SUN PROTECTION
The strongest sun-protective apparel does more than add a UPF rating. These brands bring coverage into running, training, trail and everyday pieces through distinctly different approaches to fabric, function and design.
Updated August 2026 · 7 min read
The brands in this guide
Wanting more coverage used to leave you with a fairly narrow set of choices, and even fewer you might genuinely want to wear. That is changing. Sun-protective activewear now spans everything from running gear to everyday coverage, with brands bringing more performance, versatility and design to UPF clothing. Here are the brands giving us more and better ways to stay covered.
01
The fullest sun-protection wardrobe
Coolibar treats UPF as the starting point, not an added feature. Its extensive UPF 50+ assortment spans activewear, golf, tennis, swim, hats, accessories and everyday layers for a more complete approach to coverage for the entire family.
Best for: Shoppers who want options across multiple activities and coverage levels
What stands out: Sun protection is central to the assortment, not limited to a few specialty products
Products to consider
Sun protection built for the run
Rabbit brings UPF 50 protection into lightweight running tops designed for sunny miles. Its sun-protective pieces emphasize breathability, quick drying and strategically placed ventilation for sustained effort in warmer conditions.
Best for: Runners training in strong sun who want lightweight, breathable coverage
What stands out: Sun protection is engineered specifically for running, with technical fabrics and targeted ventilation
Products to consider
03
Merino for long days in the sun
Ridge Merino takes a different route with lightweight, merino-led sun hoodies rated UPF 35+. The fabric brings temperature regulation and odor resistance, while long sleeves, thumbholes and oversized hoods provide more usable coverage.
Best for: Long days outdoors when merino’s temperature regulation and odor resistance matter
What stands out: A dedicated UPF assortment built around lightweight, merino-led fabrics for men and women
Products to consider
04
Ultralight coverage for hot days
KETL’s NoFry collection centers on featherweight UPF 30+ shirts and hoodies made for trail, travel and extended time outdoors. Its 79gsm fabric dries quickly and packs small, while snap-front hoodies offer adjustable airflow.
Best for: Trail, travel and hot-weather adventures where low weight and packability matter
What stands out: Featherweight, fast-drying sun layers with adjustable coverage and airflow
Products to consider
05
Technical protection with a stronger point of view
Ciele brings its distinctive running design language to both performance headwear and apparel. UPF protection is incorporated across the assortment, but the rating and protected area vary by product, from protective cap panels and brims to select apparel rated UPF 50+.
Best for: Runners who want sun protection without settling for generic-looking technical gear
What stands out: Distinctive running design carries across both UPF apparel and technical headwear
Products to consider
06
Sun protection for committed runners
Tracksmith folds UV protection into polished training and hot-weather performance pieces rather than treating it as a separate specialty category. Ratings vary by garment, from UPF 30+ lightweight layers to UPF 50+ pieces developed for hard efforts in the heat.
Best for: Runners who want polished training gear with sun protection built in
What stands out: UPF is integrated into refined hot-weather pieces rather than a separate sunwear category
Products to consider
07
Softer performance for more than one sport
Tasc builds a broad active and everyday assortment around proprietary blends of bamboo viscose and organic cotton. Many styles carry UPF 50+ protection, spanning tees, long sleeves, golf, tennis, training and everyday pieces.
Best for: Tennis, golf, training and everyday movement when softness is a priority
What stands out: Bamboo-viscose and organic-cotton blends anchor a broad range of UPF 50+ styles
Products to consider
08
Technical running, tightly edited
Miler Running uses premium performance fabrics from European mills across a focused assortment designed and largely made in New York City. UPF 50+ protection appears on technical tops, tights, arm sleeves and hats, often alongside quick-drying, stretch or abrasion-resistant construction.
Best for: Runners drawn to minimalist design, premium fabrics and a tightly edited assortment
What stands out: Technical pieces are designed and made in New York City, with UPF 50+ across selected styles
Products to consider
What to know about UPF clothing
What does UPF mean?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Similar to how SPF helps you compare sunscreens, UPF helps you compare the sun protection offered by clothing. A UPF 50 fabric blocks approximately 98% of the sun’s UV radiation, allowing about 2% to pass through to covered skin.
What are UVA and UVB?
UVA and UVB are the two types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun that reach your skin. UVA is more closely associated with premature skin aging, while UVB is the primary cause of sunburn. Both can damage skin and contribute to skin cancer. A UPF rating accounts for protection against both.
Why does some clothing have a UPF rating?
Nearly all clothing creates some barrier between your skin and the sun, but the amount of protection can vary considerably. A legitimate UPF rating means the fabric has been tested to measure how much UV radiation passes through it. Clothing without a rating may still offer protection. You simply do not have a verified number to tell you how much.
What makes one fabric more protective than another?
Sun protection can come from the way a fabric is made, not only from a special treatment. A tighter knit or weave leaves fewer openings for UV to pass through. Darker or more saturated colors can absorb more UV, while the fiber and any added finishes may also play a role. Stretch, moisture and wear can change a fabric’s protection, which is why two shirts that look similar may not perform the same way.
What should I look for?
A higher UPF number means less UV passes through the fabric. UPF 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50 and 50+ offer excellent protection. Then consider the garment itself: longer sleeves, higher necklines, hoods and hand coverage can all protect more skin. Even the highest rating only works where the fabric covers you.
Want to learn more?
Explore the Skin Cancer Foundation’s guide to sun-protective clothing for more shopping guidance, or the EPA’s overview of ultraviolet radiation for a deeper look at UVA and UVB.
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