Sunscreen is a daily essential—but a sun-protective rashguard or shirt? Not so much. But the best UPF clothing has come a long way in recent years, offering shirts, pants, swimsuits, and even bandannas with built-in defense against UV rays. And it can offer a lot of value in its own right. “UPF clothing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your skin from UV damage,” says Carmen Castilla, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. She points to the “farmer’s tan,” in which you have a clear line on the ankles or arms, with the sun-exposed skin being darker, as an example of its impact. “That visible difference is a great demonstration of how much UV protection clothing provides,” she says.
Vogue’s Favorite UPF Clothing
As effective as it is, though, UPF clothing hasn’t exactly enjoyed longstanding popularity, in part because designing and producing it can require a lot of compromise, as Shade New York founder Jess Dunn discovered firsthand. “The biggest challenge wasn’t designing the garments—it was finding a material that met our design standards,” says Dunn, who created her brand after surviving melanoma.
The typical fabrics used to make UPF clothing are synthetic, such as polyester, nylon, or elastane. Not only that, but the designs themselves focused on niche areas like athletics, swim, and resortwear. This combination meant that UPF in everyday clothing didn’t really exist—and even if it did, the actual experience of wearing it was not so enjoyable. “A 100% polyester button-down may look appealing on the hanger, but once it hits 70 degrees, you’ll be sweating,” says Dunn. “Breathability, comfort, and fit matter just as much as protection, because then you’ll actually be inclined to wear it.” With that in mind, these are the UPF clothing brands worth shopping this summer.
