Introduction
When you’re spending time outdoors, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. A good sun shirt can help you stay cool and comfortable while you’re enjoying the outdoors.
In this article, we’ll review the 7 best sun shirts of 2023. We’ll take a look at each shirt’s features, benefits, and drawbacks. We’ll also provide some tips for choosing the right sun shirt for you.
The sun’s rays can cause a variety of problems, including sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. Sun shirts can help protect you from these problems by blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Sun shirts are made from a variety of materials, including synthetic fabrics, cotton, and wool. Synthetic fabrics are often the best choice for sun shirts, as they are lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. Cotton and wool can also be good choices for sun shirts, but they may not be as breathable as synthetic fabrics.
When choosing a sun shirt, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Sun protection: The most important factor to consider is the sun protection factor (SPF) of the shirt. Look for a shirt with an SPF of at least 30.
- Moisture-wicking: A sun shirt should be made from a material that wicks away moisture, so you stay cool and comfortable.
- Breathability: A sun shirt should also be breathable, so you don’t get too hot.
- Fit: The sun shirt should fit you well, so it doesn’t flap in the wind or restrict your movement.
Review of the 7 Best Sun Shirts of 2023
1: Columbia Men’s Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Shirt
Features and Benefits:
- UPF 50 sun protection: The shirt is designed to provide excellent protection against harmful UV rays, with a UPF 50 rating.
- Moisture-wicking fabric: Made from a quick-drying and moisture-wicking fabric, this shirt keeps you cool and comfortable even in hot and humid conditions.
- Omni-Shade technology: The Omni-Shade technology blocks UVA and UVB rays to protect your skin from sun damage.
- Breathable and lightweight: The shirt is lightweight and features breathable material, allowing for enhanced airflow and ventilation.
- Versatile design: Suitable for various outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, or simply for everyday wear.
Pros:
- Excellent sun protection: Users praise the UPF 50 rating, stating that it effectively shields them from the sun’s rays.
- Comfortable fit: Many customers find the shirt to be comfortable, thanks to its lightweight and breathable fabric.
- Durable construction: The shirt is reported to have a sturdy construction, capable of withstanding rigorous outdoor use.
- Stylish design: Customers appreciate the sleek and sporty design of the shirt, making it suitable for both outdoor adventures and casual wear.
Cons:
- Sizing issues: Some users mention that the shirt runs either larger or smaller than expected, so it is advisable to check the sizing chart before purchasing.
- Limited color options: A few customers would have preferred a wider range of color choices for this shirt.
Overall:
The Columbia Men’s Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Shirt is a standout choice for individuals seeking reliable sun protection during outdoor activities. With its UPF 50 rating and Omni-Shade technology, this shirt effectively blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry, even in hot weather, while the breathable and lightweight design adds to the overall comfort.
2: Baleaf Women’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection T-Shirt
Features and Benefits:
- UPF 50+ sun protection: The shirt offers outstanding protection against harmful UV rays, with a UPF 50+ rating, ensuring that your skin stays safe from sunburn and damage.
- Moisture-wicking fabric: Made from moisture-wicking material, this shirt keeps you dry and comfortable by effectively managing sweat and moisture.
- Breathable and lightweight: The breathable fabric allows for enhanced airflow, keeping you cool even during intense outdoor activities.
- Flatlock seam design: The shirt is designed with flatlock seams that minimize chafing and irritation, providing added comfort during prolonged wear.
- Versatile design: The simple and sleek design of the shirt makes it suitable for various outdoor activities, sports, or as a casual everyday option.
Pros:
- Effective sun protection: Users appreciate the high UPF 50+ rating, stating that it effectively shields their skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Comfortable fit: The shirt is praised for its comfortable and lightweight feel, allowing for unrestricted movement during activities.
- Quick-drying: Customers note that the moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly, making it ideal for hot and humid conditions or sweaty workouts.
- Versatile style: Many users appreciate the versatile design that allows the shirt to be worn for both outdoor activities and casual occasions.
Cons:
- Sizing discrepancies: Some customers mention that the sizing of the shirt may run small or large, so it is recommended to refer to the sizing chart or consider sizing up/down accordingly.
- Limited color options: A few users express a desire for more color choices to suit their personal preferences.
Overall:
The Baleaf Women’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection T-Shirt is highly regarded for its effective sun protection, comfort, and versatility. With its UPF 50+ rating and moisture-wicking fabric, it provides reliable protection against UV rays while keeping you cool and dry. The flatlock seam design adds to the overall comfort by minimizing chafing during extended wear.
3: Patagonia Men’s Tropic Comfort Hoody II
Features and Benefits:
- Sun Protection: The hoody is made from a lightweight and breathable polyester/spandex blend fabric that offers UPF 50+ sun protection, shielding you from harmful UV rays.
- Moisture-Wicking: The fabric is designed to wick away moisture and sweat from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable even in hot and humid conditions.
- Quick-Drying: The hoody dries quickly, making it convenient for activities that involve water or sweat.
- Adjustable Hood: The hood has a drawcord for adjustability, allowing you to customize the fit and coverage to your preference.
- Thumbholes: It features thumbholes on the sleeves, providing extra coverage and protection for the back of your hands.
- Zippered Chest Pocket: The hoody has a zippered chest pocket for secure storage of small items like keys, cards, or a phone.
- Odor Control: The fabric is treated with Polygiene® permanent odor control, reducing the growth of odor-causing bacteria, even with prolonged use.
- Fair Trade Certified™: Patagonia is committed to ethical manufacturing practices, and the Tropic Comfort Hoody II is Fair Trade Certified™, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for the people who made it.
Pros:
- Versatility: The hoody is versatile and suitable for various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and climbing.
- Lightweight and Breathable: The fabric is lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable to wear in hot weather.
- Sun Protection: The UPF 50+ rating provides excellent sun protection, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
- Comfortable Fit: The hoody has a relaxed fit that allows for freedom of movement and offers a comfortable wearing experience.
- Functional Design: The zippered chest pocket and thumbholes add convenience and functionality to the hoody.
- Environmentally Conscious: Patagonia is known for its commitment to sustainability and minimizing environmental impact, making this hoody a good choice for eco-conscious individuals.
Cons:
- Limited Color Options: The available color options may be limited compared to other clothing items.
- Price: Patagonia products, including the Tropic Comfort Hoody II, tend to be more expensive compared to some other brands. However, the quality and ethical manufacturing practices can justify the higher price.
Overall:
The Patagonia Men’s Tropic Comfort Hoody II is a high-quality and versatile outdoor garment that offers sun protection, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying properties. With its comfortable fit and functional design, it is well-suited for various warm-weather activities. While it may have a higher price point and limited color options, the hoody’s performance, sustainability initiatives, and ethical manufacturing make it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts.
4: Coolibar Women’s Sun Shirt
Features and Benefits:
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection: The sun shirt is made from a fabric that provides UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking over 98% of UV rays. This helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage.
- Moisture-Wicking: The fabric is moisture-wicking, meaning it pulls moisture away from the skin and helps keep you dry and comfortable.
- Lightweight and Breathable: The sun shirt is lightweight and breathable, allowing for airflow and ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Quick-Drying: The fabric dries quickly, making it suitable for water activities or sweaty workouts.
- Flatlock Seams: The shirt features flatlock seams, which minimize chafing and increase comfort, especially during prolonged wear or intense activities.
- Thumbholes and Long Sleeves: Some models may include thumbholes and long sleeves for added sun protection and coverage for the hands and arms.
- Versatile Design: The sun shirt is designed for outdoor activities such as hiking, running, swimming, or gardening, but it can also be worn casually for everyday sun protection.
Pros:
- Excellent Sun Protection: With its UPF 50+ rating, the sun shirt provides outstanding sun protection, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
- Comfortable and Lightweight: The lightweight and breathable fabric, combined with flatlock seams, ensures a comfortable fit and prevents discomfort during movement.
- Moisture-Wicking and Quick-Drying: The moisture-wicking properties of the fabric keep you dry and comfortable, and the quick-drying feature is convenient for water-based activities.
- Versatility: The sun shirt’s versatile design allows it to be worn for a range of outdoor activities or as a casual sun-protective garment.
- Long Sleeves and Thumbholes: The inclusion of long sleeves and thumbholes adds extra coverage and protection for the hands and arms.
Cons:
- Limited Color Options: The available color options may be limited compared to other clothing brands.
- Sizing: Some users may find that the sizing runs small or may need to refer to the size chart to ensure the right fit. It is recommended to check the sizing information before purchasing.
Overall:
The Coolibar Women’s Sun Shirt is a reliable and sun-protective garment that offers UPF 50+ sun protection, moisture-wicking properties, and a lightweight design. It provides comfort, versatility, and the convenience of quick-drying fabric. While the available color options may be limited, and some users may need to pay attention to sizing, the sun shirt’s overall performance and sun protection make it a popular choice for women seeking reliable UV protection during outdoor activities.
5: Under Armour Men’s Sunblock Shirt
Features and Benefits:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Quick-drying
- Relaxed fit
- Available in a variety of colors
Pros:
- Provides excellent sun protection
- Lightweight and breathable
- Quick-drying
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the shirt is too short
- The fabric can be a bit clingy
Overall:
The Under Armour Men’s Sunblock Shirt is a great option for those looking for a lightweight, breathable shirt that provides excellent sun protection. It is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and running. The shirt is also affordable, making it a great value for the price.
6: Outdoor Research Women’s Echo Sun Shirt
Features and Benefits:
- UPF 15+ Sun Protection: The shirt is made from a fabric that offers UPF 15+ sun protection, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Lightweight and Breathable: The fabric is lightweight and breathable, allowing for airflow and ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable in hot weather.
- Moisture-Wicking: The moisture-wicking properties of the fabric help keep you dry by pulling moisture away from your skin.
- Quick-Drying: The fabric dries quickly, making it convenient for activities that involve water or sweat.
- Flat Seam Construction: The shirt features flat seam construction to minimize chafing and enhance comfort, especially during prolonged wear or active movements.
- Raglan Sleeves: The raglan sleeves are designed for enhanced mobility and freedom of movement, allowing you to engage in various activities comfortably.
- Polygiene® Odor Control: The shirt is treated with Polygiene® odor control, which helps to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria and keep the shirt smelling fresh.
Pros:
- Sun Protection: The UPF 15+ rating provides decent sun protection, reducing the risk of sunburn and protecting against long-term skin damage.
- Lightweight and Breathable: The lightweight and breathable fabric make it comfortable to wear in hot and humid conditions.
- Moisture-Wicking and Quick-Drying: The moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties help keep you dry and comfortable during activities that involve sweat or water.
- Comfortable Fit: The shirt’s raglan sleeves and flat seam construction enhance comfort and allow for a wide range of motion.
- Odor Control: The Polygiene® odor control treatment helps to keep the shirt fresh, even during prolonged use.
Cons:
- Limited Sun Protection: The UPF 15+ rating offers moderate sun protection but may be insufficient for extended sun exposure or for individuals with sensitive skin. It’s recommended to supplement sun protection with additional measures such as sunscreen or sun hats.
- Limited Color Options: The available color options may be limited compared to other clothing brands.
Overall:
The Outdoor Research Women’s Echo Sun Shirt is a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable garment that provides sun protection, moisture-wicking properties, and quick-drying capabilities. While the sun protection level may not be as high as some other sun shirts, it still offers a decent level of protection. The shirt’s comfort, versatility, and odor control make it a suitable choice for various outdoor activities, particularly in warm and sunny conditions.
7: Nike Men’s UV Sun Protection Golf Shirt
The Nike Men’s UV Sun Protection Golf Shirt is a great option for golfers who want to stay cool and protected from the sun. The shirt is made with a lightweight, breathable fabric that wicks away sweat, and it has a UPF 50+ rating to block out harmful UV rays. The shirt also features a relaxed fit and a comfortable collar, making it ideal for all-day wear.
Features and Benefits:
- Lightweight, breathable fabric
- UPF 50+ protection
- Relaxed fit
- Comfortable collar
Pros:
- Keeps you cool and comfortable in hot weather
- Protects you from harmful UV rays
- Durable and long-lasting
- Stylish design
Cons:
- Can be a bit pricey
- Not as wrinkle-resistant as some other shirts
Overall:
The Nike Men’s UV Sun Protection Golf Shirt is a great option for golfers who want to stay cool and protected from the sun. It’s made with a lightweight, breathable fabric that wicks away sweat, and it has a UPF 50+ rating to block out harmful UV rays. The shirt also features a relaxed fit and a comfortable collar, making it ideal for all-day wear.
Final Verdict
Recommendation for Different Activities and Preferences:
- Fishing and Outdoor Activities: For fishing and outdoor activities, the Columbia Men’s Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Shirt and the Patagonia Men’s Tropic Comfort Hoody II are suitable choices. They offer UPF 50 sun protection, moisture-wicking properties, and versatile designs.
- Outdoor Sports and Active Lifestyle: The Baleaf Women’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection T-Shirt and the Coolibar Women’s Sun Shirt are recommended options. Both shirts provide UPF 50+ sun protection, moisture-wicking properties, and comfortable designs for active movements.
- Versatile and Everyday Wear: The Patagonia Men’s Tropic Comfort Hoody II and the Outdoor Research Women’s Echo Sun Shirt are versatile options that can be worn for various outdoor activities or as casual sun-protective garments. They offer sun protection, moisture-wicking properties, and comfort.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, all the mentioned sun protection shirts offer specific features and benefits to cater to different activities and preferences. The Columbia Men’s Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Shirt is ideal for fishing and outdoor activities, while the Baleaf Women’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection T-Shirt suits outdoor sports and active lifestyles. The Patagonia Men’s Tropic Comfort Hoody II and the Coolibar Women’s Sun Shirt offer versatility and can be worn for various activities.
The Outdoor Research Women’s Echo Sun Shirt provides lightweight sun protection with breathability. Unfortunately, specific information about the Under Armour Men’s Sunblock Shirt and the Nike Men’s UV Sun Protection Golf Shirt is not available. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preferences, the level of sun protection required, and the specific activities you’ll engage in.
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