Sun protection clothing covers your skin with fabric instead of leaving it bare. The eight picks below are all tops, covering men, women, kids and toddlers, from long sleeve hoodies to a swim tee and a three pack of long sleeve tees.
Every UPF figure here is the listing's own wording, and we have not ranked the picks by how much protection they give. Clothing is one layer: cover up, wear a hat, find shade and put sunscreen on skin the clothes do not cover. Our sunscreen guide and sun hat guide cover the rest.
Best overall: Bassdash Men's UPF 50+ Sun Hoodie
Best sun protection clothing overall: the Bassdash Men's UPF 50+ Sun Hoodie, because the listing states UPF 50+ on a long sleeve hooded pullover that covers the arms, neck and head.
The listing describes a long sleeve design with 50+ UPF protection, plus a relaxed turtleneck and hood for added sun protection from the neck, face and ears. The fabric is 90% polyester and 10% spandex, with a mesh back and mesh under the sleeves for breathability, moisture wicking and an elastic material for a full range of motion. The listing names golf, tennis, gardening, hiking, climbing and running as uses. It is rated 4.7 from 5,691 ratings.
It suits adults who want one hoodie for the garden, the golf course and the beach. The honest catch: it is listed as a men's hoodie, although the listing also calls it unisex, so women who want a women's cut are better served by the TBMPOY pick, and the rating is pooled across sizes and colours.
Best branded hoodie: Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Hoodie
Best branded hoodie: the Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Hoodie, because the listing describes Omni-Shade sun protection fabric on a relaxed fit hoodie made for days on the water.
The listing says Omni-Shade blocks UVA and UVB rays, with a tight weave and UV absorbent yarns. It adds Omni-Wick moisture management, a polyester interlock quick drying fabric, and a PFG logo on the sleeve in a durable dye sub graphic. The material is 100% polyester. It is rated 4.7 from 4,342 ratings.
It suits anglers who like a known outdoor brand. The honest catch: the listing words its sun protection as Omni-Shade rather than a UPF number, it is a men's hoodie, and it costs more than the other picks here.
Best for women: TBMPOY Women's UPF 50+ Sun Hoodie
Best for women: the TBMPOY Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie Shirt, because the listing states UPF 50+ on a long sleeve hooded shirt listed for women.
The listing describes lightweight sun protection fabric that wicks moisture, breathes and dries quickly, with low profile thumbholes that keep the sleeves in place. Flatlock seamlines and a no tag collar reduce chafing, per the listing. The material is 100% polyester with a hooded neck, and the listing names hiking, running, fishing, sailing, swimming and camping. It is rated 4.5 from 5,757 ratings.
It suits women who want a hooded long sleeve for walks, the beach or the boat. The honest catch: the 4.5 rating is pooled across sizes and colours, so check the size notes on the listing before you order.
Most rated men's sun shirt: WILLIT Men's UPF 50+ Sun Hoodie
Most rated men's sun shirt: the WILLIT Men's UPF 50+ Sun Hoodie, because it has the most ratings of any pick here and the listing states UPF 50+ on a lightweight long sleeve hoodie.
The listing says the fabric rating UPF 50+ protects skin from UVA and UVB rays, and describes silky, breathable, lightweight fabric that wicks moisture and dries quickly. The hoodie design covers the neck, and thumb holes keep the sleeves in place and give extra coverage. Flat lock seams and a no tag collar are listed, and the fit is described as fitted without being too tight. The material is 100% polyester. It is rated 4.5 from 14,220 ratings.
It suits men who want the most rated hoodie here for fishing, running, golf or cycling. The honest catch: its 4.5 rating is a little below the top pick, and the count is pooled across many sizes and colours.
Best value 3 pack: Boyzn Men's Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Tees
Best value 3 pack: the Boyzn Men's Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Tees, because three long sleeve tops that the listing words as UPF 50+ sun protection shirts come in one pack.
The listing offers 1, 3 or 5 packs and this pick is the 3 pack. It describes 85% polyester and 15% spandex that wicks moisture and dries quickly, four way stretch for movement, and a crew neck. The listing says the UPF 50+ long sleeve sun shirts protect skin from UVA and UVB rays and names construction, fishing and golf among outdoor uses. It is rated 4.4 from 6,008 ratings.
It suits people who want several long sleeve layers for work, the gym and weekends. The honest catch: these are plain athletic tees with a crew neck rather than a hood, and the rating is a little lower than the other picks.
Best for swimming: Amazon Essentials Men's Swim Tee
Best for swimming: the Amazon Essentials Men's Long Sleeve Quick Dry UPF 50 Swim Tee, because the listing words it as UPF 50 and it is a quick dry swim tee in a plain long sleeve cut.
The listing describes a slim fit through the shoulders, sleeves, chest and waist, ideal for swimming, with long sleeves, raglan seams and exposed flat seaming to avoid irritation. The fabric is 100% polyester, light and breathable with gentle stretch and moisture wicking. It says UPF 50 shields skin from UVA and UVB rays and names swimming, water sports, sailing, fishing and hiking. It is rated 4.6 from 1,227 ratings.
It suits swimmers and paddlers who want a fitted long sleeve top. The honest catch: it is a swim tee with no hood mentioned in the listing and has a smaller rating count than the other adult picks.
Best kids rash vest: Kanu Surf Boys Short Sleeve Rashguard
Best kids rash vest: the Kanu Surf Boys Short Sleeve UPF 50 Rashguard, because the listing states a UPF 50+ rating on a looser tee fit and it has more ratings than any other kids pick.
The listing says the UPF 50+ rating blocks the sun's harmful rays and describes a looser, comfortable tee fit. The fabric is 86% polyester and 14% spandex in a pull on rashguard style, and the manufacturer line reads Kanu Surf Boys 8 to 20. It is rated 4.6 from 7,506 ratings.
It suits boys at the beach or pool who do not like a tight rash top. The honest catch: it is a boys listing with short sleeves, so part of the arms stays uncovered, and the rating is pooled across sizes and colours.
Best for toddlers: i play. Long Sleeve Rashguard
Best for toddlers: the i play. Long Sleeve Rashguard Shirt, because the listing describes a stretchy, quick dry long sleeve top for active play in and out of the water, and it has the top rating of the kids picks.
The listing describes nylon and elastane, with the solid colours listed as 82% nylon and 18% elastane, flatlock seams for extra comfort, raglan sleeves for freedom of movement and a pull on neck opening. It is rated 4.7 from 2,080 ratings.
It suits toddlers and young kids who live in the water and want long sleeves. The honest catch: the listing's product details give no UPF number, so check the listing for a sun protection rating before you buy, and the listing does not say which sizes are available.
How to choose sun protection clothing
Read the UPF figure as the listing words it
UPF is the number most of these listings use to describe the fabric's sun protection. Bassdash, TBMPOY, WILLIT, Boyzn and Kanu Surf state UPF 50+, and Amazon Essentials states UPF 50. Columbia words its protection as Omni-Shade instead, and the i play. listing's product details give no figure. We have not ranked the picks by protection, so look for a figure on the listing you choose.
Coverage: sleeves, hood and neck
Long sleeves cover the arms, a hood covers the neck, and thumb holes add coverage over the back of the hand. The Bassdash, TBMPOY, WILLIT and Columbia picks all have hoods. The Boyzn tees have long sleeves and a crew neck, the Amazon Essentials swim tee and i play. rashguard have long sleeves and their listings mention no hood, and the Kanu Surf rashguard has short sleeves.
Men's, women's and kids' listings
Pick the listing that matches who will wear it. TBMPOY is the women's listing, and Bassdash, WILLIT, Columbia, Boyzn and Amazon Essentials are men's listings, with Bassdash also described as unisex. Kanu Surf is a boys listing, and the i play. listing does not say which sizes it covers. Check the size chart on the listing you choose, because each brand sizes its own way.
Fabric and fit as listed
Most of these tops are polyester, from 85% to 100%, often with spandex for stretch. The i play. top is nylon and elastane. Fit ranges from the slim fit of the Amazon Essentials swim tee to the relaxed fit of the Columbia hoodie and the looser tee fit of the Kanu Surf rashguard. Pick the fit you will actually wear, because a top that stays in the drawer protects nobody.
Swim, fish or everyday wear
For the water, the Amazon Essentials swim tee, the Kanu Surf rashguard and the i play. rashguard are the swim and rash styles. For fishing, the Columbia, Bassdash, TBMPOY and WILLIT hoodies all name it, and Bassdash and TBMPOY also name hiking. For work, the gym and weekends, the Boyzn three pack covers more days. Add a hat and, for children, glasses from the kids sunglasses guide.
Compare the picks at a glance
| Pick | Sun protection as listed | Sleeves and neck | Fabric as listed |
|---|
| Bassdash Men's Hoodie | UPF 50+ | Long sleeve, hood and turtleneck | 90% polyester, 10% spandex |
| Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle | Omni-Shade, no UPF number stated | Long sleeve hoodie | 100% polyester |
| TBMPOY Women's Hoodie | UPF 50+ | Long sleeve, hood, thumbholes | 100% polyester |
| WILLIT Men's Hoodie | UPF 50+ | Long sleeve, hood, thumb holes | 100% polyester |
| Boyzn 3 pack tees | UPF 50+ | Long sleeve, crew neck | 85% polyester, 15% spandex |
| Amazon Essentials Swim Tee | UPF 50 | Long sleeve, hood not stated | 100% polyester |
| Kanu Surf Boys Rashguard | UPF 50+ | Short sleeve | 86% polyester, 14% spandex |
| i play. Rashguard | Not stated | Long sleeve, pull on neck opening | 82% nylon, 18% elastane (solid) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best sun protection clothing for women in Australia?
The TBMPOY Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie Shirt is the women's pick here: the listing states UPF 50+ on a long sleeve hooded shirt with thumbholes and flatlock seams, and it is rated 4.5 from 5,757 ratings. The Bassdash hoodie is also described as unisex if you want another option.
What is the best sun protection clothing for men in Australia?
The Bassdash Men's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie is the top pick for adults, rated 4.7 from 5,691 ratings. The WILLIT hoodie has the most ratings at 14,220, the Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle suits a branded fishing hoodie, and the Boyzn three pack gives you three long sleeve tees.
What does UPF 50+ mean on sun protection clothing?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, the rating given to fabric in the way SPF is given to sunscreen. The higher the number, the less UV the fabric lets through. On this page the WILLIT listing says its UPF 50+ fabric protects skin from UVA and UVB rays, and Amazon Essentials says the same of its UPF 50.
Does sun protection clothing replace sunscreen?
No. Clothing covers the skin it sits over, and the rest still needs a plan: a hat, shade and sunscreen on exposed skin such as the face and hands. The Bassdash listing describes a hood for the neck, face and ears, while the Boyzn tees have a crew neck and leave the neck open.
What is the best UV protection clothing for kids?
The Kanu Surf Boys Short Sleeve UPF 50 Rashguard is the kids pick: the listing states a UPF 50+ rating on a looser tee fit, and it is rated 4.6 from 7,506 ratings. For toddlers the i play. Long Sleeve Rashguard is rated 4.7 from 2,080 ratings, though its listing's product details give no UPF number.
What should I wear for swimming and the beach?
The Amazon Essentials Men's Long Sleeve Quick Dry UPF 50 Swim Tee is the swim pick: the listing describes a slim fit swim shirt in quick dry fabric, rated 4.6 from 1,227 ratings. The Kanu Surf rashguard suits kids at the pool, and the i play. rashguard has stretchy quick dry material.
Can I wear a fishing hoodie every day?
Yes, if the fit suits you. The Bassdash listing says it is great for casual wear in most places, including golf, tennis and gardening, and the Columbia listing says its hoodie is equally at home on the water or at a beachside campfire. Both are long sleeve fishing hoodies that the listings say work off the water too.
Is there a sun shirt multipack?
Yes. The Boyzn Men's Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Tees pick is the three pack, with tops the listing words as UPF 50+, made of 85% polyester and 15% spandex, rated 4.4 from 6,008 ratings. The catch is a crew neck rather than a hood, so the neck stays open.
What is a sun hoodie?
A sun hoodie is a long sleeve top with a hood, in fabric the listing rates for sun protection, so the hood covers the neck and ears. Four picks here are sun hoodies: the Bassdash and WILLIT men's hoodies, the TBMPOY women's hoodie and the Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle, which words its fabric as Omni-Shade.
