



Even if you’re not the type who sunburns easily, being proactive about sun protection is key for your health (skin cancer is largely preventable, people!). Most people probably reach for sunscreen when thinking about how to keep their skin protected, but sun-protective clothing can do some of the hard work for you. And no, I’m not talking about any old T-shirt — UPF clothing, or clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor rating, is a useful tool to have in your arsenal.
The UPF rating on a piece of clothing is an indicator of how much UV radiation it blocks from reaching your skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a UPF rating of at least 30, and a rating of 50+ is even better. One of the perks of UPF clothing is that a lot of it is also formulated to be quick-drying, moisture-wicking, breathable and light — in other words, it’s perfect for being outdoors all day, no matter what you’re doing. Intrigued? Us too. That’s why we’ve tracked down some of the best women’s UPF tops, from hoodies to T-shirts to tanks and everything in between, for all your sun protection needs.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Promising review: "Love the sun protection and coverage for long hikes as well as coverage for gardening (bugs bites rare), and hiking or walking my dog! In hot weather, it feels cooler than most fabrics and great in cooler months b/c I can layer underneath! I am very petite so the medium was a tad bit large, so I bought the next one in small which is great! This is my 3rd one, so I must love it!" — GR
Promising review: "I’m fair skinned and was headed to the Caribbean. Even though I put sunscreen on my face….it’s the only thing that burned. I went scuba diving in this as well as swimming in shallow water. I loved the thumb holes that kept the arms in place and the hood was big enough that it covered my hair without feeling tight. Planning on wearing this for walks this summer as well!" — Caitlyn Sipes
Heads up: This is on major discount right now for a limited time. Just use the "LIGHT" coupon code as directed on the page for up to 75% off at checkout.
Promising review: "I love these shirts, short sleeve or long sleeve. I get compliments on them constantly. They fit nice and loose. The fabric is so cool to the touch and since I work a lot outside, all I need to do is wet the shirt put it on and it’s like instant air conditioning. I even wear them wet in the house. My Internal thermostat Is in overdrive and it is such a comfortable way to cool yourself off and it doesn’t even look wet. It does not even cling to you when it’s wet thank you thank you thank you for this product." — Ellen
Promising review: "Bought one of these for a 2 week camping trip knowing I would need to be protected from lots of sun and bugs. The color was accurate and I loved the thumb holes for extra coverage. The hood came in handy for the campsites with lots of mosquitoes and it was thin enough to fit under a hat. I did not get sunburnt while wearing this and it also dries quickly which is a huge plus for camping needs! I will be buying more!" — EmiLee Hartman
Promising review: "Obsessed! Ive been looking for a great support top for non cardio gym classes and this fits perfect and is so slimming. I’m going back now and buying it in the rest of the colors before it sells out. I’m a 32 DDD and felt supported…again I wouldn’t wear this for high intensity cardio or running but for everything else at the gym it’s perfect!" — Sarah Z
Promising reviews: "I got a Bahama years ago for a trip to the Caribbean, to protect my pasty white Irish skin. I loved it so much I ordered a second. Now I treat myself to one every year. I layer them over T's or performance shirts for hiking, beach wear, boat trips, casual wear (especially eating at outdoor restaurants, thanks to COVID), and just out shopping. I love keeping my phone in the chest pocket. This time, I got the bright Atoll blue color, to go with my new PFG shorts in Atoll and Electric Turquoise. The kids joke that they can see me on the beach when I walk, but that's a good thing. I now have 5 colors and they get 3 seasons of wear. They travel well and unwrinkle quickly, and I've had no issue with stains." — Rose
Promising review: "Great shirt especially for traveling, packs well, no wrinkles, washes and dries easily on the go if needed. Stylish, comfortable, pockets are just the right size to hold credit card, money, small phone. I have received many compliments on the appearance of the shirt. It can go from sporty casual day look to casual evening. Great color selection to match any outfit. I wear them at home, and always travel with several of these shirts. Lasts for years with normal wear. I normally wear a medium or large depending on style, but XL in this shirt." — Deb H
Promising review: "I’ve worn this a couple of times now and I can say it’s worth the price. It’s cool in the summer and has a flattering fit. So far it has held up in the wash and the material isn’t showing any signs of piling." — Amber
Promising review: "I first purchased this top last month, and I have since bought 2 more of the same in different colors. I have a condition which causes topical sensitivity to sunlight, & have tried many “UPF” shirts the past few years. These are the lightest, coolest, most soft & comfortable (+ flattering fit) I have found thus far. I want to reach for one every single day! I am so grateful to have found these, thank you so much!!!" — Lesaly
Promising review: "This is the third tropicwear short-sleeve blouse I've bought. I have the coral, aqua and now the new rhubarb. Very flattering fit, versatile and the vented back keeps you cool in the heat. I can wear it to a restaurant or to walk the dogs. PLEASE come out with a pale yellow next year!" — Boston Red
Promising review: "I bought this originally bc it was on sale and I figured why not try it out? I burn badly, have already had skin cancer at 35, and I really don’t like wearing sunblock. I’ve worn this kayaking, light hiking and dog walking and I absolutely love it to the point I bought other colors at full price. Very comfortable, cooling, and I get absolutely no sun exposure on the skin that it covers. I highly recommend!" — Abby
Promising review: "I never thought I’d be okay spending $60 on a t-shirt, let alone two, but I’m so glad I did! These are sooo soft and very flattering cut. This top has the perfect amount of flow to it. It also doesn’t seem to take on body odor super quick, which is great. I’ll definitely be buying more in the future." — Kelly
Promising review: "Was pleasantly surprised at how nice this top was. Comfortable and stylish. Wore it with jeans out and got multiple compliments and ppl asking where I purchased it. Planning on buying in other colors. Fits true to size and I like the boxy look on me. It is flattering to my not so young but athletic shape." — PhillyGirlGina
Promising review: "Great option for summer work, play, anything. I could see this being a great team workwear. Cooling fabric and sun protection for HOT days…or just a slight touch of warmth on a pleasant day. If it’s really hot, just add water and the fabric is COOLING. I use this for EVERYTHING: garden, hiking, biking, kayaking, beach, concerts, fairs, festivals, errands, lunches out, etc. because I am very fair skinned, and HATE sunscreen. Very comfortable. Fitted, cut, and shaped/tailored nicely. Colors are nice. Wish there were more pattern/design options. I am buying one for everyone in my family for Christmas in July. Going to suggest to the team at work as an option." — MommaJ
Promising review: "I bought this jacket mainly because i am very diligent about sun exposure. I try to have as much skin covered as possible and that can get very tricky when it’s 80°f+ outside. Luckily this jacket is light as a feather and super easy to shove into my bag once I’m out of the sun. It is oversized (as stated in the product description) which i think is beneficial for airflow, but the xs hits right at my wrist at 5’2. I’ve only been sprinkled on in this jacket so i haven’t had any real downpour experience with the water repellence, but so far so good!" — Jessie
Promising review: "This tank is fantastic! I was on the hunt for something that provided coverage, but is light weight and airy. This tank is all that and it's UPF 50. Definitely my new fav summer workout top!" — Heather V
Promising review: "I can't get enough of this shirt! I thought I would only wear it with the matching shorts, but I've worn it with so many other outfits, including non-athleisure ones, too! It makes for the perfect top if you don't want cover up in the sun or in the office. I've worn these with jeans, my exercise dress, a silk dress, jean shorts, etc." — Yevie