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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
“I have this set for my daughter — she loves the whimsical design and I love that it keeps her protected,” says NBC Select 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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What is UPF?
UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and it measures a product’s ability to block sunlight. It’s assigned to clothing and accessories, like UPF hats, by how well it keeps out both UVA and UVB rays.
“With UPF, use the number as a denominator. So a UPF of 50 means it will allow only 1/50th of the sun’s rays to penetrate the clothing,” says Dr. Charles Crutchfield III, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “The bigger the number, the better, but most UPF products stop at 50.”
The Skin Cancer Foundation requires clothing to have a UPF rating of 30 or greater to be considered “sun protective.” A UPF of 30 to 49 is considered “very good” protection, and a UPF of 50 or more provides “excellent protection,” says dermatologist Guanche.
Yet not all UPF clothing is created the same, says Marc Hurlbert, Ph.D., and CEO of the Melanoma Research Alliance. “High-quality UPF clothing achieves its sun protection through the fabrics or weaves used to create it and is designed to last the full lifetime of the article of clothing,” he explains, adding that “lower-quality UPF clothing uses a chemical add-on that may become less effective as you wear and wash it.”
How I picked the best UPF clothing and swimwear
While The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a UPF rating of at least 30, I focused on swimwear and clothing with UPF rating of 50 or more. Our experts also recommended looking for pieces with the following:
- A tight weave, since denser material permits less UV rays to pass through.
- Dark colors, which deflect rays better than light colors.
- Materials like polyester, nylon or lightweight satin silks that deflect UV rays
- Quick-drying materials, since research shows that UPF can be less effective when wet.
How to shop for quality UPF clothing and swimwear
The best way to know if a garment is safe and effective at blocking harmful UV rays is to look for the The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, according to experts. The foundation grants this seal to fabrics that have a minimum of 30 UPF on the lightest color in its product range and that also pass a number of tests by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. Our experts also recommend looking for the following:
- UPF 30-50+ rating: Although The Skin Cancer Foundation accepts a minimum of UPF 30, the most optimal level of protection is 50+, says Hurlbert. A UPF rating of 30 means the fabric allows 1/30th, or about 3 percent of UV radiation to pass through. A garment rated UPF 50 permits only 1/50th, or about 2 percent of UV transmission. Any fabric that permits less than 2 percent is labeled UPF 50+.
- Looser fit: Despite what you might think, a looser-fitting garment is more effective at protecting you from the sun, because tighter-fitting material stretches the fabric, allowing more sun in, says Tareen.
- Full coverage: Our experts advise shopping for garments that cover more of your body to maximize sun protection — think long sleeves, high collars and extendable cuffs.
- Tight weave: The denser the fabric, the better it blocks the rays, says Tareen. For a quick visual check, Tareen recommends holding the garment up to the sunlight to gauge its transparency.
- Dark or bright colors: The more intense the hue, the better protection the clothing will provide, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Dark colors, including red, black and navy blue, block more UV rays than lighter colors, like whites and pastels, according to the foundation.
- Type of material: Different types of material matter as well, according to Dr. Naiara Braghiroli, a dermatologist at the Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. For instance, unbleached cotton, rayon, flax and hemp all consist of natural fibers that absorb UV rays, while shiny polyester (yes a win for polyester!), nylon or lightweight satin silks deflect the rays and are considered more protective, she says.
- Quick-drying fabrics: UV protection appears to be less effective when clothes are wet, according to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, so it’s best to invest in a quick-drying material treated with UPF, such as polyester and nylon, say experts.
What other ways can you protect yourself from the sun’s rays?
UPF clothing is the first line of defense against the sun’s harmful rays, experts say. Here are a few other things they recommend you consider when heading outside during months with longer sunlight hours.
- Seek out shade: “This is especially important between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are strongest,” says Hurlbert.
- Wear a hat: Hats with a wide brim are preferable so your neck and ears are covered, says Hurlbert. Like swimwear, the best hats should have a UPF rating of 50+, made of a material that is quick-drying and deflects UV rays.
- Slide on sunglasses: Wear shades as much as possible to protect your eyes and the delicate skin that surrounds them, says Hurlbert.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Anna Guanche is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bella Skin Institute.
- Dr. Mohiba Tareen is a clinical assistant professor of Dermatology at Columbia University.
- Dr. Naiara Braghiroli is a dermatologist at the Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.
- Dr. Marc Hurlbert is CEO of the Melanoma Research Alliance.
Why trust NBC Select?
I have been covering wellness and health care for more than a decade at CNBC and NBC Select, including guides on the best mineral sunscreens, UPF hats, walking shoes, under-eye patches, and more. For this piece, I interviewed five experts and researched dozens of swimwear pieces with UPF 50+. Included are brands recommended by experts, along with those that are highly rated and meet expert shopping guidance.
Bethany Heitman is a commerce editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers utility apparel, beauty, home and lifestyle. She has written about double cleansing, walking shoes, FSA-eligible items and more.
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