I’ve scoured the stores and hunted down the best sun protective clothing. These days I’m serious about sun protection. Since I live in San Diego and have fair, sensitive skin, I’m always looking for effective ways to protect myself and my clients.
In that spirit, I’ve hunted down the best sun protective clothing. As I mentioned in my post on the best long sleeve dresses, I like to keep my arms covered during summer.
As a bonus, this helps me even out the discrepancy between my pale legs and slightly darker arms. Of course, it also provides excellent skin protection. Clothing blocks the sun’s harmful rays better than any sunscreen.
In my search for stylish summer items that protect us at the pool, the beach, or on vacation, I’ve discovered the best sun protective clothing.
The Best Sun Protective Clothing
So, what is the best sun protective clothing for women? See below for my top picks!
Island Escape Half Zip Rash Guard and Bikini Bottoms
Island Escape Swim Skirt
This swim skirt offers extra protection for the sensitive skin around our hips and bums. Since these areas rarely see sunlight, they’re more prone to sunburn and sun damage.
Roxy Juniors’ Whole-Hearted Long Sleeve Rashguard
This lovely rash guard from the surer brand Roxy offers excellent sun protection. Note that this is juniors’ sizing. So if you’re not a teenager, it will run very small. Size up 1-2 sizes.
Baleaf UPF Sun Protective Running Jacket
I’ve raved about the high quality of random Amazon brand Baleaf before. In my previous post on the best shorts, their bike shorts made my list. This running jacket is also an affordable hit! It runs true to size.
PHYSICIAN ENDORSED Pitch Perfect Hat
This lovely hat is adjustable. Since the brim is on the smaller side, you won’t feel silly wearing this one when you go indoors.
Foxcroft Plus Seersucker Shirt
This stylish shirt is available in plus sizes 14W-24W. This makes a great swim cover up. I encourage you to wear it with white jeans too. It runs true to size.
Vuori Tee
If you haven’t experienced the soft, comfortable joy that is Vuori, you’re missing out! I haven’t had anyone not love their joggers or tees. This particular top offers great protection for your shoulders and decolletage.
REI Co-op Sahara Shirt
For my outdoorsy ladies, this shirt is ideal for summer hikes. Look at all those pockets! And a sunglass loop? They thought of everything. This is available in plus sizes too. REI has it in XS-3X.
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie
These thumbholes will reach even the longest of arms. It’s also lightweight so you won’t get too warm while wearing this in the unrelenting sun.
FAQ
What is the best cloth to protect from the sun?
Densely woven cloth offers the best protection. Think of denim, canvas, wool, or synthetic fibers, like polyester. These fabrics are more protective than thin or loosely woven cloth. You can check a fabric’s sun safety by holding it to the light. UV radiation can easily penetrate the fabric and reach your skin if you can see through it.
What color fabric is best for sun protection?
Dark or bright colors are best for sun protection.
Darker colors absorb more UV than lighter colors like whites and pastels. This means the UV rays are less likely to reach your skin. But bright colors such as red can also absorb UV rays. If the color is more vivid it is more protective.
For example, a bright yellow shirt is more protective than a pale one. This must be why the unofficial landscapers’ uniform is a lime green tee and blue jeans.
What fabrics block the sun?
Any fabric will provide some protection from the sun. Nylon and polyester are both excellent disrupters of UV light. Thin natural fibers like cotton, rayon, hemp, and linen do not provide as much protection. Silk and wool are moderately good at limiting UV rays. Certain chemicals and dyes can be added to lighter fabrics to transform them into sun protective clothing.
Is sun protective clothing better than sunscreen?
Yes. UV protective clothing works much better than sunscreen.
Final Thoughts on the Best Sun Protective Clothing
The best sun protective clothing is made from tightly woven fabrics that cover as much of your skin as possible. Remember to apply sunscreen too, especially in areas that are still exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Don’t skip your hands and neck. And don’t forget to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
By following these tips, you can stay safe in the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer. So get out there and enjoy the summer weather, knowing that you’re taking steps to protect your skin.
