The best sun-protective clothing for your outdoor adventures, according to testers and experts
Whether you're going for a run, playing a game of tennis, hiking with friends or swimming in a lake, taking your workout outside provides many invigorating benefits. However, sun exposure can also result in some serious health consequences, making sun-protective clothing an essential part of any wardrobe.
You might think, "Hey, getting a little sun is no big deal," or "It's overcast, so I don't need to protect myself." But ... you'd be wrong. I hate to be a downer, but the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can have very real impacts on health, even on a cloudy day. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, around 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and research suggests that having five or more sunburns significantly increases the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer.
And then there's your vanity. While lounging under the sun and getting a tan can feel nice in the short term, the same can't be said for long-term effects. "Ultraviolet exposure is the No. 1 cause of premature aging in the form of fine lines [and] wrinkles — that wrinkly, crinkly, dried-out skin appearance you see in people who've had a lot of that exposure," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban.
While sunscreen is an important way to protect skin health, it isn't always applied consistently or effectively. To get the most out of sunscreen, you need to apply and reapply it generously. There's also some debate about whether certain chemicals used in sunscreen might be harmful to human or environmental health. However, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly encourage the use of sunscreen, noting that research doesn't indicate that sunscreen ingredients pose a danger to human health. That said, the AAD also notes that sunscreen shouldn't be your only sun protective measure. Instead, the organization also recommends wearing sun-protective clothing and staying in the shade as much as possible.
While any clothing can provide a barrier between your skin and the sun, for optimal coverage, it's worth investing in a few pieces of clothing with sun protection built in — also known as UPF-rated apparel. "I don't know about you, but I've gotten sunburned despite applying sunscreen. One reason for that is we often don't apply the amount that's needed to reach the SPF that the bottle says,' says Dr. Teo Soleymani, a double board-certified dermatologist. "With [UPF] clothing, you don't have to worry about that. The clothes will always provide the same degree of UPF that is on the label," he says. So while sunscreen can lose its effectiveness if you get wet, sweat or forget to reapply it, UPF clothing offers more consistent protection.
At this point, you may be wondering what the difference is between UPF and SPF. Both are helpful indicators of sun protection, but they have some key differences. SPF (sun protection factor) relates to the effectiveness of sunscreen against UVB rays (the more damaging type of light). UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), on the other hand, is a measure of how much ultraviolet radiation from both UVA and UVB rays can penetrate fabric. The higher the UPF rating, the more protection it offers.
"I'm a big fan of UPF clothing," says Shamban. "You can get so greasy putting on sunscreen. It gets in your hair, gets in your eyes, gets sticky. It's imperfect in terms of what you're covering unless you're going to have a bath and go dip yourself in it,' she jokes. And if you think these protective measures are only for blue sky days, think again. "[Ultraviolet light] penetrates through the clouds, which is kind of what happens with clothing too. You might think you're protected wearing your white linen shirt, but you're actually only protected a little bit," says Shamban.
On the other hand, UPF 50-rated clothing — the highest UPF rating for apparel — can block 98% of the harmful rays and reduce health risks enormously. Soleymani says that UV-protective clothing is often made with a tighter weave and more reflective material than regular clothing, so it should continue to protect you even after you wash it. Color can also impact UPF, with darker colors typically offering greater protection.
Unlike early UPF attire options, today's UPF clothing isn't just functional; it's also fashionable. And it's everywhere. Between popular fitness brands, designer brands and brands specializing in sun protection, there's something for everyone when it comes to UPF athletic wear. Maybe you're concerned about cancer prevention, or perhaps you simply want to avoid painful sunburns. No matter where your al fresco activities take you, we've rounded up a list of the best sun-protective clothing options (all of which are rated UPF 50+) to keep you safe and comfortable while you sweat.
UPF activewear doesn't end here! There are polos, athletic dresses, leg sleeves and much more to explore. For the highest amount of protection, always look for UPF 50+ options, or check out the Skin Cancer Foundation's list of recommended brands for more ideas. Also be sure to explore our top picks of the best sport sunglasses and body sunscreens to complete your sun protection routine.
Experts: I spoke with two board-certified dermatologists about what features to look for in clothes with sun protection.
Reviews: I read through hundreds of online reviews, paying close attention to how each product holds up to different workouts and environmental conditions. I also scanned for notes on fit and durability.
Testing: I personally tested several products and relied on experts' insights for products I couldn't try myself.
Certifications and endorsements: I prioritized brands that are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and looked for products with certified UPF 50+ protection. I also considered third-party certifications related to sustainability and ethical manufacturing processes.
Quality: I looked for products made from durable, high-quality materials. For items intended to be used in and out of the water, I favored ones that can hold up to chlorine and saltwater conditions.
Value: While not all of our picks are budget-friendly, I selected products based on their overall value.
Teo Soleymani, MD, FAAD, FACMS, a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon. Solelymani was previously an associate professor of dermatology and dermatologic surgery, Mohs micrographic and reconstructive surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and American Academy of Dermatology, serving on the editorial board for the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Shamban was previously an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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