The Best Sun Protection Shirts of 2023

• UPF 40+
• Materials Body: 100% polyester; Neck gaiter: 92% polyester 8% spandex
• Weight 9.7 oz (men's small)
• Anti-odor treatment Yes

• Extremely breathable
• Active yet airy fit
• Fully optimized for sun protection
• Great for hot conditions

• Not the cheapest option

After rigorously testing dozens of sun shirts, the KUIU Gila PRO Long Sleeve ($99) takes the overall best spot.

The Gila PRO is technically designed for hunting, but it’s plenty versatile for any outdoor activity. We wore the Gila while fishing, hiking, and rock climbing, and it always performed exactly as needed. It’s a simple hooded pullover-style shirt with a tapered yet semi-loose fit.

We tested the Gila during the peak of summer in central Wyoming, and it kept us cool and protected from intense high-altitude sun exposure. The Gila sets the standard for sun shirt breathability. KUIU’s “cool touch” fabric isn’t just marketing noise; it really does breathe.

As expected from a high-end sun protection shirt, the Gila has a respectable UPF rating of 40+. The thoughtful design touches throughout add up to unbeatable protection. The sleeves are elongated for hand and arm coverage, and the thumb loops are exactly where you want them. The hem is longer than most shirts, so you won’t have to worry about exposing your lower back or midriff to the sun.

The standout feature of the Gila PRO is its form-fitting neck gaiter. Even without the hood up, this gaiter shields the ever-vulnerable neck from UV and won’t slide down out of place.

At $99, the Gila PRO isn’t the cheapest hoody on this list, but if you’re seeking breathable UV protection and elite durability, the price is justified. It’s also available in hoodless and sleeveless configurations.

• UPF 50+
• Materials 92% polyester / 8% spandex
• Weight 7.1 oz (Men’s medium)
• Anti-odor treatment Yes

• Great value
• Comfortable
• Unique drawstring hood

• A bit warm for super hot conditions

For the price point, the quality of the REI Sahara Shade Hoodie ($50) is unmatched. Just like our top picks, this shirt had a UPF rating of 50+. It’s also light, stretchy, and very comfortable.

The Sahara Shade’s internal drawstring hood is a unique feature, and we found it to be quite handy for protecting the forehead and cheeks. Compared to a few other shirts on the list, the material of the Sahara Shade feels a bit heavy. The actual weight isn’t listed by REI, but our scale clocked a men’s medium at 7.1oz.

Antimicrobial treatment helps keep this shirt from smelling decent, and the thumb loops are well-placed for optimal hand coverage.

Overall, the Sahara Shade is a do-it-all, versatile sun hoody that’s useful for hunting, fishing, biking, and everything in between.

• UPF 50+
• Materials 88% polyester / 12% spandex
• Weight 5.5 oz (Men’s medium)
• Anti-odor treatment No

• Very lightweight fabric
• Arm gussets allow for plentiful mobility
• Top-notch hood

• Stitches show minor wear after a few uses

One of the lightest hoodies on this list, the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake ($65) is an excellent sun layer at an affordable price. It weighs just 5.5 oz in a men’s medium and feels wonderfully light and airy during active use.

The ultra-light fabric of the Crater Lake Hoodie makes its 50+ UPF rating all the more impressive. This hoodie has become our go-to for long sun-soaked alpine hikes and approaches. Even while wearing a heavy pack, this hoodie breathes well and rarely becomes saturated with sweat.

For active uses like climbing and kayaking, the armpit gussets allow a full range of motion. The Crater Lake never feels restricted, provided you purchase the correct size. We stuck with our shirt size, and the Crater Lake fit like it should: close to the body yet slightly flowy.

Both the men’s and women’s versions come with thumb loops, but only the women’s option has a drawstring hem. The hood stayed on reliably, and the collar area has a nice overlapping design, adding extra sun protection for the neck.

• UPF 50+
• Materials 100% polyester
• Weight 8.6 oz (Men’s medium)
• Anti-odor treatment Yes

• Large mesh back vents
• Stays cool while wearing a pack
• Roomy chest pockets

• A bit tight in the chest area; we recommend sizing up

We tested many button-up collared sun shirts, and this one is the clear standout. It’s light, durable, and supremely breathable. KUIU’s Mesa Vented Shirt ($109) is fully optimized for hot weather.

Our favorite Mesa feature is the large mesh-lined vent system on the back and shoulders. While hiking in the sun — especially while wearing a pack — these vents keep sweat to a minimum. Any time a slight breeze picked up, cool air flowed through this shirt like the Nile through Egypt.

The stretchy polyester fabric is odor resistant and boasts a UPF rating of 50+. The snap buttons hold together well, but they’re quick to open when you need to dump heat. There are two roomy chest pockets; one zippered and one drop-in. A short-sleeve version ($99) is also available.

If fashion is your priority, this might be the best sun protection shirt for your wardrobe.

• UPF 35
• Materials 100% polyester (50% recycled)
• Weight 8.1 oz (Men’s medium)
• Anti-odor treatment Unknown

• Comfortable
• Zippered micro-fiber lined sunglasses pocket
• Nice-looking

• A little warm for super hot conditions

Any of the sun shirts on this list are a solid choice for anglers, but the Howler Bros Loggerhead Hoodie ($69) has a few key features that give it extra fishing utility.

First, this hoodie is just plain comfortable. It has a flowy, loose fit, and the material feels soft against the skin. The porous weave on the polyester material breathes exceptionally well.

While fishing, we appreciated the storage capabilities of the roomy kangaroo pocket — a rare feature on sun shirts. A microfiber-lined sunglasses pocket is also included, which helped keep our lenses clean and clear while out on the water.

The Loggerhead hoodie isn’t the most fitted, but an included drawstring helps tighten it up when the wind starts blowing. As a bonus for anglers, certain colorways of the Loggerhead come with fish-inspired graphics on the back.

• UPF 40+
• Materials 70% Viscose from bamboo, 30% polyester
• Weight 9.7 oz (Men’s medium)
• Anti-odor treatment Unknown

• Very soft and comfortable
• High-quality material
• Stylish

• Lacks thumb loops

Most sun shirts on this list are primarily made from polyester. Uniquely, the Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Shore Hoody ($68) is made from 70% Viscose — a product of Bamboo. The difference in materials is immediately clear — the Shore Hoody is incredibly soft. It feels like silk blended with cashmere.

The glorious texture of the material is the standout feature of the Shore Hoody. It’s a simple layer: no pockets or drawstrings, just pure sun protection, and comfort.

If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing up in the Shore. We usually wear a medium, and the large fits perfectly. It’s a fairly slim cut overall, so the extra material helped increase airflow. We like that the Shore is plenty long through the sleeves and hem.

The Shore lacks thumb loops, and the hood doesn’t always stay on during active use. While this may not be the most technical hoody on our list, the Free Fly Bamboo has quickly become one of our favorite everyday layers. It’s just that cozy.

• UPF 50+
• Materials 92% Nylon, 8% Elastane
• Weight 6.7 oz (Men’s medium)
• Anti-odor treatment HeiQ Pure Odor Control Treatment

• The ideal feature set for climbing
• Large side vents
• Zippered chest pocket

• Expensive

This high-tech hoody ($120) is a souped-up version of Black Dimond’s popular Alpenglow Hoody. It was designed with climbing in mind, and it’s the best style we’ve tested for that specific application.

Our favorite feature of the Alpenglow Pro is the fitted hood. It’s lined with an elastic strip, and it fits snugly over a climbing helmet. The neckline is very high, providing excellent neck and chin protection. The quarter-length zipper is great for dumping heat, and the zippered chest pocket is ideal for storing a phone or topo during a multi-pitch.

The articulated shoulders and stretchy materials allow for a full range of motion. In hot conditions, the large mesh underarm side vents are clutch. If you’re a fan of climbing desert towers, these vents could prove to be an invaluable saving grace in the heat.

With so many positive attributes, the only real downside of the Alpenglow Pro is the price. At $120, this is one of the most expensive options on this list. However, we believe it’s the best sun protection shirt for rock climbing in the heat.

• UPF 50+
• Materials 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex
• Weight 7.2 oz (Men’s medium)
• Anti-odor treatment No

• Breathable
• Hood offers excellent protection

• Not the most durable seams

This sun hoodie is yet another solid option. It has a few minor flaws, but it ultimately impressed us during testing. The most important function of a sun hoody is sun protection, and the ActiveIce Spectrum hoodie ($100) delivers.

Outdoor Research’s proprietary “ActiveIce” fabric is a blend of polyester and spandex treated with HeiQ –with uses “bio-based products” to deliver a cooling sensation for the wearer. According to the brand, the Activeice fabric collects moisture and uses it to cool down the skin.

We’ve been wearing this hoodie while hiking, biking, and climbing in the dry summer heat of Wyoming. We can’t say we’ve noticed any major cooling sensation as advertised by the brand, but it’s still a solid layer. It breathes well and offers a top-notch UPF rating of 50+.

Before one particularly grueling hike, we soaked the hoodie in cold creek water to stay cool and simultaneously test the claim of “moisture-activated” cooling. The damp shirt felt great in the hot sun. It maintained its breathability, never caused chafing, and dried quite quickly.

The prominent seam along the ActiveIce Spectrum’s shoulders showed signs of wear after a few uses, but it hasn’t been a major issue so far. The thumb loops are well-placed, and the hood offers great face and neck coverage. Overall, it’s a quality sun shirt at a fair price.

• UPF 40+
• Materials 34% recycled plastic bottles combines with polyester and spandex
• Weight 6.6 oz (Men’s medium)
• Anti-odor treatment No

• Innovative materials
• Very stretchy
• Nice looking

• Slightly sticky in the heat

Five12 Apparel is a relatively new activewear upstart based in the pacific northwest. We tested the Mission Hoody ($68), and it thoroughly impressed us.

Of all the sun shirts we tested, the Mission is one of just a few that incorporate recycled materials. According to Five12, the fabric is made from 34% recycled plastic bottles, and the remaining 66% combines polyester and spandex.

Five12’s “SeaBreeze” technology utilizes “hollow yarns infused with cooling minerals.” Whatever the material makeup, the Mission breathes quite well, and the shirt feels smooth and silky against the skin. It did feel slightly sticky in hot temps, but it dries extremely fast.

We like the slim and long fit of the Mission, although it might be worth sizing up if you are in between sizes. The shirt offers a fairly snug fit around the shoulders and arms.

The Mission’s four-way stretch is awesome, and we never felt limited in our movements, despite the semi-tight fit. It’s a first-rate layer from an exciting new brand.

• UPF 50+
• Materials 100% Polyester dobby
• Weight 7.4 oz (Men’s medium)
• Anti-odor treatment No

• Good value
• Effective rear vents

• Not the most breathable material (aside from the vents)

The Mountain Hardwear Canyon shirt ($70) has been around for years. The shirt received a recent update, and we think the latest iteration is the best yet. It’s a simple 100% polyester button-up, and it’s a great choice for any activity on a warm summer day.

We love the lightweight breezy feel of the Canyon. The primary material isn’t the most breathable, but a series of small mesh vents along the back of the shoulders improve airflow without compromising sun protection. These vents aren’t as large as those found on the KUIU Mesa, but they’re well-placed and effective.

As for looks, this is a handsome form-fitting shirt. It’s designed for outdoor activities, but you could absolutely wear this during the less-fun parts of life and look semi-professional. It fits a bit snug through the chest, so we recommend sizing up if you want to maximize airflow.

Overall, the Mountain Hardwear Canyon Long Sleeve is a quality button-up sun protection shirt at a reasonable price.

• UPF 30+
• Materials 100% Polyester
• Weight 5.8 oz (Men’s medium)
• Anti-odor treatment Yes

• Lightweight
• Quick to dry
• Durable

• Snug fit

The RAB Force Hoodie ($70) is a streamlined sun shirt built for climbing, trail running, and multiday trekking. Replacing the ever-popular Pulse Hoody, the Force had a lot to live up to, and it delivers.

Designed as a direct-to-skin baselayer, the Force is made from RAB’s “MOTIV” fabric, which is 100% polyester and quite soft to the touch. At just 5.8 oz in a men’s medium, the Force is one of the lightest sun shirts on the market. The “Motiv” fabric is quick to dry, and the seams aren’t bothersome — even while wearing a pack.

We noticed that the Force fits a bit tight, and we’d recommend sizing up to achieve its fullest breathable potential — especially if you’re in between sizes.

While wearing a climbing helmet, the close-fitting hood stays on and provides good coverage. The Force is a bit more expensive than similar options on this list, but it’s still a good value for adventurous climbers and mountain runners.

• UPF 50+
• Materials Unknown
• Weight 9.5 oz (men's medium)
• Anti-odor treatment No

• Thorough sun protection
• Comfortable material
• Front pocket

• Not the most breathable

Duck Camp has deep roots in fishing — its founder’s grandfather started the New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club over 60 years ago. Naturally, the brand has a good sense of what anglers need. The Rockport Sun Hoodie ($89) is a fine example. We tested this shirt while hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. It offered full protection of crucial exposed zones like the neck and back of the hands. Plus, it’s made of soft quick-drying material that eliminates the need for an undershirt.

Available in men’s and women’s sizes, the Rockport went through a thorough and thoughtful design process. It’s form-ftting, yet still loose enough to allow the breeze to flow through. The deep hood fully shades the face and neck from peripheral UV. It’s not quite as cool or breathable as some other shirts on this list, but the zippered front pocket offers rare storage utility.

• UPF 50+
• Materials 100% merino wool
• Weight 7.0 oz (Men's large)
• Anti-odor treatment No

• Lightweight
• Great for cool temps
• Comfortable

• Prone to snagging

The Voormi River Run ($139) is 100% merino wool but made with a unique blend and construction. Voormi uses its Dual Surface ultralight Precision Blended Wool, a fabric weighing under 100 g per square meter. That’s 30 to 50 g lighter than the leading ultralight merino fabrics currently on the market, Voormi claims.

In hand, when packing, and when wearing, we can attest that it’s light. It’s also colored using a wool-specific, individual-yarn dying method.

Now, on to our feedback. I’m not sure where I haven’t worn this Voormi layer — that’s how versatile it is. Paddleboarding, camping, climbing, snowshoeing, kayaking, hiking, running errands, and if I fishing.

The Voormi River Run was designed with everything from fly fishing day trips to multiday river trips in mind, which is one of the main reasons we love it.

But it’s also a UPF 50-rated long sleeve with a hood. So, if you are heading up into alpine territory, or looking for a merino base layer for fall, it’s a good choice for that as well. And, it’s made in the USA. Our only con? It’s crazy ultralight and soft, meaning it’s prone to snag easily.