Best UPF Clothing Options for Protecting Your Skin, Tested by Experts

After months of testing, Patagonia's Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Short is our top pick.

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IT'S SECOND NATURE for most of us to grab a good sunscreen if we’re planning to be out all day, and skin experts will tell you that’s a good idea. But sometimes, it’s not enough. That’s when you need to consider sun-protectant clothing—also known as "UPF clothing"—to doubly protect your precious skin against all that space radiation.

"While all clothing offers some protection from the sun, some fabrics are specially designed (and tested) to offer you measurable protection, what experts call UPF clothing," says Marc Hurlbert, CEO of the Melanoma Research Alliance. "UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is used to measure the effectiveness of sun protective clothing."

The best UPF clothing options create a physical barrier to protect your skin, use embedded chemicals to fend off the sun's radiation, or a clever combination of the two. Finding the best UPF clothing isn’t hard. Still, we dug into more than 50 options over the last year, including everything from hats to shorts to hoodies to sunshirts. We personally tested every last garment for comfort, durability, UPF factor, and price, so you don’t have to.

UPF clothing is deceptively simple. There are only a few key points to consider, but each one is important to maximize your sun protection.

Of course, the single most important aspect of choosing the best UPF clothing is the manufacturer's UPF rating. Most of our picks below are at least UPF 30, while the best UPF clothing options in our roundup are UPF 50+, effectively blocking nearly all of the sun’s radiation. For reference, a stark white T-shirt is rated at around UPF 7, and that number drops to just UPF 3 once it gets wet. A heavy, long-sleeve denim shirt, on the other hand, can provide up to UPF 1,700 (basically complete sun protection).

Hurlbert confirms that most clothing offers at least some degree of sun protection. But without proper testing, it's impossible for manufacturers to promise a specific level of protection. That's why UPF clothing engineered with specifically woven fabrics, special, UV-resistant chemical treatments, or both is essential for anyone who spends even a moderate amount of time outdoors. When it comes to finding the very best UPF protection, there is no one best fabric or material. Ultimately, it comes down to a combination of UPF rating, durability, and whether the garment feels comfortable, breathable, and lightweight for your level of activity and sun exposure.

Garment weight is dictated by the fabric type and density. In general, heavier, denser fabrics (imagine that thick denim shirt) typically offer better UPF protection than thin, featherweight alternatives (like, say, a flowy rayon T-shirt). However, some lightweight fabrics are treated with sun-resistant chemicals to fend off harmful UV radiation. So the whole “heavier is better” thing isn't always true.

Weight can be represented by the straight weight of a garment (i.e., if you were to measure it on a scale), like "7.2 ounces." It can also be more accurately represented by its GSM (grams per square meter) figure. In the latter case, note that garments under 150 GSM are typically considered "lightweight." A GSM of 150 to 350 is usually "midweight," and anything above 350 is "heavyweight."

Weight can also affect overall comfort. Lightweight garments typically feel better in hot weather. If this matters to you, consider balancing the weight and UPF rating of whatever clothing options you're currently shopping for.

For clothing that’s not specifically labeled with a UPF rating, look for very dark or very bright colors (these both absorb UV rays so they don’t penetrate your skin), densely woven fabrics like wool, canvas, or even denim, and high-coverage, relaxed-fit summer pants or shirts.

Our outdoor-loving editors and staff here at Men’s Health packed dozens of UPF clothing options on our adventures over the last year. We tested Orvis' sun-protection hoodie in the deserts of South Texas, Free Fly's featherweight bamboo shirts on high-elevation hikes, and kayaked the White Mountains on the sunniest summer days to find what we liked and what we didn’t. We paid close attention to fit, weight, comfort, price, and, of course, how well each garment actually kept the sun off our skin. Then we consulted with Dr. Marc Hurlbert, CEO of the Melanoma Research Alliance, to get his expert take.

Below, you'll find our honest picks of the best UPF clothing options to protect your skin in 2024.

True to its name, Patagonia’s Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Short features a versatile design that's perfect for anyone who might run in the morning, hit the trails in the afternoon, and tuck into happy hour after dark—all in the same day. It’s the ideal short for paring down your wardrobe or for travelers who like do-it-all summer bottoms that can go with them just about anywhere.

When I wanted to pack super light—like, only two pairs of shorts, for a recent trip to Texas—this was one of those pairs. The lightweight construction is soft and comfortable without weighing me down, yet durable enough to survive all-day desert hikes.

The roughly seven-ounce weight is light enough for hot summer days but substantial enough so it doesn’t look like a crispy, featherweight workout short. The four-way stretch fabric also moves with you more freely than most other UPF protection shorts, so it’s ultra-comfy no matter what sort of activity you’re getting into. We also dig that it’s treated with a PFC-free DWR (durable water-repellent) finish, so rain and sweat bead off quickly before either has time to sit on your skin.

This pair is a little pricier than most others in our roundup but still reasonably affordable, especially given the premium Patagonia branding. For all these reasons, the Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Short is our go-to pick for this year’s best overall UPF clothing option.

Read more: Best Hiking Shorts for Men

Specialty outdoor and technical apparel, like the best UPF clothing, can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Hanes proves just that with its super affordable Long Sleeve Cool Dri T-Shirt. It boasts a dermatologist-approved UPF40+ protection and a two-pack is priced far less than the most premium picks we tested this year.

The basic design and selection of roughly a dozen solid colors make this a nice alternative to the “ready-to-go-sport-fishing” aesthetic of more tech-minded sun shirts. Still, this is a true UPF-protectant top perfect for high-intensity activities. The featherweight construction and quick-wicking, cool-to-the-touch fabric keep this one light and breezy, even on those brutal July days. It's a solid pick for everything from hiking to cycling to working in the garden.

Our only gripe about this budget-friendly top is its mediocre feel. The 100% polyester construction gets the job done, but it lacks the premium, buttery soft, next-to-skin feel of pricier options from, say, Orvis and Free Fly. But, seriously, did we mention just how inexpensive a two-pack is? You can literally stock up with a different color for every day of the week and still spend less than you might on just one sun shirt from the best UPF clothing brands.

Nothing beats a legit hoodie for maximum upper-body sun protection. The full-coverage design (including a robust UPF 50+ rating) of Orvis’ Dri-Cast Hoodie combines buttery soft synthetic fabrics with a relaxed fit that’s light and airy in even the hottest weather. This is a perfect go-to shirt on its own or layered up with a light base layer on cloudy summer days.

“I practically lived in this hoodie on a recent trip to Big Bend National Park,” says Richard. “With brutal heat indexes and full sun every single day, it kept me as cool and comfortable as a single piece of fabric can.” Despite the long-sleeve design, it actually works to keep you cooler than a traditional T-shirt.

The hood is generously sized to fit larger heads without feeling too loose or sloppy. Raglan sleeves with elastic thumb holes also guarantee a just-right fit, even on your most active days. Richard also loved that this shirt barely shows sweat. “No matter how hard I was pitting out, no one on the trail around me was the wiser.” Plus, this hoodie is more funk-resistant than most UPF clothing we tested, keeping odor and bacteria at bay for days so we could go longer between washes. We dig the color selection with mainstays like fern, black, and bleached blue, plus more ocean-inspired options like Brook Trout and Peacock Bass.

It’s reasonably priced, especially considering the Orvis branding. Plus, the combination of versatile design, great looks, and hard-working technicals means you might just be able to ditch the rest of your hoodie collection.

Like our go-to hoodie from Orvis, this lightweight alternative ticks all the essential boxes for our favorite UPF protection clothing. What sets this option apart is the natural bamboo fabric. Few materials flow as freely and feel as comfortable against the skin as bamboo. It’s also ultra-lightweight and naturally odor-resistant. This hoodie offers all of the above plus decent UPF 20+ sun protection, too, courtesy of a blended bamboo/polyester construction.

The only downsides? The UPF 20+ protection is among the lowest on our list. Still, you can easily add a thin base layer to maximize your coverage. But if weight is more of a priority than top-notch sun protection, this is your man. In our extensive summer testing, we also found that this garment shows sweat more than most. It's not a deal-breaker for us (why hide the fact that you're working hard?), but it may be for some.

If hoodies aren't your look, Free Fly offers this bamboo top in a traditional, long-sleeve design with all the same great features.

Read more: Best Sun Hats

Hurlbert is a huge fan of Bimini Bay's UPF clothing, and its Outfitters LTD Boca Grande II Men's Fishing Short, in particular. He loves that it's packed with performance features, including SolarGuard technology for maximum sun protection.

He also points to the extreme durability, thanks to its 100% Cool Tek nylon construction, which makes this short lightweight, quick-wicking, and fast-drying—all great features for long days on the water, whether that's fishing, kayaking, or surfing. But Bimini Bay also treats this short with its patented BloodGuard—a unique coating that repels stains and liquids even days after a stain has occurred. Because the treatment is fused to the fabric, it never washes out and doesn't affect the garment's softness or breathability.

Bimini keeps the aesthetics simple with a handful of basic colors—all of which are versatile enough to wear just about anywhere without looking like you're ready to go deep-sea fishing. The nine total pockets (two of which feature piggyback pull-tabs for easier draw) provide plenty of storage space for stashing your essentials.

One of the best parts about this short, though? The price. It's extremely affordable, especially compared to more premium offerings from the likes of Patagonia and others.

Read more: Best Summer Hats

Columbia's Silver Ridge Utility Lite Long-Sleeve is a classic, adventure-ready shirt. This top prioritizes function over flash, focusing on breathability, comfort, and versatility. But the real reason we love this shirt is its maximum UPF 50+ sun protection—perfect for hiking, travel, or your next sun-soaked safari.

The design combines 100% recycled polyester (props to Columbia here!) with three-point back ventilation, roll-up sleeves, and a relaxed fit. The result is a versatile, breathable button-up that wears well in any climate and protects your precious skin along the way. Easily accessible breast pockets also provide a just-right amount of storage for your essentials.

For a utility shirt, it's hard to find much to complain about. It wrinkles a bit easier than other similar long-sleeve sun shirts we tested. Our only other gripe is that the silhouette of this long-sleeve button-up looks like an adventure shirt. It's a bit too technical for casual wear unless your casual outings involve meetings with other avid outdoorsmen. But, for the price (especially considering it's often on sale), it's a near-perfect sun shirt for modern adventurers.

We won't deny that sun hats aren't the sexiest piece of apparel. And sure, KUIU’s Gila Sun Hat has a bit of an “Australian outback guide” vibe. But, if you're serious about maximum sun protection (and you should be), functionality matters more than flash, am I right? Embrace your inner Steve Irwin and just appreciate the fact that this wide-brimmed hat keeps harmful UV rays off your entire head, face, and neck with full UPF 50+ protection—all while feeling like you're wearing nothing at all.

I've worn the Gila hiking, fishing, and kayaking, and it's just the perfect all-around sun hat. It weighs barely three ounces, cinches down comfortably and securely with the built-in drawstring chin strap, and crushes down flat so it takes up zero space in my carry-on bag. The stretch headband also wicks away and evaporates sweat like a champ, making it the perfect headpiece for long summer days.

It is, however, only available in a handful of colors, and, true to KUIU’s hunting roots, half of those are camo. So you might want to look elsewhere if none work with your personal fashion sense. But, considering the affordable price tag of this one, we’re hard-pressed to find much of anything else to complain about.

First things first: What exactly is a UPF rating? What does it mean? UPF stands for “Ultraviolet Protection Factor”—a catch-all term that includes UVA and UVB protection. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it “indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin.” The number after the “UPF” lettering (e.g., UPF 30) on a garment identifies how effective it is at blocking those rays.

"Specifically, UPF indicates what fraction of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the fabric, meaning that the higher the UPF rating, the more protection it offers you," says Dr. Hurlbert. "For example, a shirt with 100 UPF allows a slim 1/100th of the sun’s UV rays to pass through to your skin (that’s only 1%!), giving your body a fantastic layer of protection."

UPF clothing is crafted using advanced technology to shield your skin from harmful UV radiation," says Dr. Hurlbert. "Rigorous testing ensures these garments maintain their protective properties even after multiple washes and wears." The best UPF apparel is specifically engineered to allow for lighter, more breathable fabrics that still offer reliable sun protection.

Some UPF clothing works by relying on specially woven fabrics to create a physical barrier between the sun’s UVB/UVA radiation and your skin. Other garments are impregnated with unique chemicals that filter out those rays. But, the best UPF clothing options actually use both techniques. It’s worth noting that chemical layers in treated UPF clothing don’t last forever. They’re typically rated for between 50-80 washes, so they usually need to be replaced sooner than traditional clothing.

The better question is: Do you need some form of sun protection? The answer, of course, is absolutely yes. Protecting your skin against immediate dangers like sunburn and sun poisoning is no joke; and, of course, there are longer-term risks to consider, like melanoma, premature aging, or worse. Most people opt for sunscreen and whatever clothing they happen to have in their closet. While that’s often good enough, you can protect yourself even further by taking the extra step to add on the best UPF clothing options you can afford. That usually includes some combination of a sun hat, sun-safe shirt, and even UPF-protectant pants.

More specifically, Dr. Hurlbert says that UPF clothing provides added peace of mind, especially for longer days spent outdoors. "A thin UPF 50 shirt offers significant protection while a thin cotton t-shirt averages only UPF 5–a 90% drop in protection." Even more important: "UPF clothing is also designed to offer consistent UV protection wet or dry; something that normal clothing can’t always provide."

Summer Hats | Sun Hats | Best Bucket Hats | Best Running Hats | Sunscreens | Sunscreens for Oily Skin | Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin | Moisturizers With SPF | Reef-Friendly Sunscreen | Spray Sunscreen | Acne Sunscreen

Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.

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