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Sunscreen has long been the go to choice for sun protection, but not everyone enjoys using it. Many people dislike the greasy feeling, scent, and need to constantly reapply throughout the day.

An alternative that is often overlooked is UPF clothing. Most of it is outdoor and athletic apparel, but now UPF clothing has a range of everyday styles. Here are some great ones I found, and a few are on sale.

What is UPF and how does it work?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. UPF clothes are designed using specialized weaves that are tight and dense, which helps block out UVA and UVB rays. Synthetic materials like polyester block rays out much more effectively compared to natural materials like cotton, too. Some are even treated with zinc oxide (found in mineral sunscreens), which are embedded in the fibers of the fabric to further improve the UPF rating of the garment.

What’s the difference between UPF and SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It mainly measures the protection against UVB rays (main culprit of sunburns), while UPF measures how much UV rays can penetrate the fabric (UVA and UVB).

Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie - Men’s

This UPF 50 sun protection hoodie features thumbholes, a handy zippered pocket, and scooba hood for extra coverage on the neck. Comes in a few color options.

$75 Buy at Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie - Women’s

The hoodie for women comes in a few fun color options as well.

$75 Buy at Cotopaxi

Columbia Men's PFG Shadowcaster Zero Hoodie

Columbia Men’s PFG Shadowcaster Zero Hoodie

The price for this one is steeper but it has lots of features! With a UPF 50, it has loops in the cuff to keep sleeves in place, glasses wipe sewn into the inside, built in hoodie and neck gaiter with laser cut holes for breathing, a pocket, and wicks sweat away to keep you dry.

$100 Buy at Columbia

Columbia Men's PFG Tamiami II Short Sleeve Shirt

Columbia Men’s PFG Tamiami II Short Sleeve Shirt

For fishing, this button up shirt with a upf of 40 is perfect. The back has a mesh vent mesh, there’s plenty of pockets for gear and tools, even a rod holding loop. There’s a long sleeve version that can secure the sleeves if rolled up.

$50 Buy at Columbia

Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Utility II Long Sleeve Shirt

Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Utility II Long Sleeve Shirt

Hikers looking for a long sleeve button up: go with this. You have a serious UPF 100 with breathable mesh vents and a snap to secure a rolled up sleeve. The pocket has velcro to keep things in place.

$65 Buy at Columbia

Columbia Women's Silver Ridge Utility II Long Sleeve Shirt

Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Utility II Long Sleeve Shirt

The women’s version has a straighter hem in the front and only one chest pocket.

$65 Buy at Columbia

Columbia Women's CSC Soft Stretch Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Columbia Women’s CSC Soft Stretch Short Sleeve T-Shirt

For everyday wear, this tee has a UPF of 50. It’s a soft heather knit made of a poly rayon blend.

$40 Buy at Columbia

Columbia Men's CSC Soft Stretch Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Columbia Men’s CSC Soft Stretch Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Here’s the same shirt for men. It comes in even more colors than the women’s shirt.

$40 Buy at Columbia

Coolibar Women's LumaLeo Wrap with Back Slit

Coolibar Women’s LumaLeo Wrap with Back Slit

Made of cotton and bamboo, this UPF 50+ cardigan is created with zinc oxide treated fibers for better protection from the sun. Has thumbholes and a back slit.

~~$89~~ $45 Buy at Coolibar

Sunitect Men’s Flaig Performance Shorts

These UPF 50+ performance shorts wicks moisture to keep you cool and dry. In addition to front and back pockets, you get a microfiber sunglasses patch for lens cleaning.

~~$79~~ $45 Buy at Coolibar

North Face Women’s Dune Sky 28'' Leggings

The North Face Women’s Dune Sky 28'' Leggings

Built in moisture-wicking materials and anti-odor technology, this buttery soft legging is great for for working out or hiking. It’s got a pocket on the back waist, is made with recycled materials, and has a UPF 40.

~~$80~~ $56 Buy at The North Face

Suntect Women's Valorus Golf Skort with Scallop Detail

Suntect Women’s Valorus Golf Skort with Scallop Detail

Stay cool playing golf with this adorable scalloped hem skort. It has front and back pockets plus inner pockets on the shorts. An antimicrobial finish on the fibers helps eliminate odors to keep you feeling fresh.

~~$69~~ $28 Buy at Suntect

Coolibar Women’s Isla Convertible Wrap

UPF 50+ Designed for the beach, it can be worn multiple ways. It transforms from a skirt to a halter or strapless dress. The wrap tie is adjustable for a better fit.

$89 Buy at Coolibar

Columbia Women’s PFG Freezer Maxi Dress

Columbia’s Omni-Freeze tech keeps you cool and dry with accelerated wicking. This UPF 50 dress has a drawstring waist and pockets, too.

$70 Buy at Columbia

Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap

Hats are a popular UPF accessory. This one has UPF 40 with mesh side panels, a removable cape, and a wicking sweatband. Secure the drawstring under the neck to keep the cape down.

$44 Buy at Outdoor Research

Solbari Shoulder Wrap UPF 50+

Keep your shoulders and arms protected with a wrap. Wear under a short sleeve to add extra coverage. The fabric is cooling, wicks sweat, and breathable with anti odor.

~~$69~~ $59 Buy at Solbari

Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Sleeves

If you feel the wrap is too much, this may be easier for you to get on and off. UPF 50 sleeves keep you protected and cool from the heat with ActiveIce tech, which is a polyester blend approved by Bluesign.

$40 Buy at Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Gloves

Made with the same ActiveIce material, this fingerless glove will protect your hand and has grippy palms. Hands tend to be overlooked, yet show the most obvious signs of aging. Perfect for those who drive, bike, or get gel manicures often. There’s also a full coverage glove option as well.

$35 Buy at Outdoor Research

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