How to choose sun protective UPF clothing

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It takes one bad sunburn to make you realize that sunscreen isn’t always enough. That’s where clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) can come in. “Sun-protective clothing adds an extra layer of defense from the sun, and unlike sunscreen, it doesn’t necessarily fade with time,” says Dr. Anna Guanche, board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, and founder of Bella Skin Institute .

Since sunscreen needs to be reapplied frequently, and chemical sunscreens must be fully absorbed for 30 minutes before they perform optimally, our experts recommend wearing UPF clothing, including swimwear, as the first line of defense against UV radiation.

To understand how UPF works and what determines its quality rating, we spoke to dermatologists about what to look for when shopping for sun protective clothing and swimwear. We also rounded up some top-rated pieces for men, women and kids based on their advice.

Selected. Our top picks

Top-rated UPF clothing and swimwear

Our experts recommend looking for clothing with a tight weave, dark colors, UV-deflecting material, and fabrics that are quick-drying (more on these features later). All the items on this list all have a UPF of 50 or more.

Best UPF clothing and swimwear for women

Soothfeel Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie Jacket

This UPF hoodie provides full coverage of your arms, neck and ears (when wearing the hood), making it perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, climbing and working out . It’s made of flexible materials and has one pocket on each side, ideal for a phone, wallet or earbuds .

Lightbare Women’s 3/4-Sleeve Dress with Pockets

This versatile UPF dress is ideal for a range of settings, including the beach or a casual brunch with friends. It has pockets, one on each side, and a split hem to promote flexibility and range of motion. It’s also made of a quick-drying material that includes spandex and comes in many colors and patterns.

Toumett Women’s UPF 50 Long-Sleeve Safari Shirt

The loose fit of this shirt keeps it breezy, while UPF 50 protection guards you against the sun. The material is also sweat wicking and quick drying. The back of the shirt has a mesh vent for breathability and the sleeves roll up and can be buttoned so they stay put.

G Gradual High-Waisted Swim Board Shorts

These high-waisted board shorts are breathable and quick-drying, according to the brand — all key elements that defend against the sun’s rays, according to our experts. The side pockets each have a drain hole for water flow when swimming. They come in more than a dozen colors and patterns, including several shades of blue, black, rose (pink) and even white.

Lands' End Women's Sunshade UPF 50 Long-Sleeve Rash Guard

This rash guard comes with an official recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation. The material is a blend of nylon and Lycra, the latter of which gives it generous stretch. The crewneck provides maximum protection and the material is quick drying to easily transition you from sea to land. Throw it on with a pair of bikini bottoms or a one-piece you already own to add protection.

Zando Long-Sleeve Swimsuit

This breathable, moisture-wicking one-piece provides full arm coverage. It’s also quick-drying, according to the brand, which our experts say is a must, since studies show that UPF can be less effective when wet. This swimsuit comes in nearly two dozen patterns and colors, ranging in size from 4 to 14. It has a front zipper closure and a built-in bra for extra support, too.

Best UPF clothing and swimwear for men

Baleaf Men's Sun Protection Shirts

This quick-drying, long-sleeve UPF t-shirt for men is perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, climbing and fishing. It also has flatlock seams to prevent chafing , according to the brand, and a relaxed fit, so it’s breathable and perfect for humid weather.

Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Pant

The versatile Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Pant is perfect for several outdoor activities — think fishing, kayaking, exploring and more. They’re available in many lengths and have a multitude of pockets and loops. It has pockets on the back, sides and by the hips. The pants also turn into shorts by unzipping them at the knee, providing more breathability on humid days.

Baleaf Long-Sleeve Hoodie

Lightweight, moisture-wicking and quick-drying, this hooded shirt with a built-in neck gaiter is an ideal men’s cover-up for extreme sun exposure. It has mesh breathing holes to keep your sunglasses from fogging up and thumbholes to keep your sleeves in place for extra sun protection, according to Baleaf.

Kanu Surf Men's Long-Sleeve Rash Guard

For years, Kanu has been catering to surfers with its fun and functional designs, and this long-sleeve rash guard is no different. It’s breathable, lightweight and quick-drying, according to the brand. Plus, it’s 82 percent polyester and 18 percent spandex, which helps deflect the sun’s rays, our experts say. It comes in eight bold colors, ranging in size from small to XXL.

Kanu Surf Short-Sleeve Rash Guard

This short-sleeved version of the above UPF 50 shirt is 100 percent polyester, which is excellent for deflecting UV rays, and has a crew neck and contrasting panels on either side. It comes in 16 colors, ranging from small to 5XL.

Columbia Men's PFG Backcast III Water Shorts

These swim shorts have a mesh brief sewed into them, offer a relaxed fit and have an elastic waistband for comfort. There is also an internal drawstring for a custom fit and a zippered pocket in the back to safely store small items.

Best UPF clothing and swimwear for kids

RuffleButts Girls UPF50+ Flutter Dress & Bike Short Set

“I have this set for my daughter — she loves the whimsical design and I love that it keeps her protected,” says NBC Selected commerce editor Bethany Heitman. The long sleeve dress has ruffle details and comes with matching bike shorts. The material is wrinkle-resistant and has four-way stretch for easy movement. It’s available in sizes 2T through 14.

Under Armour Boy’s Short-Sleeve Fishing Polo

For a dressy look for your little one, grab this boys’ polo that has a crisp collar and comes in two different fish prints. The double-knit fabric has good stretch, offers UPF 50 protection and is on the roomier side to accommodate movement. The material is also sweat-wicking and dries quickly.

Willit Boy’s UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Rash Guard

This youth-size long-sleeve UPF shirt is perfect for days at the beach and other activities that call for being in the sun for hours. It has raglan sleeves and flat seams for more comfort, especially when fishing or walking outdoors.

Kanu Surf Keri Rash Guard for Girls UPF 50+

This long-sleeve shirt is perfect for both swimming and everyday wear outside in the sun. It is available in sizes up to 14/16 and is made of a material blend that wicks away water.

Unifaco Girl's Swimsuit Rash Guard Set

This UPF 50+ two-piece is made of 82 percent nylon, a material our experts said deflects harmful UV rays. It also comes with a rash guard for additional sun protection and a matching ruffle bottom. This swimsuit comes in more than 20 vibrant prints and ranges in size from 2T to 10 years.

Simple Joys by Carter's Swim Trunk and Rash Guard

This swimsuit set for kids ranges in size from 3M to 5T. The loose-fitting shirt provides comfort and also added protection, since tighter-fitting material can stretch, allowing more sun in, says Dr. Mohiba Tareen , FAAD, a clinical assistant professor of Dermatology at Columbia University. The polyester pull-on trunks also have a drawstring closure for easy on and off.

Best UPF hats

GearTop Wide Brim Sun Hat

This wide-brimmed safari hat has UPF 50+ protection that blocks out 98 percent of the sun’s rays, according to the brand. The breathable mesh fabric keeps you sweat-free, and it comes with an adjustable chin strap to keep the hat secure.