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We tested 16 men's sun protection shirts from Janji, Mountain Hardwear, REI, Columbia, Black Diamond, Patagonia, The North Face, and more to find the best models for all your sunny excursions
Credit: Maddock Rigby
By Justin Simoni ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 12, 2026
A quality sun protection shirt has your back on any sunny adventure, keeping your skin from getting fried during long days on the lake or hiking through the desert without worrying about constantly reapplying sunscreen.
The Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody is the best overall sun shirt. It offers the best combination of sun protection and breathability of the bunch, which gives it an edge on the hottest days of summer when you don't want to be wearing anything at all.
The best sun shirt is the Janji Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve. The uber stretchy fabric and cool skin feel are hard to beat when you just want to feel good, and the design left our testers chafe-free after long hikes and trail runs.
If you want sun protection without blowing your budget, we like the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie. It's comfortable, casual, and easy to wear, and we'll pull it on for just about anything, even if we're just hanging around town.
We've tested more than 40 of the most popular men's sun shirts on the market, wearing each one for months in sun-drenched climates from the Utah desert to the peaks of the Colorado Rockies.
Editor's Note: Our sun shirt review was updated on October 8, 2026, with new products from Patagonia, and REI, as well as updated products from Mountain Hardwear, and Black Diamond.
Thumb loop holes, helmet compatible hood, front quarter zip, left chest zippered pocket, more breathable underarm fabric
It's hard not to love all the high-octane horsepower of the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody. The front half-zip and lighter, more air-permeable mesh panels on the sides help solve the seemingly impossible paradox between breathability and sun protection. And this shirt is surprisingly breathable for how much sun protection the UPF 40+ rated fabric provides. The pit vents offer supreme breathability where you need it most, without taking a dip in sun protection. And on the hottest days of summer, the best sun shirt is the one you'll actually want to wear.
Like any highly tuned gear, the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro comes with some sticker shock, and the more technical look may not be everyone's cup of tea. You'll have to judge for yourself whether the expected performance is worth the admission price. In our opinion, it's absolutely worth it if top-notch sun protection is at the top of your priorities. However, the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody may suit your fancy if sun protection and saving money are both priorities. The Crater Lake Hoody also has buttery fabric that is softer on the skin. However, the Alpenglow Pro is an excellent shirt if you're willing to sacrifice that creature comfort for top-tier protection and well-thought-out features.
We tested the newest version of this shirt over the summer of 2026. The most notable difference is the lower 40+ UPF ratings (past seasons were 50+). However, our UV card testing still showed this as one of the most protective options in the lineup.
For mid-summer sunny days when protection from the sun is paramount, but so is maximum comfort and breathability, we reach for the Janji Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve. The scuba hood provides better coverage for the front of the neck than most, and it stays in place on windy days, or fast bikerides when the breeze tries to blow it off. Sleeves with extra-long cuffs cover our hands and stay in place, thanks to thumb loops (next to the handy watch loops), it certainly has everything to feel covered up without feeling weighted down. “For all day, every day protection from the sun, the Janji Sunchaser delivers with great breathability. There are other shirts that may breathe better, but not many that have this level of protection”, our very photophobic tester attests.
The lightweight fabric is cut with running performance in mind, but true to sun-shirt style, it is still looser-fitting than a regular top, and it might feel baggy for some. If you're looking for features to make daily life a little easier, like pockets or a front zip, the Sunchaser doesn't have them. “A front zip is helpful to blow off hot air next to your body fast. But leaving it does keep this shirt lighter and simpler, so it's all in what you're looking for”, counters our tester. If you need a zip and pocket for a maximum hooded sun shirt, look more towards either the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody or Outdoor Research Astroman Air Hoodie, both which feature these useful details.
The Janji Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve is an excellent choice when looking for a hooded sun shirt you're going want to where on long distance trips outside like backpacking. Credit: Justin Simoni
The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie proves you don't have to pay the most to get one of the best hooded sun shirts on the market, especially if you like to keep it simple. Its soft fabric stays loose on the body, keeping air circulating and your skin cool, which is good, because the breathability of the fabric itself is just so-so. The tight weave blocks sun and is more durable, but it doesn't let as much air through. “My favorite feature of the REI Sahara Hoodie is the hidden cinch that really helps keep the hood from flying off in the wind,” admits our tester.
We always feel greedy listing features we think are missing. “The Sahara would be almost perfect if it also including a small pocket somewhere for essentials like keys or cards, and some feature up front to help dump hot air fast like a half zip or a few button snaps,” quips our tester. But these “missing” features, if included, would only bring up the cost, weight, and complexity of this shirt, perhaps losing a little bit of the magic of what we love in the Sahara. We also like this shirt more for casual wear rather than days we know we're going to work up a sweat. For another minimal sun shirt with more airy fabric, have a look at the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody.
The hidden cinch allows you to keep the hood covering your head, no matter if you're wearing a helmet or not. Credit: Justin Simoni
Hooded sun shirt or button-up: which one to choose? Each has its own advantages. Patagonia answered this question in the form of the River Rambler Hybrid Hoodie, which says, “Why not both?” This top looks like button-down, with full-length snaps at the front, a flip-up collar, and chest pockets. The bonus features include a detachable hood and simple thumb loops like what you'd find on a hooded sun shirt. This ups the versatility, as our tester notes, “Convenience is what this shirt is all about. I don't have to remember to bring an extra floppy hat, nor do I have to be on the watch for my hands getting a bit too much sun.” The main fabric on the River Rambler is seriously impressive at blocking the harsh UV rays of the sun, courtesy of its heavier, tightly woven fabric. It is also one of the more durable shirts our testers have worn, making it overall very protective no matter where you take it.
At its core, the River Rambler is a button-up, with the only real concession being the lack of cuff buttons and roll tabs on the sleeves, which are replaced with minimal thumb loops. The hood is detachable, which we actually think is a cool trick, but it is loose-fitting and doesn't have a cinch cord, so it blows off easily in windy conditions. “Despite some of these issues, it's a compelling product with useful features I haven't tested on many other shirts together”. For more straightforward classic button-up styles, reach for either the Mountain Hardwear Canyon Long Sleeve or Columbia Silver Ridge Utility II, though you'll have to BYO hat for full protection.
We made sure to maximize our time in or near the water to test the effectiveness of River Rambler when wet as well as to double check on its durability. Credit: Justin Simoni
For those on a budget, the Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody offers up all the essentials of a hooded sun shirt: the namesake hood, thumb loops, and sun-blocking fabric. “The Baleaf is a great choice for working outside in sunny conditions where you need something durable enough, but don't want to break the bank buying something too swanky”, opines our tester. It's not the most featured option, but it is relatively comfortable to wear and offers better UV protection than a standard t-shirt.
We have tested multiple versions of this shirt over the years, and while past iterations ran large, we noticed that the sizing of the Baleaf Hoody runs small this year. We'd recommend sizing up, as the regular size can lead to an uncomfortable fit. “The thumb loops are located before the cuffs, so along with the smaller dimensions, using the loops will stretch out the arms a bit,” notes our lead tester. Still, the price is hard to beat for what you do get. If you have a bit more scratch to spend, look into the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie, which is a big step up in quality and functionality, while still being more affordable than most tops out there. It also has a cinch on the hood to keep it in place, which we love.
Keeping the Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody in tow in our running vest pays off when the sun's energy starts hitting when running on our favorite trails and we need to cover up. Credit: Justin Simoni
Large hood for added protection, thumb loops, front button snaps
The Ketl Nofry Hoodie pulls off a feat we didn't think was possible: a hooded sun shirt that feels extra cool, comfortable, and dry when we're wearing it out running, hiking, and cycling all day in the hot summer sun. The secret to its performance is its thin, breathable fabric. Although much lighter weight than others, it's rated at UPF 30+, which still blocks 97% of the sun's radiation and is enough for us to be outside all day without getting burned. The absolutely enormous hood will swallow up helmets of all kinds and cover up your exposed face better than most. Button snaps are found on the chest in lieu of a zipper — a weight-saving solution that we came to love.
The Ketl Nofry won't pack the very best sun protection that's available, so if you are planning on being out on a glacier, on a sport fishing boat all day long, or in the middle of the Mohave for days on end, you'd be better off wearing something that blocks out even more sun, though you'll sacrifice airflow. The lack of pockets may turn some off, and an extra-large hood means wind gusts will blow it off your head. The cut is also pretty trim and athletic, and it fits much tighter than most other shirts in this lineup; if you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up. If the gridded appearance of the fabric is attractive but you need better sun protection, check out the REI Co-op Flash Shade Hoodie with fabric rated at UPF 50+.
We loved the Ketl Nofry Hoodie for backpacking, as it dries quickly and has super comfortable fabric that protects our fair skin just enough to be worn all day. Credit: Justin Simoni
Product Comparison Table
Testing high activity performance of hooded sun shirts. Credit: Nolan Anderson
How We Tested Sun Protection Shirts
Our testing process begins with extensive research into the hundreds of sun shirts on the market. We hand-pick the best candidates and purchase them at full retail cost. Then, we spend weeks wearing these shirts for every imaginable activity. We run, hike, bike, climb, scramble, wander, balance on the slackline, and nap — all under the eyes of the glorious sun. These sun shirts even made it onto job sites and lumberyards to see how effectively they worked while we worked. We note each shirt's strengths and weaknesses across different scenarios and use that data to provide tailored advice to help you pick the best product for your needs and budget.
Our testing of sun shirts is divided into five different metrics:
Comfort and Fit (25% of total score weighting)
Sun Protection (25% weighting)
Breathability (20% weighting)
Versatility (15% weighting)
Durability (15% weighting)
We put these shirts through the wringer in a multitude of environments and situations to help you figure out which is the best for your lifestyle.
Why Trust GearLab
Justin Simoni is a Boulder, CO-based athlete, adventurer, and backpacking guide. He specializes in ultra-long-distance, self-powered, and self-supported challenges in the mountains of the American West. Simoni has tested these shirts to their limits while wandering all along the Front Range of Colorado on long bike rides, trail runs, outdoor workdays, and at the crag. He has worked closely with outdoor gear companies for over a decade, an experience which informs his review work.
We've taken these sun shirts all over to see how well they hold up to serious sunshine.
Analysis and Test Results
The primary job of all these seemingly simple shirts is to protect you from excessive sun exposure. After that, they should be breathable enough that you actually want to wear them in the hottest situations and be durable enough to withstand life's adventures.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
If you're like us, you probably want to ensure you're investing in your gear wisely. Here are some top, high-value options we stand behind:
The Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody is sold at a hard-to-beat price and offers a durable shirt that will last through many of your future adventures. While it doesn't quite compete with the more technical and feature-rich options from the big brand names, it's still a solid choice, especially if you're shopping on a budget. We've had ours for multiple years.
The Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody has all the essentials for a hooded sun shirt: the hood itself to cover your head, and thumb loops to help cover your hands. Credit: Justin Simoni
The award-winning REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie has a slightly higher price tag, but it offers better quality and performance than the Baleaf, hands down. It doesn't perform on par with more technical and specialized shirts, but its easy, casual nature is what we love about it. This is one that we'd feel comfortable wearing casually around town, but can still hold its own on a day hike.
We felt comfortable wearing the REI Sahara Shade hoodie all day long at the lake. Credit: Chris McNamara
Sun Protection
How well a sun shirt protects you from the harmful UV rays from the sun is one of the most vitally important considerations for picking out a sun shirt. Products in this category usually have their fabric rated using what's called “UPF” or ultraviolet protection factor. UPF is a rating system specific to fabric's ability to block ultraviolet radiation. The rating ranges from 0 to 50+, and each number indicates the fraction of the sun's rays allowed through. Thus, UPF 25 lets only 1/25th of the sun's rays through to the skin, or 4%. While any UPF rating will help your skin, experts recommend UPF 30 or higher. If you're curious about what makes the difference, head down to this explanation of fabric types, features, and treatments.
Our tests revealed that the Patagonia River Rambler Hybrid Hoodie had some of the best sun-protectant fabric in our lineup. The tightly woven synthetic fabric on this shirt proved an excellent physical barrier to the sun, and unlike any other classic button-up in our lineup, it includes a detachable hood to cover your head, plus thumb loops for your hands. The rest of the button downs we tested scored lower in this metric, simply because they don't have hoods. You'll need to remember a hat and sunscreen to protect everything above your neck.
The River Rambler makes a perfect highly sun protectant shirt to wear on lake shores and rivers given its thick woven fabric and optional hood. Credit: Maddock Rigby
Paired with a floppy hat, the Columbia Silver Ridge Utility II does an excellent job at shading one from the sun. Credit: Justin Simoni
Lighter fabrics may not show as good a UPF rating than darker fabrics, but could also run a little cooler. Credit: Justin Simoni
Hooded sun shirts made of stretchy weaves usually provide ample sun protection, and have the added benefit of hoods to shade your head, and useful thumb loops that pull sleeves down to cover the back of your hands. The Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody's fabric tested as some of the best in this style; the tighter knit did an excellent job with sun blocking. With a quarter-zip up front and more breathable fabric in the pits, it has some of the attributes of button-ups to allow you to blow off trapped hot air fast.
The quarter zip on the front of the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody really helps with thermoregulation. Credit: Justin Simoni
For casual, fashionable, and sun-protectant, look closely at the The North Face Adventure Hoodie, Cotopaxi Sombra Hoodie, and the Patagonia Capilene Cool Sun Hoody. Each features its own spin on a soft, stretchy fabric that protects the wearer by being just a little thicker than some of the other more technical hoodies in our lineup. We found these styles are a little more natural to wear in casual social situations and around town, while still offering far superior protection than a simple cotton tee.
(left to right) The TNF Adventure Hoodie, Cotopaxi Sombra, and Patagonia Capilene Cool Sun Hoody are all high-coverage casual-wear sun shirts.
Comfort and Fit
One of the most critical facets of any sun shirt is how it feels when it's put on. After all, UPF protection won't mean much if the article of clothing is so uncomfortable you don't want to wear it. Almost every shirt we selected for our test largely did well in this category, but there are definitely some standout options.
One thing to note when looking at a sun shirt with thumb loops is the length of the cuff and sleeve. For the best protection, you want to keep the sleeves pulled down over your hands, and stick your thumb through the dedicated loop. Long sleeves help with them not getting overstretched or putting pressure between your finger joints.
Short CuffsLong Cuffs
The Janji Sunchaser (right) provides better hand coverage and more comfortable thumb loops than the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody (left).
We adored the fit of the Janji Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve, which features a super-stretchy polyester knit fabric that hugs the body while still allowing air to move around, which helps to keep us feeling cool and fresh.
The impressive stretch found in the fabric on the Janji Sunchaser works well to fit your own body. The cut is loose enough to all good air flow between you and the shirt. Credit: Justin Simoni
Another one of our top-scoring hoodies, the REI Sahara Shade Hoodie, is an absolute winner. With soft, thin, and stretchy fabric and a loose-but-not-too-loose fit, this shirt feels good on the skin and lets air circulate. There are no tight spots, and the hood is highly versatile size-wise, with an excellent cinch strap.
The hood on the REI Sahara Shade hoodie is roomy enough to be comfortable, and can be tightened around the opening with a hidden cinch strap. Credit: Chris McNamara
We were impressed by the Mountain Hardwear Canyon Long Sleeve and the Columbia Silver Ridge Utility II — two button-up shirts featuring an updated classic cut. Generally, this means the cut is slightly more fitted than the almost smock-like options that flood the market. Both felt great while wearing them, which made us want to wear them for everything. The Silver Ridge Utility II fits a little more loosely than the Canyon in our experience.
The Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Lite has a looser fit that allows for exceptional freedom of movement. Credit: Maddock Rigby
One often overlooked aspect that makes a sun shirt comfortable is how its constructed. We usually prefer shirts with low profile flatlock seams, and a design that moves these seams away from trouble areas. The REI Co-op Flash Shade Hoodie illustrates both well. Most seams are flatlock-style, and no seam is found on the crest of the shoulder, which can sometimes get in the way of carrying a load, aggravating pack wearers.
with low profile seams and a pattern design that gets those seams far from problem areas, the REI Co-op Flash Shade Hoodie wears comfortably.
Breathability
A shirt won't be much fun to wear in the sun if it feels like you're wearing a wet blanket 30 minutes into your hike. And on top of that, some fabrics become less protective when wet. Thankfully, polyester and nylon don't, and almost all the shirts in this review are made from these materials.
Shirts with a tighter knit or weave can usually get away with a lighter fabric while still maintaining a high UPF rating. But this design can negatively impact breathability. A slightly heavier shirt with looser, thicker fabric is often a good compromise here. Some manufacturers also put small perforations in the fabric in areas that generate more heat, but get less sun exposure (like your armpits).
Some sun shirts, like this one, also include perforations in the fabric to enhance breathability even more. Credit: Justin Simoni
We derive part of our Breathability metric score from our on-the-line dry time test. Dry times followed a bell curve, with most shirts drying around the same speed when left in the sun after a soaking. But one standout, the Outdoor Research Echo, dried far more rapidly thanks to its very thin, lightweight knit fabric and minimalist design which eschews pockets and zips. The UPF 15-20 fabric rating is among the lowest in terms of sun protection, so this shirt may not be what you want to solely rely on if you'll be in intense sun for long periods.
The Echo's lightweight, thin, and stretchy fabric is some of the most air-permeable we tested and dries extremely quickly. Credit: Justin Simoni
If you like the grid look of fabric and the breathability it can provide, have a look at the REI Co-op Flash Shade Hoodie, whose somewhat thicker grid fabric delivers UPF 50+ sun protection.
Seen up close and via a microscope, the REI Co-op Flash Shade Hoodie's fabric has a variable weave that allows a little more breathability, while giving up little in sun protection.
We were delighted by the breathability performance of the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody, whose fabric tested as some of the most impermeable to air in our entire lineup. With a UPF 50+ rating, this is one of the few sun shirts to pull off both great breathability and sun protection.
The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody keeps things simple with a great SCUBA-style hood and stretchy fabric.
The Marmot AirExchange Hoody also showed impressive breathability results, care of its lightweight and stretchy fabric. It's line dry time were bettered only by the very best performers.
The AirExchange also comes with a semi-hidden mouse-sized pocket on the bottom of the shirt, allowing the chest to not be blocked by the addition fabric of a side pocket. Credit: Justin Simoni
Compared to others we've tested, the Ketl Nofry Hoodie is another quick-drying top, be it after a wash, a swim, or a particularly long, sweaty hike across exposed lowlands. It also has a V-neck that can be unbuttoned for quick ventilation when you need it.
On longer backpacking trips, we'd rinse out our Ketl Nofry Hoodie to keep it fresh, then hang it where it would dry quickly while we had a break and a snack. Credit: Justin Simoni
The Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody is made with a much thicker and, thus, more protective fabric, but it still has some interesting tricks up its sleeves to increase breathability. The most obvious is the quarter zip on the front. The sides of the chest and inner arms also feature a more ventilating mesh material to help dump excess heat. The stretchy fabric of the shirt also makes rolling up your sleeves over your elbows to catch the breeze simply a breeze.
Seen through our microscope, the super loose weave of the fabric used under the arms should help move air in areas a lot of ventilation is advantageous. Credit: Justin Simoni
Durability
Fabric integrity matters in a sun shirt because worn-out, loose material exposes the skin to a greater risk of UV radiation exposure. Thankfully, testing revealed that most of our shirts could withstand what was thrown at them without issue.
The Patagonia River Rambler Hybrid Hoodie stands out with the only perfect 10 in this metric, an honor we don't hand out willy nilly. The tightly woven fabric resists snags, and the seams are exceptionally reinforced. We expect this shirt to hold up to years of use. Down the road, the buttons could be a weak point, but Patagonia's stellar repair program should help with that.
Despite how affordable it is, the Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody is a knockout regarding durability. It's what the cockroaches will be wearing after the apocalypse. Of the stretchy sun hoodies we tested, this is one of the best.
Baleaf makes some of the more durable sun hoodies you'll find, and at a great price. Credit: Chris McNamara
We used the masked version of the Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody to do some treework, pushing this shirt way past its intended use, yet it held up surprisingly well. Credit: Chris McNamara
The Cotopaxi Sombra Hoodie also scored well in durability, largely due to its excellent stitchwork and high-quality fabrics. It has an additional lining at the bottom, cuffs, and around its hood, and keeps features to a minimum, having a simple and small back pocket as its only real accouterment.
We thought the Cotopaxi Sombra Hoodie a very handsome sun hoody, with great durability to match its style. Credit: Maddock Rigby
The Mountain Hardwear Canyon Long Sleeve surprised us with its durability. Thanks to a simple sewn design and lack of features, there's not much to damage and this hooded sun shirt has been the choice for many climbers.
You can do your own at-home test to see if the fabric of your clothing blocks ultraviolet light using an inexpensive UV card and a source of UV light (like the sun or a UV bulb, shown here). Credit: Justin Simoni
What Makes One Shirt More Protective Than the Next?
UPF rating varies depending on the material used. Synthetics like polyester or nylon perform well, with UPF ratings beyond 50, while more natural garments, like cotton and linen, can return UPF ratings as low as 5. Most of the sun shirts in our lineup are made of synthetic fibers. Fabric weight, density, and thickness also greatly influence sun protection. Woven fabric in particular often shows better performance than knits, especially when used at heavy weights, and when we compare close-up views of the two types, it's obvious why. Weaves can be manufactured more tightly, with less opportunity for the sun to get through between the threads.
Even the color of the shirt can impact sun protection. By and large, darker colored shirts will have a higher UPF rating than lighter, since the dye itself will contribute to blocking UV light. The catch is that darker colors (especially black!) absorb light and convert it to heat, which means a dark shirt will offer better protection, but it will also feel warmer.
We did a rough check on UV claims made by sun shirt manufacturers using an inexpensive UV card. We then compare results between shirts and see which let less UV light through the fabric.
We use a carefully calibrated setup when testing UV blockage of the fabrics to try to ensure our tests can be recreated and the results comparable. A high-speed camera captures the very moment we reveal the UV card for visual inspection. Credit: Maddock Rigby
FAQs
UPF is an acronym for “Ultraviolet Protection Factor”. A higher UPF number corresponds to greater protection from Ultraviolet radiation. A UPF of “50+” is the highest you'll realistically see on any clothing and equates to 1/50 UV transmission. In other words, 98% of UV is blocked from reaching your skin. Similarly, a UPF of “20” corresponds to 1/20 UV transmission, or 95% UV blockage. All the sun shirts in this review have a UPF rating between 20 and 50+. You can think of it similarly to SPF, but it's specific to clothing. Only clothing tested for its UPF should be labeled as such. Clothing that doesn't have a UPF rating doesn't mean it has no sun protection; it's just that the sun protection level hasn't been tested/determined.
In general, the better the fabric is at sun protection, the worse it is for breathability. When choosing the best sunshirt for yourself, read reviews to learn how breathable it is. Often, sun shirts offset the fabric's poor breathability by using front zippers, buttons, and snaps to let you open the shirt to quickly expel hot, humid air from your body. Button-up sun shirts are often less breathable than hooded sun shirts, so they tend to have features to keep rolled-up sleeves from creeping down and may include additional back vents. Generally, the lower the UPF rating of the sun shirt, the more breathable the fabric itself is, so balance how much sun protection you need with how much breathability you desire.
In our experience, there are protective models in both categories. Hoodies tend to have the edge because they have the hood, and thumbholes to help keep the sleeves pulled down over your wrists and hands. For alpinists out there, a few have helmet-compatible hoods (i.e., larger and with more coverage), and some even feature holes in the back for threading a ponytail through.
Button downs don't have a hood, but can be nice when style matters—like when exploring upscale urban centers in summertime. They also typically have a more structured fabric that doesn't feel as clingy as knit hoodies, so you won't feel as soggy, and they even offer some protection from bug bites.
Many sun hoodies keep the hood secure to your head using zippers that go high up the neck, or a simple button and loop to keep things snug. Still others use a SCUBA-style hood which tries to seal off wind by fitting closely around the face.
Other Notable Sunshirts
We couldn't get to every shirt we wanted to test in this update. Here are a few more that caught our eye, and that we would like to test in the future.
The Outdoor Research Echo Quarter Zip is a non-hooded pullover shirt that stands out for its ultralight moisture-wicking claims. It only offers 15 UPF-rated fabric, but it is incredibly breathable and could be a good option for days when the UV index is a bit lower, and you know you'll be outdoors all day, working up a sweat.
The Cotopaxi Solta is a snazzy-looking button-down that blends the casual with the technical. It offers a 50+ UPF rating, has a few pockets, a built-in microfiber cloth for cleaning sunglasses, and vented back panels to keep the breeze flowing.
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody is a super lightweight and simple hooded sun shirt. It's fabric isn't UPF rated, but if you're looking for a more casual option, the Capilene fabric has a cult following and could fit the bill for you.
The Kuhl Engineered Hoody has a mix of different fabrics to give you better breathability in some places, at the cost of overall sun protection. Fit is a little tighter than other sun shirts, making this a good option for high exertion activities.
Conclusion
What's not to love about sun shirts? With a wide variety to choose from, you're bound to find he perfect wearable sun protection gear for your favorite activities. From blousy button-ups to super comfy sun hoodies and everything in between. We hope our rigorous selection process and months of testing lead you to your perfect new layer.
