If there’s something all dermatologists agree on, it’s the vital importance of protecting our skin from the sun. While daily sunscreen application is essential, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing can offer an additional layer of defense, especially if you’ll be spending extended time outside.
Below, we’ll explore everything you ever wanted to know about UPF clothing, including how it helps to block damaging ultraviolet rays and what features to look for when selecting the best sun-protective options for yourself, your children and everyone in between. With the help of board-certified dermatologists, Shop TODAY editors have included some of the best sun-protective clothing pieces available.
Whether you’re planning a beach vacation or enhancing your daily sun care routine, our expert-backed tips will show you how to seamlessly incorporate UPF clothing into your wardrobe to maximize your sun protection while maintaining comfort and style.
What is UPF clothing?
UPF is essentially the clothing version of SPF.
“A UPF rating is given to fabrics that protect you from the sun and indicates what fraction of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate a piece of fabric,” said Matthew Mahlberg, a Colorado-based dermatologist and spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation. “A UPF rating is based on the construction, weight and color of the fabric in question.”
Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a Harvard-trained, board-certified dermatologist, likens UPF to wearing sunscreen in the form of clothing. “UPF clothing is great because unlike sunscreens which you have to reapply and can be washed off with water and sweat, UPF clothing maintains its effectiveness in the water and after washing.”
When using UPF clothing as a form of sun protection, the fabric must be durable and tightly woven in order to be effective. “The tightness of the fabric decreases spaces between the fibers that UV rays can pass through,” said New York-based dermatologist Hadley King. "Different materials are better at deflecting UV rays, such as polyester and nylon, because of their molecular structure.”
Experts additionally note that typical every day, non-UPF clothing is not tightly woven enough to provide necessary protection from the sun without the use of sunblock. "A plain white T-shirt only has a UPF of about seven. When that T-shirt gets wet, it provides a UPF of only three,” Mahlberg explained. “It’s also important to consider how much skin you’re covering. Basically, the more skin you cover, the better.”
What features should you look for in UPF clothing?
"For activewear and swimwear, moisture-wicking fabrics are essential to keep you cool and dry, while quick-drying materials ensure comfort during and after water activities," says Shannon Savage and Laura Low Ah Kee, co-founders of swimwear brand Left On Friday. "Additionally, you should look for chlorine and saltwater-resistant fabrics to ensure effectiveness over time."
Dermatologist-approved UPF clothing
This shawl is great sun protection for whatever activities you have in mind, whether you want to lay it over your legs as you sit or cover your shoulders as you walk.
“Coolibar specializes in UPF clothing and has a mission to promote an outdoor healthy lifestyle, safely,” says King. “They have been innovators in the UPF clothing area for more than 20 years.”
“UV Skinz specializes in UPF 50+ clothing for men, women, boys, girls and babies,” says King. “Their fabrics are third-party clinically tested to block 98% of UVA and UVB rays and they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.”
Whether you like to surf or simply want a little extra protection during a beach day with the kids, this swim shirt fits the bill.
Los Angeles-based medical aesthetician Candace Marino loves that Solbari features plenty of styles and colors, making it easily wearable for all.
“Solbari offers a wide variety of UPF clothing for women, men, children and babies, and all of their items are made of UPF 50+ fabric,” says Marino. “In addition to swimwear and sportswear, their range includes casual and workwear, making their offerings more than just outdoor and activewear.”
This long sleeve swim top is a great way to enjoy a day at the beach or pool without worrying about reapplying your sunscreen every time you get out the water.
“Lilly Pulitzer is known for its bright colors and flattering summer designs but they also offer plenty of UPF approved clothing including workout leggings, skorts, dresses and more,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry.
“I really enjoy their UPF collection because they have the highest UPF rating of 50 and the fabric is antimicrobial to help reduce odor while sweating," she adds.
This shirt is the perfect throw-on top to run errands or hit the tennis courts with its UPF 50+ sun protection, moisture-wicking fabric and promised all-day comfort.
While L.L. Bean is known for its stylish and casual activewear, the brand also has a good amount of UPF clothing for all genders and ages.
“I like their UPF clothing collection because of the versatility and wide variety of styles for men and women,” Henry says. “Their clothing is also Bluesign-approved to ensure responsible and sustainable manufacturing.”
Editor-loved UPF clothing to shop
"If you’re looking at it sans placement on heads, you’re probably thinking it is a little sporty looking," admits editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz. "But when you put it on and see how sleek the brim is, you feel like you’re having a fashionista moment. I’m going on a hike at the end of the month and will probably wear this hat because it has an adjustable strap and I’m not about to get an unexpected breeze rip away my protection!"
"This UPF jacket is lightweight, sleek and comfortable," says associate editor Shannon Garlin. "I like that it can easily fold up into a backpack and is lightweight enough to wear in warmer climates while protecting your skin."
"I’ve been trying to wear hats more outside to prevent further freckling and dark spots from sun exposure and this is gonna be my go-to beach hat," says Garlin. "The brim is wide to full shade your face and I love that it’s reversible. I got the black version but when you flip it, it’s beige — you basically get two hats in one."
My favorite clothing hack: getting children's sizes. Not only are they available in fun, distinct designs, but they're oftentimes more affordable than women's sizing.
I've [Hoeger] been wearing this rain jacket under drizzles and thunderstorms alike for the past five years and it has yet to waver. It has a truly resistant material that keeps you dry, as well as binding at the waist and wrists that seems to "seal" openings shut.
"It has several design factors that make it even better for sun protection, with a roomy hood and sleeves that partly go over your hands," says partnerships associate editor Lauren Witonsky. "It’s lightweight and has multiple zippered pockets, which makes it good for outdoor activities."
"You can really feel the quality of Left on Friday’s suits when you put them on," says social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo. "You feel secure and confident because the fabric is just that good. I wore mine for an active weekend at the beach and loved how secure I felt in my suit."
Editor's note: Although we interviewed the Left On Friday co-founders, our choice to include their products was editorially independent.
Why do I need UPF clothing?
UPF clothing is essential for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Acting as a physical barrier, UPF clothing blocks out damaging radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn, skin damage and even skin cancer. Dermatologist Dr. Cheri Frey explains, “Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can cause skin inflammation and damage to the DNA of your skin cells. After intense exposure or repeated exposure, this damage accumulates and may lead to skin cancer.”
This damage can expedite the skin’s aging process and also cause issues with pigmentation. Frey continues, “Additionally, UVR can lead to discoloration and wrinkles by stimulating your pigment-making cells and breaking down your skin proteins such as collagen. This is known as photoaging.”
The major benefit of UPF clothing is that it provides continuous protection, making it perfect for spending extended periods of time outdoors while participating in activities like going to the beach or hiking. Frey explains, “UPF clothing is very effective at creating a barrier between your skin and the sun” and “it does not need to be reapplied like sunscreen.”
If you’re looking to protect yourself from skin cancer, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends looking for clothing with a UPF of at least 30.
UPF vs. SPF
UPF and SPF are both important measures of protection against the sun’s harmful rays, but they apply to different types of products. While many are familiar with SPF, which indicates the effectiveness of sunscreen in shielding the skin from UVB rays, fewer may know about UPF, which measures the efficacy of clothing or fabric in blocking UV rays.
Simply put, UPF is tailored for clothing and SPF is tailored for sunscreen. “UPF measures how much sunlight gets through the clothing. Using both broad-spectrum SPF (which covers UVA and UVB) and UPF clothing together provides the ultimate protection,” explains Frey.
Mina adds, “UPF clothing is rated just like sunscreens. The most effective UPF clothing will have a rating of 50 or higher which means that it has been tested to keep out 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.”
And while you have to reapply sunscreen multiple times during days in the sun, wearing UPF clothing is constant, nonstop protection. And, no matter how many times you wash it or wear it, the protection remains.
“UPF clothing will last the entire lifetime of the garment,” says Haskell Beckham, VP of innovation at Columbia Sportswear. “It’s engineered into the fiber, yarn, and fabric structure of the product, so UPF sun protection won’t wash off, rub off or wear out.”
In addition, Beckham adds that wearing UPF clothing “requires nothing more than what most people do every day...get dressed.” It’s as simple and easy as that!
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
We interviewed dermatologists, product managers and more to gain insight on UPF clothing, how it differs from SPF sun protection — and what you should be looking for in terms of clothing. Then, we polled Shop TODAY editors on their go-to UPF clothing items that they've been relying on for many summers.
Meet the experts
- Haskell Beckham is the vice president of innovation at Columbia Sportswear.
- Roselyn Bruns is the senior product manager for REI Co-op Brands Material.
- Dr. Cheri Frey is a board-certified dermatologist, assistant professor of dermatology at Howard University, and chair of the dermatology section of the National Medical Association.
- Dr. Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.
- Dr. Thy Huynh is a board certified adult and pediatric dermatologist and member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology.
- Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
- Dr. Matthew J. Mahlberg is a board-certified dermatologist who recently served as President of the Colorado Dermatologic Society and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Colorado.
- Dr. Mary Alice Mina is a board-certified dermatologist and adjunct assistant professor of dermatology at Emory University.
- Candace Marino is a celebrity esthetician known as the LA Facialist.
- Shannon Savage and Laura Low Ah Kee are the co-founders of swimwear brand Left On Friday.
