essentially the same as the SPF rating you’ll see on standard sunscreen products, but is used for textiles. The higher the UPF rating, the higher the percentage of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays that item of clothing will block from touching your skin. We tested a variety of sun-protective clothing items and narrowed them down to our favorites below, from t-shirts to dresses to jumpsuits.
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With a UPF 50 rating, this breezy tee blocks 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays from the sun, keeping your skin protected all day long. The silhouette is loose while still maintaining some shape, and the shirt comes in a wide variety of colors, so you’re sure to find something that fits your personal aesthetic. The fabric is also moisture-wicking, so this shirt will keep you cool during difficult hikes or while walking in hot, humid weather. Just keep in mind that the shirt only protects covered skin, so you’ll still need to apply sunscreen to your arms and hands.
The Details: UPF 50 | Polyester, cotton, elastane | XS-2XL
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Sure, a tank top doesn’t cover a huge amount of your body, but this one does offer solid protection for your chest, stomach, and parts of your shoulders. It also runs long, meaning you can lift your arms without exposing any additional skin to the sun. This tank is made from soft, breathable fabric that has a slight stretch to it and offers UPF 50 protection. You’ll also find moisture-wicking benefits that are great for warm weather activities, along with anti-wrinkle, anti-fading, and anti-shrinking properties. Finally, it comes in regular and petite sizes to accommodate different body types.
The Details: UPF 50 | Polyester, modal, spandex | XS-XL (regular and petite)
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This women’s hoodie is the ultimate versatile piece of sun protection clothing because it’s comfortable to wear on chilly spring hikes and warm summer outings. The long sleeves offer UPF 50+ protection all the way down your arms and onto your hands when the thumbholes are used. It also has a hood that blocks light from hitting your scalp or ears—areas many people forget about, especially when the weather is brisk. I own this hoodie and love wearing it while hiking when it’s a bit cooler, although the brand’s proprietary ActiveIce technology helps to regulate body temperature enough that I can wear it on summer days without overheating. A few other smart features I love include a split hem for increased range of motion and a hole in the hood to snake your ponytail through. It’s also comfortable to wear all day, and the silhouette is extremely flattering.
The Details: UPF 50+ | Polyester, spandex | XS-4XL
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I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten sunburned on the top of my legs. It’s an area I always seem to neglect when applying sunscreen. That’s why I like slipping on these Marmot shorts for walks and hikes when I know the sun will be beaming down on me. The fabric is ultra lightweight and dries quickly, keeping me comfortable when it’s hot. UPF 40 fabric offers a decent amount of sun protection, and the 4-inch inseam provides a Goldilocks length that prevents thigh chafing while allowing for plenty of airflow. I also like the internal drawcord at the waist and deep front pockets that can hold a phone (and more) without fear of anything falling out. These shorts are built for hot, sunny hikes, but are comfy and stylish enough for casual outings as well.
The Details: UPF 40 | Recycled polyester | XS-XL
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Long pants are a necessity for many outdoor adventures, and these ones from Royal Robbins, boasting UPF 40+ sun protection, are perfect for sunny days. The fabric is smooth, cool, and breathable, keeping your legs from overheating during strenuous activities. The looser leg fit also allows for more airflow, making these great for hot weather. The high-waist and barrel leg design may be a little awkward on those with longer legs, but you could always size up for a little more wiggle room.
We found that the fabric dries quickly and is wrinkle-resistant, so these would be a great pair of travel pants. While they aren’t as dressy as trousers or slacks, they have a simple, understated style that could be dressed up enough to wear to a restaurant, making them versatile as well. The pants are slightly stretchy, and although the fabric is light and breezy, it’s made with chemical-free mosquito protection that will protect legs from bug bites. The two front pockets are deep enough to hold a phone or wallet, while the back pockets are smaller but have a velcro closure for added security. The construction feels high-quality and durable, even after multiple washes, making us confident these will last for many wears.
The Details: UPF 40+ | Nylon, elastane | 2-16 (short and regular)
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Dresses are the outfit of choice for many people on hot days because they allow for plenty of airflow and aren’t as restrictive as pants. We love this one from Ker Sun, with its stylish yet comfy fit and soft bamboo viscose fabric that feels pleasant on the skin. The dress is mid-length, hitting a few inches above the ankles for maximum sun protection without compromising airflow. It also has a magnetic neck collar and extended hand cuffs that can offer even more coverage from the sun when needed, while the waist sash can be tied to add some shape if desired. Finally, the entire dress is built with UPF 50+ protection to keep the majority of your body covered from UVA and UVB rays without needing to apply liquid sunscreen.
The Details: UPF 50+ | Viscose, polyester | XS-2XL
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While you probably don’t want to be covered from head to toe while swimming, it’s important to think about sun protection in and out of the water. This swim cover-up from Coolibar offers head to mid-thigh protection, with a generous hood, long sleeves, and adjustable ruched sides. The UPF 50+ fabric is silky-soft and features a generous four-way stretch that’s incredibly comfortable and quick drying—perfect for casual beach or pool days. The full-length sleeves has thumbholes for added protection on the hands and the dress has two zippered pockets that can hold small items like keys or cash. The two-way main zipper also allows you to adjust front coverage as you’d like, keeping yourself comfortable throughout the day.
The Details: UPF 50+ | XS-2XL
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Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or working on the yard, this UPF 40 overshirt is a smart item to throw on top of your outfit for extra sun protection. The oversized fit makes it easy to layer over a tank or tee and allows for airflow to prevent overheating in hot weather. It’s a useful shirt on its own as well, with an expandable collar, two chest pockets, and rollable sleeves. The tunic length provides a bit of extra coverage without feeling too long, and the hanger loop on the back makes it easy to hang to dry from a tree or trekking pole while on the go. The fabric itself is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, so it’s ideal for hot and muggy weather. Toss it into your suitcase or hiking backpack for extra sun protection on any trip.
The Details: UPF 40 | Recycled polyester | XS-XL
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This long-sleeve shirt is easy to throw over a sports bra, tank top, or tee for some added sun protection. The UPF 50+ fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun’s harmful rays and is moisture-wicking to help keep you comfortable in warm temperatures. It’s also stretchy for maximum comfort, with a slightly fitted shape that’s flattering without being constricting. The shirt comes in four colors and can be purchased in sizes XS to XL. Just be sure to apply sunscreen to your hands and neck while wearing.
The Details: UPF 50+ | Recycled polyamide, elastane | XS-XL
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We love throwing on a jumpsuit to feel put-together with minimal effort, so a cute jumpsuit with UPF 50 sun protection is the perfect spring or summer outfit. Made from stretchy, durable fabric, it’s comfortable, breathable, and great for all-day wear. It can be cinched at the waist to add some shape and the collar can be popped up to protect your neck from the sun’s rays. We love the plethora of pockets, too—you’ll find two chest pockets, two front pockets, two back pockets, and one zippered pocket to store keys or cash. We also like that it can be purchased in regular and petite sizes for those with shorter frames.
The Details: UPF 50 | Recycled nylon, spandex | XS-XL (regular and petite)
Tips for Buying Sun-protective Clothing
The more coverage, the better
Clothing with UPF protection is only able to protect the skin it covers, since you don’t need to wear sunscreen underneath these clothes. For the most sun protection, you’ll probably need a combination of several pieces to cover as much skin as possible. Look for features like adjustable collars and extended hand cuffs for even more coverage. However, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to wear enough sun-protective clothing to cover every inch of skin, so it’s important to remember to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin to avoid damage.
Note the UPF rating
UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, is the way clothing companies measure how well the fabrics protect skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. It is similar to SPF ratings used for skincare products, and the higher the UPF rating, the better. Clothes with a UPF rating of 50 are able to block 98 percent of the sun’s rays, making them an excellent alternative to sunscreen. A UPF rating of 30 to 49 provides very good protection, although you’ll want to be mindful of how your skin feels in particularly hot and sunny weather—similarly to wearing sunscreen with a low SPF rating.
Look for breathable fabric
Sun-protective clothing can get a high UPF rating from a combination of factors, including fabric color, fabric density, and materials used to make the clothing. While most of the pieces on this list are lightweight and breathable, be sure to look for this feature when purchasing items. Spending extended periods of time in the sun usually means you’ll be warm, and clothing that is too thick or not breathable will make you feel hot and sweaty underneath. To that end, you’ll also want to find clothes that are quick drying and moisture-wicking if you plan on wearing them during warmer months—these will help regulate your body’s temperature and keep you comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does sun-protective clothing work?
Sun-protective clothing works by blocking or absorbing UVA and UVB rays from the sun. This is achieved by any combination of fabric type, weave density, and UV absorbing treatments. These elements prevent the majority of the sun’s harmful rays from penetrating the clothing, which protects your skin underneath.
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Do I need to wear sunscreen if I’m wearing sun-protective clothes?
If you’re wearing clothing that has a UPF rating of at least 30, you should not need to wear sunscreen underneath. As long as it’s worn correctly, this clothing will not allow the majority of the sun’s rays to touch your skin and will provide protection similar to what you would get if you were wearing sunscreen on exposed skin. However, you will need to apply sunscreen to the parts of your body that are exposed to the sun, like your hands, wrists, feet, etc.
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How long do clothes with UPF protect you from the sun?
Unlike sunscreen, which wears off and needs to be reapplied, clothes with UPF will protect you from the sun as long as they’re worn. The one exception to this is clothing that has been treated with a special coating for its UPF rating, which may wear off after multiple washes. This should be noted in the fabric and care instructions of the manufacturer.
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How do I wash sun-protective clothing?
Most sun-protective clothing items get their UPF ratings from the fabric weave and color, and should be able to be washed and dried normally. However, you’ll always want to check the manufacturer’s care instructions in order to give your garments the longest life possible.
Why Trust Travel +Leisure
T+L writer Anne Taylor may live in the often cloudy Pacific Northwest, but there’s nothing she loves more than a sunny day. She spends most of her free time outside, especially when the sun is out, and relies on sun-protective clothing for her skin. For this article, Anne tested two items herself and combed through detailed notes from other testers to create this roundup of the best sun-protective clothing for women.
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