Recs for sun protective clothing that is cool and comfortable? (Review added!) - YouLookFab Forum

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Recs for sun protective clothing that is cool and comfortable? (Review added!)

Peri

Veteran

Well, more specific than "clothing", I've gotten the idea in my head that a button up top that could be worn open over other tops would be a great thing to keep in my car for unexpected times outside. I keep a sunhat but since I'm often sleeveless in the summer a shirt I could wear on top seems like a good idea.

My first idea was a linen "big shirt" and that should be easy to come by. But linen is hardly sun protective. Better than nothing...and maybe good enough since sun time is not something I seek out. But actual protective tech would be ideal if there is a kind that is breathable and cool. And not anything like a surf shirt...I want to be able to put it on over whatever I'm wearing. Does such a thing exist? I saw a FB ad that triggered this thinking, but the shirts were sheer so I'm skeptical.

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Wren

unfrumped

Veteran

I have used shirts from Eddie Bauer and Columbia. Royal Robbins also. All of the sun shirts I have seen are synthetics and so, not exactly breathable like linen or cotton, though many have venting perforations or mesh under arms or in back.

For “ mild sun” wear I think darker, closely- woven fabrics would do some good- like a chambray or dark poplin.

Dee

Veteran

I recently bought a Uniqlo AIRism UV protection mesh zip hoodie. I just love it, it has the light weight slinky AIRism tech fabric, UPF 50 protection, packable, and comes in a variety of colours too. I find it so handy to throw on for bike rides or anytime being out in the sun, even on some of the hottest days.

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kkards

Veteran

If you’re looking for regular clothing, a lightweight denim shirt is good, as darker colors and tighter weaves are going to give you better protection.

I was also going to mention the Uniqlo airism that Dee posted. Also check out the Coolibar brands, they have a lot of options.
https://www.coolibar.com/?gad_.....DDyjeDA-wR

JAileen

Veteran

I would look at REI or Patagonia. REI has lots of shirts with sun protection, such as REI brand and Columbia. Some have net panels for ventilation. Before the pandemic, we went on a road trip through the Southwest. In Tucson, at the Sonora Desert Museum, I remember seeing several people wearing those shirts, in light colors, along with hats with neck capes, and sun gloves. They really know what they’re doing there! I have a couple of these nylon/polyester shirts, but they’re just too warm for me. I always end up really sweaty in them.

Aquamarine

Veteran

My dermatologist recommends Solumbra clothing (https://www.sunprecautions.com) but I have not yet ordered anything from them so can’t speak to the comfort.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I tend to wear thin cotton shirts in the sun - not full protection but I also have on SPF. Am following this thread with interest.

ChristelJ

Veteran

I have some button down shirts by REI and Columbia, as JAileen mentions. I love them for sun protection. I throw them over what I'm wearing for driving or walking in the sun. I never actually button them up. They save me from having to put sunscreen on my arms. I will say they can be hot if hiking midday, but I don't do that often.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I tend to wear SPF and then thin cotton or linen with sleeves. It's probably not the best protection but where I live the sun is not terribly strong for much of the year. I like the suggestions here, though.

I am not sure if Ripskirt is sun protective but I think it would be. They are mainly about the bottoms, but have a few tops options as well. https://ripskirthawaii.ca/?gad.....HxMLy0PuPm

April

Veteran

Solumbra and Coolibar are my favorites.

Ginger

Veteran

We wear the Columbia Tamiami II long sleeve shirt a lot. It's very thin and does let the breeze through, plus there are some mesh areas and a vent in the back. Not a knit so it doesn't cling. I usually throw it on over whatever else I'm wearing (so I can take it off when I'm in the shade).

https://www.columbia.com/p/wom.....75701.html

Ginger

Veteran

For what it's worth, I've found polyester in general to be far more breathable than nylon. I have a couple of tennis/athletic dresses that I've used for yard work. The nylon one holds in the heat and sweat but the polyester one really does breath. This may be personal for me but I've noticed it with other nylon items as well.

greenie

I’ve recently discovered Tasc, and I wore their “recess” tee shirt non-stop on a 3 week trip to Asia that I just returned from. I promptly ordered more of the recess line (long sleeved quarter zip and hoodies) from them. And some colors are on sale right now. I can’t speak to their other clothes, but the recess tee is extremely comfortable, perfect in hot weather, dries fast, lightweight, easy to care for, and has a UPF of over 50! It’s cotton and bamboo, and doesn’t get stinky like synthetics can.

ClaraT

Veteran

Nothing to add that’s not said above—just saying thank you for this helpful thread!

Peri

Veteran

Thank you all for the options! I've looked and thought over everything and for first purchase I'm going with the Coolibar Rhodes Shirt in White. It looks like everything I'm looking for, the price was decent, and there was a 25% off code. I'll post back when it gets here.

I'm still considering the Uniqlo hoodie that Dee posted and the Columbia shirt that Ginger posted. Columbia actually wins for number of suggestions! I don't want to go overboard until I see what my usage is for this kind of item. I'm not outdoorsy, particularly in the Southern summer, so I don't think I need multiple options. Time will tell.

I was intrigued by Tasc that Greenie mentioned because I love the bamboo sheets I've been using for a few months (from Cozy Earth, not Tasc) but they don't have a style like I want. Too bad, bamboo is fantastic!

Solumbra looks good too, but is the priciest of the brands mentioned on this thread. I don't think my use will warrant the price but if I was out hiking or biking, etc, I wouldn't rule them out.

Thanks, all...I'll post a review of the Coolibar shirt when it gets here.

Joy

Veteran

I don't see what I thought I had posted here. Lands End makes tops on a sun repellent fabric. I have it in white and navy stripe, Plain white and plain navy, go up a size on this item for fit. I like wearing them as regular tops under a jacket. I have the long sleeved pullovers but they have expanded their offerings this year to short sleeves and zip front jackets. They are comfortable all year although polyester and very easy care.

Peri

Veteran

My first order...the Coolibar Rhodes Shirt...came today and it is exactly what I was looking for. I thought I was sizing up and ordered L, but it is mildly oversized, not huge. That is fine...it will go on easily over a tank or T-shirt and it looks basically like a classic white shirt. It is so light and soft that it's hard to believe it can be 50+ sun protection.

I've also ordered the Uniqlo Hoodie that Dee linked. Not sure I need two things with this purpose, but I ordered it anyway. A light jacket could be useful!

Wren

I love the recommendations given here.