Best Sun Protection Shirts of 2026

Move over sunburns, heat exhaustion, and sunscreen sweat—sun shirts are the newest solar antidote. Our current number one pick for most outdoor adventures is Mountain Hardwear's Crater Lake Hoody, which we found to be both very comfortable and protective. With full upper-body coverage (our picks are all hooded), UPF ratings that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and breathable fabrics, sun shirts can keep you cool and comfortable even on the warmest days. We’ve been testing these versatile pieces since late 2022, and below are our current favorites, which cover a wide range of activities and conditions.
 

Our Team's Sun Shirt Picks

• Best Overall Sun Shirt: Men's Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake & Women's MH Crater Lake
• Best Budget Sun Shirt: Men's REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie & Women's Sahara Shade
• Best Sun Shirt for Running: Men's Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie & Women's Echo
• Best Sun Shirt for Climbing: Men's Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro & Women's Alpenglow
• Our Other Favorite Sun Protection Shirts
• Tested and Dismissed Sun Protection Shirts
• Sun Protection Shirt Comparison Table
• About Our Testing Process
• How to Choose a Sun Protection Shirt

Best Overall Sun Shirt

Men's Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake & Women's MH Crater Lake Hoody ($79)

UPF: 50+
Materials: 88% polyester, 12% elastane
Weight: 5.9 oz. men's, 5.3 oz. women's
What we like: Buttery-soft, stretchy fabric; highly protective feature set.
What we don’t: Some might want a thinner, looser-fitting, or better-ventilated shirt.

Selecting our top pick is never easy, but Mountain Hardwear’s Crater Lake Hoody puts it all together with a class-leading combination of value, performance, and style. Next to the reasonable price, our favorite thing about the Crater Lake is the fabric, which is buttery soft and comfortable against the skin. And although it fits snugly (particularly around our arms), the polyester-elastane blend has just the right amount of stretch and offers a cooling effect we just can’t get enough of. Tack on a helmet-compatible hood, thumb loops, and unique men’s and women’s styles, and the Crater Lake was an obvious choice for our favorite sun hoodie of the year.

But while we’re big fans of the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody, some will benefit from a more purpose-built design. Most significantly, hikers or those prone to sweating might want a thinner, looser-fitting, or better-ventilated shirt like the Outdoor Research Echo below. We’ve found the lighter colors serviceable for warm-weather hiking, but those who run warm may be underwhelmed by breathability and odor resistance. And for climbing, we don’t love the women’s version, which features a hem drawcord and zippered pocket that add bulk and don’t pair well with a backpack hipbelt or climbing harness. But it’s hard to argue with Mountain Hardwear's balance of comfort, features, and protection (its UPF rating of 50+ is the highest given), earning it our top spot for this season.
Read more: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody review
See the Men's MH Crater Lake Hoody  See the Women's MH Crater Lake Hoody
 

Best Budget Sun Shirt

Men's REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie & Women's Sahara Shade Hoodie ($60)

UPF: 50+
Materials: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
Weight: 8.8 oz. men's, 6.4 oz. women's
What we like: Comfortable and low-priced; hidden hood cinch.
What we don’t: Scoop hem on women’s version isn’t ideal for wearing under a harness or hipbelt.

As evidenced by our more premium picks below, sun shirts can get expensive. If you’re looking to save, REI’s Sahara Shade Hoodie is one of the lowest-priced options here and high on value. The polyester and spandex blend is super soft and stretchy, even after multiple washings, and it has a bit of the natural cooling effect we love. What’s more, the hood design is one of the best we’ve seen, with a hidden cinch that stays out of the way but still allows you to batten down the hatches in windy conditions. Tack on effective antimicrobial treatment and low-profile thumbholes, and REI’s sun hoodie is an excellent choice for low-output, mild-weather hiking.

Compared to thinner shirts like the Outdoor Research Echo below, the Sahara Shade traps more heat and dries more slowly. As a result, it’s not in our rotation for fast-paced activities like running or speedy hiking, nor do we choose it for most days on the water (unless we want the cooling effect of a wet shirt). But the flip side to the tight weave is excellent UV resistance, and we’re big fans of the Sahara’s aesthetic, which is calm, cool, and relaxed. On that note, the women’s version does have a stylish scoop hem, which we’ve found to be flattering but not the best pairing with a backpack or climbing harness. All told, the Sahara Shade is a nicely casual, well-rounded, and affordable sun protection shirt, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s available in a wide range of sizes, including men’s tall and women’s plus sizes.
See the Men's REI Sahara Shade Hoodie  See the Women's REI Sahara Shade Hoodie
 

Best Sun Shirt for Running

Men's Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie & Women's OR Echo Hoodie ($85)

UPF: 15/20
Material: 100% polyester
Weight: 5.3 oz. men's, 3.9 oz. women's
What we like: Lightweight and breathable; lots of sizes and color options.
What we don’t: Fabric is prone to pilling and snagging. 

For running, you’ll want a lightweight and breathable sun hoodie, and Outdoor Research’s Echo Hoodie fits the bill nicely. At just over 5 ounces and featuring an incredibly thin, 100% polyester build, the Echo breathes and wicks moisture better than most of the competition, making it an obvious choice for sweat-inducing activities like running, hiking, and biking (it’s also one of our favorites for quick spring ski mountaineering trips). You also get good odor control with OR’s ActiveFresh treatment, which we’ve found to be effective. And with availability in six sizes for men and 10 for women (including plus sizes from 1X to 4X), along with plenty of colors and patterns to choose from, there’s likely an Echo for you.

The Echo is one of our go-to sun shirts for summer running, but it does have a few shortcomings. While lightweight, the fabric is far from our favorite: It’s prone to pilling and snagging and lacks the soft next-to-skin feel of offerings like the Crater Lake and REI Sahara Shade above. Speaking of Crater Lake, that hoody technically edges it out by an ounce in weight, though we’ve found OR’s fabric to be more porous, and the looser cut helps keep air moving. The Echo also has a low UPF rating (20 for the darker colors and 15 for the lighter options), which again falls short of the Crater Lake's UPF 50+ coverage. But 95% sun protection is better than 0%, which is what you’ll get when your thicker sun hoodie heats up too much to handle. All told, for a simple and breathable sun shirt for running in hot conditions, the OR is hard to beat.
See the Men's OR Echo Hoodie  See the Women's OR Echo Hoodie
 

Best Sun Shirt for Climbing

Men's Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro & Women's Alpenglow Pro Hoody ($149)

UPF: 40+
Materials: 92% nylon, 8% elastane
Weight: 8.0 oz. men's, 6.7 oz. women's
What we like: Added durability and features for life in the vertical world.
What we don’t: Pricey and overbuilt for most.

Sun hoodies have long been popular among climbers, as almost nothing intensifies the sun’s rays like a sheer rock face. And while any shirt here will do, there are some additional details that are very beneficial for climbing, such as extra-durable (but still incredibly soft) materials, zippered pockets, a hood that slides over a helmet, and added ventilation. Black Diamond’s Alpenglow Pro checks all of those boxes and then some, making it a runaway choice for our favorite climbing-centric design. And while most sun shirts use polyester, the Alpenglow Pro is built with a stretchy, highly mobile nylon (treated with a DWR finish) for better abrasion and moisture resistance.

It’s true that the Alpenglow Pro is pricey, and the rock-ready feature set will be overkill for most. But for the monkeys among us, it’s the real deal: We’ve worn the Black Diamond for several years of heavy use, and it’s held up incredibly well with only minor piling at the waist from our harness/hipbelt. We also love the 1/4-length zipper for dumping heat on hot summer granite, and the underarm mesh panels (treated for odor resistance) are a nice bonus that most sun shirts lack. Finally, it’s worth noting that despite sharing the same name as the Alpenglow Pro, BD’s standard Alpenglow Hoody has a cheaper and more abrasive feel and lacks the features, breathability, and durability that make the Pro our top climbing pick. 
See the Men's Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro  See the Women's BD Alpenglow Pro
 

Our Other Favorite Sun Protection Shirts
 

Premium Synthetic Sun Hoodie

Men's Arc’teryx Cormac Hoody & Women's Arc'teryx Sunna Hoody ($90)

UPF: 40+
Material: 100% polyester
Weight: 6 oz. men's, 4.6 oz. women's
What we like: Soft, breathable, quick to dry, and has the premium feel we’ve come to expect from Arc’teryx.
What we don’t: Hood works best with a helmet or ball cap underneath; fabric is prone to sagging at the waist. 

Arc’teryx’s offerings are consistently premium in both feel and performance, and the Cormac and women’s Sunna are no exception. Like the OR Echo above, the Cormac and Sunna are lightweight sun shirts ideal for hot conditions, made from 100% polyester fabric that’s thin, wicks moisture well, and dries quickly. But unlike paper-thin shirts like the Echo above, the Cormac and Sunna are also cozy and soft next to the skin. Most of the details are well sorted, including low-profile seams, a hood that pairs nicely with a helmet, a high collar for maximum coverage, and effective water-resistant and anti-odor treatments. As a result, they're among the first sun shirts we reach for, whether we’re backpacking, backcountry skiing, paddleboarding, or climbing.

Arc'teryx recently updated the Cormac to add a laminated brim to the hood, which helps it retain its shape. One of our gripes with the last version was the hood's floppiness, so we're glad to see this change. That said, we still have some minor gripes. Their fabric is prone to sagging, especially around the waist, which helps keep air moving but can fold and pinch underneath a harness. And the thumb loops have a somewhat rigid strip of fabric on the interior separating the thumb and pointer finger, which led to visible irritation after a day and a half of continued wear. Overall, we think Arc’teryx nailed most of the core details, including excellent comfort, breathability, and moisture-wicking capabilities, earning the Cormac and Sunna a respectable finish on our list this season.
See the Men's Arc'teryx Cormac Hoody  See the Women's Arc'teryx Sunna Hoody
 

Quality Merino Sun Hoodie with Features

Men's Ridge Merino Solstice Pro & Women's Solstice Pro Lightweight ($100)

UPF: 35+
Materials: 87% merino wool, 13% nylon
Weight: 8.4 oz. men's, 7 oz. women's
What we like: A comfortable merino sun hoodie with a pocket and zipper.
What we don’t: Pocket is small and can be hard to find in stock.

Ridge Merino makes some of our favorite merino baselayers, and their Solstice Pro Lightweight Hoodie is another great design from the brand. Aside from its comfort and softness, we like the thoughtful features that set it apart from similar designs. The zippered pocket on the chest offers storage for small items like lip balm, and the half zipper is great for managing insulation. The hood is well-appointed and can be cinched down for greater coverage, and the thumb loops round out the design nicely. The fabric is thin enough to promote airflow, but we suggest sizing up if you want a flowier feel. Size down for a tighter, baselayer-like fit. We also like Ridge Merino for their pricing: Though the Solstice Pro isn’t the least expensive option on this list, it’s a reasonable price for a merino layer. 

The Solstice offers all the benefits of merino wool, including excellent temperature regulation, supreme next-to-skin comfort, and superior odor resistance compared to synthetics. That said, merino is less durable than synthetic materials, so you’ll want to be careful rock climbing or bushwhacking in this layer. We have some smaller gripes, too, including the pocket's size, which doesn’t accommodate larger items. Ridge Merino’s goods can also be tough to find at times, and go out of stock quickly. At the time of publication, the men’s version of the Solstice Pro is out of stock, though you can sign up to be notified when it's restocked. So long as these aren’t dealbreakers for you, the Solstice Pro is a great option with several premium touchpoints.
See the Men's Ridge Merino Solstice Pro  See the Women's Ridge Merino Solstice Pro
 

Solid All-Arounder at a Good Price

Men's Patagonia Capilene Cool Sun & Women's Capilene Cool Sun Hoody ($89)

UPF: 40+
Material: 100% polyester jersey
Weight: 6.2 oz. men's, 5 oz. women's
What we like: A breezy, durable design at a good price.
What we don’t: Not a standout in any particular way.

Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Sun Hoodie is Patagonia’s answer to the complaints the Cool Daily Hoody received. Namely, the Cool Daily didn’t do a good job blocking UV rays, and folks were coming home from the river or mountains burnt. The Cool Sun Hoodie, however, has a UPF rating of 40+, and it kept us safe from the sun during several canoeing and hiking trips around British Columbia's Vancouver Island. Made with 100% polyester, the Cool Sun Hoodie is also soft against the skin and wicks sweat well. And if you get it wet, it dries quickly. There are a few features to note, too, including a button on the collar that provides more neck coverage, and a zippered pocket on the chest for the men’s version and under the arm for the women’s version. Overall, it’s a simple, all-around sun hoodie that can keep up in most situations. 

We had very few complaints with this design in testing. Even durability was on point, though we could see it snagging on abrasive surfaces like granite or sharp sticks (we didn’t experience any issues in testing). The 100% polyester material also isn’t the most mobile (we like a little elastane in the mix), but we didn’t feel restricted when wearing it. It’s a nice upgrade from the super-simple design of the Crater Lake above, but other than that, it’s not a standout in any particular area. Even at midrange price, it's lower than the premium competition but far from a budget pick. But we also feel like it’s an option you can’t go wrong with. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the options, it’s a safe bet for most outdoor adventures.
See the Men's Patagonia Capilene Cool  See the Women's Patagonia Capilene Cool
 

A Versatile and Stylish Merino Hoodie

Men's Ibex Springbok Sun Hoodie & Women's Springbok Sun Hoodie ($150)

UPF: 35+
Materials: 83% merino, 12% nylon, 5% elastane
Weight: 6.5 oz. men's, 5.5 oz. women's
What we like: A soft, flowy, and breathable merino sun hoodie that works well for casual use, too.
What we don’t: Expensive.

Ibex’s Springbok Sun Hoodie is our editor’s go-to pick for most outdoor adventures, be that hiking, biking, or springtime ski mountaineering. This hoodie checks most of our boxes for the ideal layer: The high dose of merino makes it soft against the skin, the fabric is thin and breathable, and it has a long, flowy cut and a generous hood that provides ample coverage for long days in the sun. The Springbok also works well for casual use, with a flattering button closure at the neck and a nice selection of colors. Additionally, the merino build prevents the hoodie from holding a stink, so you can go straight from the trail to the brewery or for a bite without having to change. Simply put, the Springbok has a lot going for it, and it’s proved itself a very capable quiver-of-one hoodie.

The most obvious downside to this layer is its price, which is the highest in this list. And after a year of consistent wear (think several long-distance backpacking trips, 70+ miles of trail running, and a few mountaineering trips in the North Cascades), the Springbok has become less soft and is pilling in high-wear areas, such as along the shoulders where backpack straps rest. That said, it’s maintained its shape well, and there are no holes anywhere. Its durability has impressed us among merino sun hoodies (the generous dose of nylon helps). So long as you’re willing to spend up for it, the Springbok is an excellent choice and likely to last longer than many budget picks.
See the Men's Ibex Springbok Sun Hoodie  See the Women's Ibex Springbok Sun Hoodie
 

Jacket-Like Sun Hoodie

Men's OR Astroman Air Full-Zip & Women's OR Astroman Air Full-Zip ($135)

UPF: 30+
Materials: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
Weight: 6.5 oz. men’s, 5.6 oz. women’s
What we like: The full-zip style makes for easy wear, and the two zippered hand pockets are convenient.
What we don’t: Not the most breathable material; no thumb loops.
 
The Astroman Full-Zip Sun Hoodie is new to the Astroman family this year, and what an excellent addition it has proven to be. No more wrestling with slinky material or getting your head stuck in a hood trying to wrestle a shirt over your wet or sweaty body, just throw this sun hoodie on over a bathing suit, tank top, or sports bra, and you're good to go. Made with the same material as the half-zip Astroman Air, the full-zip adds a minor amount of bulk with a full-length front zip and two zippered hand pockets (the Astroman Air has one zippered chest pocket). We've been thrilled with the utility, fit, and range of motion in the full-zip version, and it was the perfect choice for testing on a dive-focused trip under the blazing Honduran sun. It dries quickly, has a loose-but-not-sloppy fit, and the hood fits nicely over a ball cap without getting blown around on a fast-moving boat.

Full-zip sun hoodies are unusual, and much of that stems from redundancy. When someone is moving fast and light, they typically aren’t packing multiple active tops and will either choose a standard sun hoodie or a tee/tank. But we've come to love the addition of the full-zip sun hoodie to our boating, diving, and paddleboarding, and moderate hiking arsenal, allowing more flexibility in layering without the battle of pulling a sun hoodie overhead. It’s important to note that we found the fabric less breathable than other hoodies, especially the brand’s lightweight Echo Hoodie above. It’s also pricey for a fully synthetic layer. But we really like the concept and think it has a place in low-output activities and as a quick layer for the beach.
See the Men's OR Astroman Air Sun Hoodie  See the Women's OR Astroman Air Sun Hoodie
 

Button-Down Sun Hoodie

Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down ($95)

UPF: 30
Materials: 86% polyester, 14% spandex
Weight: 8.5 oz.
What we like: Great ventilation for those working up a sweat.
What we don’t: Not everyone will love the thru-hiking personality.

The Triple Crown Button Down is Jolly Gear’s primary offering, and boy, is it a good one. Designed and built by a thru-hiker named Jolly who knows firsthand the need for breathable sun protection, the Triple Crown Button Down combines the hood of a standard sun hoody with the button-up ventilation of a hiking shirt. And aside from the brilliant Frankensteined design, our favorite thing about the Triple Crown is the variety of fun patterns, all built with stretchy, antimicrobial polyester. Finally, the shirt is made in both long- and short-sleeved versions, and Jolly Gear also offers sun sleeves for those who choose the latter. 

Standard sun shirts can get the job done for low-output activities like water sports, fishing, and climbing, but we often find ourselves overheating during hot days on the trail. And while button-up hiking shirts are a dime a dozen, the lack of a hood can be a real dealbreaker for some (ourselves included). For this reason, the Triple Crown Button Down is an outstanding design that deserves a place in every serious hiker’s arsenal, so long as you can handle its distinct thru-hiker personality and decidedly flashy looks.
See the Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down
 

Tested & Dismissed Sun Protection Shirts

There are many sun protection shirts to choose from, and to help you narrow down your options, we're constantly testing new and interesting designs. We have high standards for our favorite sun hoodies, and they must be durable, functional, and comfortable to make the list. As such, not every shirt we test makes the cut, and we understand that you might be curious about which models we've tested and why we've dismissed them.

To start, we opted to remove the Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie because it didn't hold up as well as others in testing. The fabric feels cheap, and it's prone to snagging.

Several sun hoodies proved functional in testing, but didn't outperform any of the options on this list. These include Kühl's Engineered Hoody and Patagonia's Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody.

We also decided to replace a few hoodies with similar but better-performing shirts from the same line. This includes Ridge Merino's Solstice Lightweight Hoodie, which was replaced by the Solstice Pro for its improved feature set, and the Patagonia Cool Daily Hoody, which was replaced by the Cool Sun Hoody for its greater UV protection.
 

Sun Shirt Comparison Table

Editor’s note: “GSM” stands for grams per square meter, which is a measurement of fabric weight. For more info, see our “Warmth” section in the buying advice.

About Our Testing Process

We admit that we underestimated sun shirts before we began testing them a couple of years ago, but they have since earned a permanent spot in our packs and closets. In short, we love these layers for everything from climbing to backcountry skiing, fly fishing, hiking, and any other outdoor adventure that involves time in the sun. Following extensive testing in the Pacific Northwest, starting with a fall backpacking trip in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness, former senior editor Jenny Abegg kicked off this guide with 14 picks in December 2022. An avid climber and all-around mountain athlete, Jenny always finds a need for a sun shirt, whether she’s scaling granite rock faces in the eastern Sierra or traversing technical ridgelines in the North Cascades. Managing editor Sarah Nelson took over the guide in 2024, bringing her expertise as a climber, trail runner, and part-time nomad to explore outdoor spaces of all kinds across the Mountain West. Senior editor Maddie Downie took on the guide in 2026. Maddie is a mountain athlete who spends most weekends skiing, running, and backpacking in the North Cascades. As someone who burns easily, she’s an avid sun-hoodie wearer and very picky about what she considers the “best” choice.
 
In narrowing our list, we considered several factors. Breathable, quick-drying fabrics are a must, and we make sure to consider long-term durability as well. UPF rating is also an important consideration for many, and almost all of the shirts meet or exceed the Skin Cancer Foundation’s minimum recommended rating of UPF 30. Finally, we consider the number and quality of each shirt’s features, including helpful additions such as thumbholes, zippered storage, well-fitting hoods, and additional ventilation measures (e.g., mesh panels under the arms). 
 

How to Choose a Sun Protection Shirt

• What is a Sun Shirt?
• Sun Shirt Materials
• UPF Ratings
• Does the Color of Your Sun Shirt Matter?
• Breathability and Ventilation
• Warmth: Weight and Fabric Weight
• Hood or No Hood?
• Sun Shirt Features
• Odor Resistance
• Sun Shirt Durability
• Sustainability
• Other Styles of Sun Shirts

What is a Sun Shirt?

Sun shirts are a fast-growing outdoor trend, and rightfully so. Covering up can go a long way toward preventing sunburn and warding off the exhaustion that comes with all-day exposure. They’re nice to have for activities that include a solar reflector, such as fishing and boating (water), climbing (rock or snow), and backcountry skiing (snow). At their best, these lightweight long-sleeves do two things well: They offer full upper-body coverage against the sun and keep air flowing with breathable materials. Most designs feature synthetic, UPF-rated fabrics, and all of our picks above include hoods that extend protection to the neck and face. Thanks to their protective and breathable nature, sun shirts (or sun hoodies, as we often call them) have become an essential part of our arsenal for everything from hiking and backpacking to stand-up paddleboarding, climbing, and backcountry skiing.
 

Sun Shirt Materials

Synthetics
The vast majority of sun shirts are made with polyester, which is breathable, robust enough to keep UV radiation at bay, and maintains impressive abrasion resistance for its thickness. Some shirts, like the climbing-specific Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro and Outdoor Research Astroman Air, use nylon, which is another synthetic that’s generally stiffer and more abrasion-resistant but not as comfortable as polyester. We recommend synthetic sun hoodies for warm weather and use around water, but be advised that they are known to hold stink (many now include odor-resistant treatments, which helps a lot). For the best combination of protection and breathability, synthetic sun shirts are our top choice.
 

Natural Fibers
A few sun hoodies above use natural fiber blends, including merino wool and bamboo (both are woven with polyester for durability). These materials offer a soft and cozy feel and resist odor better than synthetics. Merino wool is slightly more insulating than bamboo, but recent merino designs, like Ibex's Springbok Hoodie, are thin enough for true summer use. On the other hand, bamboo and modal (like cotton) absorb water and don’t dry quickly. What’s more, all these materials require extra care when it comes to laundering, and they won’t hold up to heavy use as well as comparable synthetics. There’s a time and place for natural fibers (merino sun shirts can be nice in colder conditions, while bamboo and modal are soft enough for everyday use), but neither offers the versatile performance of synthetic alternatives.
 

UPF Ratings

Most sun shirts have a UPF rating, which indicates how much UV radiation the fabric allows to pass through. A UPF rating of 50 means that just 1/50th (or 2%) of the available UV rays are able to make their way to the other side of the fabric, while a UPF rating of 30 denotes that 1/30th of the rays will pass through. For reference, a UPF of 15 is the lowest possible rating, and 50+ is the highest (of note: UPF 30 is the minimum rating that qualifies for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s official recommendation). And of course, if you’re wearing more than one layer, you get more sun protection. We have yet to meet anyone who’s been burned through a sun shirt, but if your priority is maximizing sun protection, it’s worth aiming for the higher numbers.
 

Several factors contribute to a sun shirt’s UPF rating, including fabric thickness and color, fiber type (polyester and nylon are more effective than wool and cotton), and whether the material has been treated with a UV-resistant chemical or dye. In general, darker fabrics offer better sun protection than lighter ones (Outdoor Research’s Echo Hoodie gets a 15 UPF rating in lighter colors, while the darker options are 20 UPF). And to boost protection, one technique (used by Patagonia) is to apply a titanium dioxide additive to the yarn, similar to the active ingredient in many reef-safe sunscreen products. This allows manufacturers to use lightweight (read: breathable) fabrics while still maximizing UV resistance.
 

Does the Color of Your Sun Shirt Matter?

Sun shirts are offered in a variety of colors, but you’ll want to factor in more than style when making your choice. In general, dark or bright shirts absorb more UV rays and thus offer better protection—again, this is illustrated well by OR’s Echo hoody, which features a lower UPF rating (15) for the lighter colors and a higher number (20) for the darker versions. That said, in direct sunlight, a darker shirt will be significantly warmer than a white shirt, which might diminish your chances of wearing it on a hot day. Personally, we’re big fans of light-colored sun shirts, as they offer a functional mix of protection and comfort, and a tight weave and treated fibers can go a long way toward resisting UV rays. 
 

Breathability and Ventilation

You might not think a hooded long-sleeve shirt would be very comfortable on a warm, sunny day, but think again. Thanks to their UV-resistant, breathable fabrics, sun shirts can shade your skin and keep you cooler than a t-shirt or tank top, even in hot weather. Thin synthetics are among the most breathable, while merino wool or thicker synthetic shirts have a greater tendency to trap your body’s heat. And some shirts even incorporate vents: The Alpenglow Pro features underarm mesh, the Outdoor Research Astroman Air has tiny perforations along the sides, and quarter-zip or buttoned designs like the Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down give you the ability to dump heat at the chest (you’ll want to be careful, as opening a vent could expose some skin to the sun).
 

Most sun shirts offer ample breathability for activities like fishing, low-output hiking, rock climbing, and backcountry skiing. They aren't a top choice among runners because of all the extra fabric, but we've had good luck with thin designs like the OR Echo Hoodie. Running-specific brands like Rabbit and Janji also offer a handful of purpose-built options, but super-sweaty runners might find it best to just reapply sunscreen on their upper bodies as needed. Another pro tip: We've found it helpful to douse our sunshirts in trailside streams, creating a lovely swamp-cooler effect.
 

Warmth: Weight and Fabric Weight

Sun shirts don’t often weigh more than 10 ounces, but slight variations in weight can tell us a lot about each design. One of the lightest sun shirts here is the Outdoor Research Echo (5.2 oz. for the men's, 3.9 oz. for the women's), which is also the thinnest and most breathable choice for hot-weather and high-output activities. At the other end of the spectrum is the 9.6-ounce Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight. It doesn’t take much of a mathematician to discern that a heavier sun shirt is generally warmer and more insulated. We’ve referenced warmth a great deal in the write-ups above, but the weight can still be a helpful hint for those purchasing online.
 

Another spec to look at is the shirt’s fabric weight, generally given in grams per square meter (g/m2, or gsm) or ounces per square yard. Keep in mind that not every shirt specifies a fabric weight, nor does it perfectly align with warmth due to variations in fit and material (1g merino wool generally offers more warmth than 1g polyester or 1g bamboo). That said, if you can find the fabric weight, it’s an even more accurate way (compared to total weight) to determine a shirt’s overall warmth.
 

Hood or No Hood?

You may have noticed that our list above includes exclusively hooded sun shirts, which hints at how we feel about non-hooded designs. For performance use, there’s no better option for complete sun protection, especially for your neck and face. Many of the designs above are also offered in non-hooded versions, which are suitable if you plan to wear a wide-brimmed hat or buff.
 

There are a few factors to consider when evaluating hoods. Size is the first: You’ll want to think about whether or not you want to wear the hood over your bare head, a ball cap, or a climbing helmet. Further, some hoods incorporate a drawcord, which can be a nice feature in the wind, though we rarely use it. If you opt for this style, we’d recommend a sleek system like the one on the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie or the Jolly Gear Triple Crown over a design with a long drawcord. These can get in the way, especially when climbing. A hat can be an excellent way to tame an unruly hood. Not only does it keep it off your face, but it also provides friction to secure it in place in the wind or while hiking briskly.
 

Sun Shirt Features

Sun shirts are incredibly simple pieces of gear, but there are a few features to keep in mind when picking the best fit for your needs. First off, many people will appreciate the added security and coverage of thumbholes or loops, which keep the shirt from riding up and exposing the area between your glove and shirt. Given that the wrists are often forgotten when applying sunscreen, this can be a nice place to maintain coverage, especially for bikers. Second, some sun shirts feature small zippered pockets, such as Ridge Merino's Solstice Pro. We prefer chest pockets (or the underarm pocket on the women's Patagonia Cool Sun Hoodie), which are easier to access than hip-height pockets when wearing a backpack or climbing harness. Finally, we sometimes see hood or waist cinches (the women's version of the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody is one example), which might earn you style points but aren’t the most practical (in our opinion). You’ll likely want to keep your shirt uncinched to encourage ventilation and keep the hood flared out for maximum coverage.
 

There are a few specific features that we see in climbing-centric designs like the BD Alpenglow Pro. This sun shirt has a deep zip at the neck, which is invaluable for getting the shirt on and off over a helmet. Climbing-specific shirts also sometimes feature large, phone-sized chest pockets (helpful if you're climbing sans backpack), targeted ventilation via perforated or mesh underarm panels, and elastic cuffs, which keep extra fabric away from the hands.
 

Odor Resistance

Synthetic fabrics are known to build stink, which isn’t a great characteristic when sweat is practically a given. To help keep B.O. at bay, most modern synthetic sun shirts incorporate an anti-odor treatment. Patagonia uses a technology called HeiQ Pure in its Capilene Cool Sun Hoody, for example, while Arc'teryx's Cormac and Sunna Hoodies feature the brand's Durable Anti Odor finish. These technologies work well, which is good news for everyone. And it’s worth noting that natural fibers are naturally odor-resistant, including the merino/bamboo constructions of the Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Lightweight Hoody, Ibex Springbok Hoodie, and Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie.
 

Sun Shirt Durability

Sun shirts can vary a great deal in terms of durability: Some are built to handle the rigors of rock climbing, while others are so thin they’re liable to ripping and snagging. Nylon is notably hardwearing (seen in climbing-specific designs like the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro), and polyester is next in line. Natural fibers like merino wool and bamboo, on the other hand, will not hold up as well to sustained wear and tear. But when blended with nylon or polyester, they've proven sufficient for activities like hiking and backpacking. Finally, thicker fabrics offer better tear resistance than thinner designs, although fabrics of any weight can be prone to pilling and snagging. To help guide your purchase, we’ve noted the strengths and weaknesses of durability in the write-ups above.
 

Sun Shirt Fit

In general, sun shirts are built to provide a relaxed fit that maximizes airflow and freedom of movement. When dialing in sizing, pay attention to the shirt's neck shape and fit, as you’ll want to ensure ample coverage where it counts. Depending on the fabric, some shirts will fit more snugly than others: The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake, for example, is fairly snug, while the OR Astroman Air Full-Zip is very roomy. All told, fit comes down to personal preference, although we lean towards recommending looser-fitting fabrics for the added airflow. Sun shirts are also not meant to be layered over much more than a thin t-shirt or tank top (we wear ours next to skin), so be sure to size accordingly.
 

Sustainability

One of the primary ways we see manufacturers innovating is by using more sustainable materials. In terms of sun shirts, this means the use of recycled and/or natural fabrics (like modal, bamboo, and merino), more responsible production practices (including the elimination of harmful chemicals used in UV-resistant treatments), and an emphasis on the ethical treatment of workers, often denoted by a Fair Trade certification. Many companies also utilize the bluesign system for sourcing materials responsibly. Patagonia is a clear leader in the sustainability movement, but brands like Outdoor Research, REI, Arc’teryx, and Black Diamond have also made significant efforts to reduce their footprints. And while we encourage you to shop sustainably, we’re also big advocates of lowering consumption by reusing old gear. Many brands offer repair programs and used-marketplace options for their products, and gear consignment stores can be treasure troves for like-new items.
 

Other Styles of Sun Shirts

In addition to the hoodies here, there are a variety of designs that could also fit into the “sun shirt” category, including crew-neck synthetics and UV-resistant button-ups. For example, REI Co-op's Sahara collection, which includes the Sahara Shade Hoodie above, also features several long-sleeve and button-down options, as well as t-shirts for men and women, plus a women's-specific tank top. While there’s a time and place for these alternatives (and a UPF-rated top is never a bad idea), none offer the same level of neck and head coverage as a sun hoodie. In other words, there’s no substitute for the picks above when it comes to all-out protection.