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Crunching the Numbers
How Is UPF Different From SPF?
Soft, Lightweight Fabric
REI Co-op Sahara Hoodie
A Breathable Full-Zip Hoodie
Solbari Luxe Hooded Full Zip Hoodie
Leggings With Pockets!
Columbia Anytime Pull-on Pants
The sun is shining and it’s back for revenge, but we’re ready. We’ve got sunblock, SPF lip balm, and we’ve got everyday clothes that will not only keep you cool but protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Each of our picks is SPF or UPF rated to provide protection from skin-damaging UVA and UVB radiation. Keep in mind though, the best defense against sunburn is a multi-layered approach, so be sure to wear sunscreen and cover up. Now get out there and take the fight back to the sun!
Updated June 2023: We’ve added the Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers and Coolibar Backspin Sleeves and adjusted prices throughout.
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Photograph: Getty Images
Crunching the Numbers
How Is UPF Different From SPF?
Much like the SPF numbers you see on sunscreens, sun-protection clothing has a numerical ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) listed on the product. This number indicates how much ultraviolet light passes through the fabric. A shirt with UPF 50, for instance, will absorb or scatter 98 percent of ultraviolet radiation, allowing only 1/50 of the original UV light to reach your skin. SPF differs in that it measures the amount of time it takes for skin to redden in the sun.
It’s hard to gauge exactly how long a specific UPF will protect you, because the UV index changes with the weather and geography in your area. Regular clothing will also protect you; in general, densely woven or darker colors tend to absorb more UV light. The best thing about sun-protective clothing, however, is that unlike an SPF lotion, you never have to reapply a shirt.
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Photograph: REI
Soft, Lightweight Fabric
REI Co-op Sahara Hoodie
Synthetic sun-protection shirts can be plasticky, and if you happen to sweat at all, they stick to you like cling film. It’s not a great vibe. By comparison, REI’s Sahara Hoodie (which also comes in shirt and T-shirt form) is super soft to the touch and extremely breathable—you can absolutely feel a cool breeze through it when it’s warm and windy out.
I particularly like that the shirt has thumb holes in the sleeves, so the fabric can protect the backs of your hands. Wearing zero sunscreen (always wear sunscreen, kids), the UPF 50 fabric protected my arms and the backs of my hands from developing any uncomfortable rashes or sunburn.
UPF 50, synthetic fabric, covers arms, and has fingerless glove built-in.
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Photograph: Solbari
A Breathable Full-Zip Hoodie
Solbari Luxe Hooded Full Zip Hoodie
Slathering yourself in sunscreen gets tiring during the hot summer months. That’s where ultra-lightweight outer layers like the Solbari Full-Zip Hoodie come in handy. It’s light and breathable enough that you can feel a nice breeze through it, and you won’t get too hot when you’re out in the sun, but it also offers enough coverage to keep you safe from those high-UV-index days. It’s a lifesaver if you’re sensitive to the feeling of sunscreen on your skin.
UPF 50+, synthetic fabric, sizes up to XXL.
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Photograph: Columbia
Leggings With Pockets!
Columbia Anytime Pull-on Pants
Finding comfortable leggings as a plus-sized woman is pretty hard; finding them with pockets is like striking gold. My forearms and calfs are the parts of my body most affected by sun sensitivity, and if I’m not wearing jeans, I’m usually resigned to the fact that spending time outside will leave me with a few itchy bumps when I get home.
These leggings are affordable and have a wide size range. I can finally be outside without worrying about staying out of direct sunlight, like an athleisure-clad vampire. And did I mention they have pockets? Pockets!
UPF 50, synthetic fabric, available in plus sizes.
