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Sun jacket/shirt clothing suggestions?

delurked

Veteran

Does anyone have a sun shirt or jacket that they use and like? Have a brand preference for any SPF/UPF clothing? I’m interested in something that does not need to pull over, so either zips or buttons. As lightweight as possible, and probably white or light in color. A hood would be fine, but not necessary. This has been on my list for a long time, plus I’d love to find one for my mom too.

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from delurked

Thistle

Veteran

SPF clothing?

I may be out of it, but wouldn't any clothing offer SPF protection?

I've seen some good bug repellent stuff out of Columbia.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

REI has some good options. I have a couple of these:

https://www.rei.com/product/12.....irt-womens

I've worn them on 95-degree plus days, and they've been pretty good for me.

delurked

Veteran

Thistle - the UV protection of clothing can depend on the weave. Even driving in a car and cause sunburns, and those with skin cancer concerns often wear specialized clothing that is more protective. When it’s 110+ degrees, for example, I might be wearing a tank top, but keeping shoulders/neck/arms etc covered in the sun is essential. So the lighter the layer that protects is better than throwing on a potentially heavier weighted fabric.

Thanks Janet. REI seems like a good place to check.

lisaflex

Veteran

lands end and ll bean
orvis

ClaraT

Veteran

I am on the hunt for a new sunshirt myself.

Just (today) tried this on at REI: https://www.rei.com/product/11.....irt-womens
It is light, it buttons, and the fabric is lovely. I may get it. (More colors at Zappos https://www.zappos.com/p/colum.....olor/14492. As Angie would say, read the rave reviews!
I also looked at this one at Athleta: https://athleta.gap.com/browse.....=1&se. It has really good coverage (note how it covers the hands) and zips up. The white version is a bit see-through and a bit body con. The orange is very bright. It is *not* rashguard material--the material is lighter.

These are two disctinct styles--the first more traditional "hiker" and the second more of an over-leggings look. I'm undecided and may wait a month or two to see if new colors come out. I have one that is more like the top link; it's several years old and I'm ready for a change.

Two more for you: https://www.titlenine.com/prod.....rtby=ourPi
and this from Carve (might be too warm): https://www.carvedesigns.com/c.....-up-jacket

delurked

Veteran

Lisaflex - I see LL Bean has a line of tropicwear shirts. I will take a look at the others.

Can’t grab a find right now, but something like this, if it’s light enough is what I have in mind. It’s Columbia, as mentioned by Thistle above.

https://m.macys.com/shop/produ.....-_-4994350

Anonymous

Here is one from prana with a dropped shoulder:

https://global.prana.com/agnes.....olors=coal

I have no experience with this type of garment, but it’s interesting to read about.

Does anybody use parasols where you live? I saw people in the Florida keys with parasols, but they could have been tourists.

gryffin

Veteran

http://www.sunprecautions.com/product/18800 This is not exactly my jacket. It's shorter and in the stone color to match the hat. It's at least 15 yo and looks new. I would get this if I was getting another piece. The fabric is extremely light weight, there is mesh under the arms for air movement, the SPF is in the weave of the cloth so it will never lose effectiveness. I machine wash and hang dry although I've rarely forgotten and run it through the dryer with no ill effects. They have may nice pieces, run large. I personally prefer oversized except in swim shirts/rash guards.
I got this hat to go with it. They match almost identically fyi. https://www.sundayafternoons.com/p/adventure-hat/ Sunday Afternoons makes excellent sunhats. I own the adventurer hat, notice brim turns down like an umbrella to create shade, velcro to stick up neck drape if you have a collar, chin cord, sizing and adjustable. Stays on my pea sized head.
Check out coolibar, they have some nice pieces too. Hope that helps

JAileen

Veteran

I was going to mention Solumbra, but Gryffin beat me to it. I got their catalog a few days ago. I’ve never bought anything from them, but know someone who does. She wear some of the special gloves. She said she can’t get any more sun. Skin cancer treatment is a growth industry in our town.

delurked

Veteran

Smittie - the dropped shoulder could help, but I generally get a lot of gaping at the bust in that style shirt. I don’t see parasols, but occasionally an umbrella.

Gryffin - this may be just the thing. It’s nice when someone has personal experience to recommend.

I did find one item at Coolibar that’s a possible one too.
https://www.coolibar.com/women.....pf-50.html

I see I’m preferring jackets to shirts.

delurked

Veteran

ClaraT - good options. I have a lands end zip rash guard that seem similar to the last three. It’s perfect for at the beach. I’m thinking of using this more for hiking. It seems Columbia has options too.

delurked

Veteran

JAileen - I know lots of people who wear good hats. Less people seem to wear covered clothing, though there are some.

binkle

Veteran

Thanks for starting this thread, and to everyone who contributed. I am also sun sensitive and have a long outdoor event coming up. Lots of good recommendations to check out!

Greenjeans

Veteran

Would you consider wearing a long-sleeved linen shirt as a jacket to accomplish this? I know the SPF of linen isn't as high as specially made garments, but I wear oversized linen shirts as jackets all summer long for added sun-protection when out and about doing errands and walking the dog, etc and it does offer some protection.

delurked

Veteran

Binkle - I hope you find something for your event.

Greenjeans - I would consider a linen shirt. Some are too heavy, but some are not and would be an easy breathable fabric. My mom is trying to replace the jacket she has, and does not really like to wear linen. So I told her I’d try some out and find something for her.

rachylou

Veteran

Another vote for Solumbra...

Lesley

Veteran

Check the men's department at LL Bean! My favorite is always my father-in-law's, that I borrow when we're visiting the lake in Minnesota. It is the perfect button-down for throwing over a sleeveless shirt—not too roomy and tent-like, a hip plaid, nice and cool for fishing on a sunny day.

delurked

Veteran

Rachy - I think DH has a wide brim hat from Solumbra. I kinda forgot about them.

Lesley - I never knew till this thread that LL Bean had sun protection clothing. Makes sense to check the men’s line too.

LaPed

Veteran

Any company that does fishing gear will have a good selection of lightweight button-up shirts -- Ex Officio, Eddie Bauer, Columbia, Patagonia...

If you want something more like a zip-front hoodie, check swim/surf apparel from companies like Carve Designs, Title Nine, Athleta...

Ginkgo

Veteran

I've been wearing the seaside hoodie and another no longer available coverup from Coolibar and have been extremely happy with them. Will buy a new seaside hoodie this summer.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Gryffin, I'm intrigued by your suggestions. I've had my UPF shirts for years (one is 10 years old!), and they've served me well but sometimes I think I'd prefer the functionality of a jacket (pockets!) since I'm usually wearing them while I'm out photographing. And I'm looking at the hats as well. I kind of hate wearing a goofy-looking hat, but skin cancer is a thing in my family. And I need a hat with a brim that is not stiff so that when I turn my camera vertically, the brim gives way and I don't knock my hat off my head.

delurked

Veteran

Thanks LP. my friend just ordered one from Carve through Zappos this week. I don’t usually turn to outdoorsy companies, so didn’t even think of them (slaps forehead).

Thanks Ginkgo. That’s nice to hear a good review for the seaside coverup.

Janet - I have a couple smaller Brimmed hats like a bucket or ball cap. I think for a larger one I would be looking for something lightweight. Some hats seem quite heavy.

gryffin

Veteran

Janet - this is my area. I also like the zip flap cap. I wear it running and walking for a smaller brim. The other great sun toy is sun umbrella. Coolibar makes this in a tiny travel size also. Also don't forget to check the travel section for small sunscreens for the tsa bag and pockets. They are very handy. Also the Colorscience 50 powder sunscreen is titanium and zinc and comes in colors - light medium and dark. Also the Lipcotz makes an spf 45 which is also titanium/zinc for lips. Most physical blocker are not that high for lips. Light citrus taste - color looks ghastly tan but goes on like a totally nude lip. all to supplement the sunprotective clothing!! If you are at altitude and at risk for frostbite/nip the dermatone the sunscreen of the swiss ski team is anhydrous, no water, decreases risk and provides physical protection. Just some products to consider.

Zippered Flap Caps

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Coolibar UPF 50+ 62" Titanium Golf Umbrella - Sun Protective

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ColoreScience Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Brush

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Cotz Lip Spf 45, .14 Ounce

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DERMATONE Maxi Tin Face Protection SPF 23, 25 Grams

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Gryffin, alas, baseball type caps and umbrellas are no good for me because of the aforementioned photography thing -- turning the camera vertically causes the camera to bump into hat brims (so any brim needs to be really flexible (i.e., not stiff so that the cap tilts back on my head) yet not floppy. The one I have is kind of like this:

https://www.rei.com/product/11.....rimmer-hat

Not stylish at all but useful for a long day in the sun when I'm in gear.

When I go running or hiking with no camera gear, I'll wear a baseball-style cap. Rain or shine, since it keeps the rain off my glasses as well as sun off of my face! I do like the idea of the one with the sun flap, and good to know it fits a small head, since I am of the small noggin club too.

Umbrellas are a total non-starter because I need hands free for camera gear. But thank you for all the info! I have a pretty good sunscreen routine.

gryffin

Veteran

Janet - this one is just for you. The epitome of practical and a true conversation piece. Will keep rain off the equipment also. There are different sizes and variations but I thought the concept was good.

Luwint 36'' Diameter Elastic Fishing Gardening Folding Umbrella Hat Headwear

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Hehe, I think that might be a little overkill for me, but great concept!

gryffin

Veteran

Yup. Desperate is as desperate does!!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Hey, but it can also double as a reflector for more light when I'm doing macro photography!

Delurked, sorry we completely hijacked your thread!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Coolibar has some nice pieces.

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