Introduction to sun-protective clothing and the benefits of SPF shirts
Searching for The Best Short Sleeve Sun-Blocking Shirts Near You? Step-by-Step Tips to Find The Perfect SPF 30 UV Protection Shirt
What is UPF and how does it block UV rays in clothing?
- Tightly woven dense fibers leave less space for UV rays to pass through.
- Darker colors absorb more UV radiation.
- Chemicals like sunscreen are added to fabrics to absorb UV.
- Fabrics are treated with UV-blocking finishes and coatings.
Searching for The Best Short Sleeve Sun-Blocking Shirts Near You? Step-by-Step Tips to Find The Perfect SPF 30 UV Protection Shirt
1. Look for a UPF Rating of 30+
2. Seek Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics
3. Consider Styles with Full Coverage
4. Check Sun Protection Claims in the Product Details
- Certified UPF 30+/50+ rating
- UVA/UVB protection
- UV blocking fabric technology
- Protection against sunburn/skin cancer
5. Know What to Avoid
- Lightweight cotton fabrics
- Loose knits and mesh fabrics
- Worn-out, thinned and stretched out material
- Wet or sweat-saturated shirts
- Tops with large armholes or gaping necklines
6. Consider Sun Protective Features Beyond UPF
- Hoods – Cover neck, ears and parts of face
- Full front zip – No gaping neckline when unzipped
- Chin guards – Flap to protect lower face
- Vents – Allow airflow without exposure
- Cuffs – Prevent sleeves riding up
- Dark colors – Absorb more UV radiation
7. Shop with Reputable Outdoor and Athletic Wear Retailers
- Columbia
- Coolibar
- Patagonia
- The North Face
- REI Co-op
- Athleta
- Outdoor Research
8. Try Specialty Sun Protective Clothing Brands
In addition to the major outdoor brands, a handful of smaller companies focus exclusively on sun protective garments. Two great options to check out include:
- Solbari – Activewear company specializing in UPF 50+ sun protective fabrics. Offers both women’s and men’s shirts.
- Sun Precautions – Sells a wide selection of UPF clothing including polos, hoodies, pants, skirts and adaptive apparel.
Their product lines showcase fabrics and designs optimized for sun coverage, though often at higher price points.
9. Shop Medical Supply Stores for Adaptive Sun Wear
10. Compare Prices Online Before Buying
Cover Up Without Overheating
Tips for finding white SPF shirts to beat the heat and glare
How to Care for White Sun Protective Shirts
Shopping Tips for Men’s & Women’s White SPF Shirts
Buying guide for adult SPF clothing – considerations for men, women, seniors
With summer in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. One great option is to wear sun-blocking or UV protection shirts. These shirts are specially designed to block both UVA and UVB rays and provide an important barrier between your skin and the sun. But not all sun shirts are created equal, so how do you find the best short sleeve sun shirt for your needs?
When searching for the perfect sun shirt, there are a few key factors to consider:
- UV Protection Level – Look for a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 30 or higher. The higher the UPF, the more UV radiation is blocked. UPF 30 blocks 97% of UV rays.
- Fabric – Tightly woven fabrics provide the best protection. Coolmax, dri-FIT, and other synthetic blends are ideal for blocking UV rays while keeping you cool and dry.
- Weight – Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best for keeping comfortable in the heat. Look for shirts made of lightweight polyester or nylon.
- Coverage – Choose a shirt with long sleeves, a collar, and full coverage in the front and back for maximum protection.
- Fit – The shirt should be loose enough for air flow but not so baggy that your skin is exposed when moving.
- Color – Lighter shades help reflect the sun from your skin for extra protection.
When trying on sun shirts, move around and lift your arms to ensure you’ll have full coverage even while active. Make sure there are no gaps where the fabric is stretched tight over your shoulders or back. The collar should fit snugly around your neck.
For complete sun protection, look for a long sleeve rash guard style shirt. But on extremely hot days, long sleeves can feel oppressive. For keeping cool in the summer heat, short sleeve styles are ideal.
Some great features to look for in short sleeve sun shirts include:
- Mock neck or stand up collar for protecting the sensitive skin on your neck.
- Thumb holes at the cuffs to protect your hands and keep sleeves in place.
- Zipper or buttons to customize ventilation
- Mesh paneling under the arms for breathability
- Vents along the sides or back for airflow
- Relaxed fit through the torso
- Darker colors around the neckline to prevent reflected UV exposure under the chin
When trying on short sleeve sun shirts, focus on getting the right fit across the shoulders and upper back. You want the fabric to skim your body without pulling or hanging loose.
For women, look for a shirt with darts, princess seams, and side panel shaping for a flattering silhouette. For men, make sure the shirt has enough room through the chest and shoulders.
Move your arms through a full range of motion such as reaching overhead or out to the sides. There should be no gaping or pulling at the armholes. Sit and bend down as you would putting on shoes or reaching for a bag. The shirt hem should stay in place without riding up.
For maximum comfort, look for shirts made of lightweight, moisture-wicking or quick-drying fabrics to keep you cool and dry. Soft, stretchy fabrics allow for easy movement. Seams should lay flat and not chafe or irritate your skin.
Try on sun shirts in different sleeve lengths to find your preference. Short sleeves ending just above the elbow keep the fabric away from your forearms for better airflow. Cap sleeves cover just the tops of your shoulders for minimal coverage. Sleeveless styles are the most breezy but provide the least protection for your arms.
Finding the right sun shirt is a balancing act between protection, coverage, and comfort. Take the time to try on several styles, fabrics, sizes, and sleeve lengths. Check the fit while sitting, bending, and moving around. When you find a lightweight short sleeve sun shirt that blocks UV rays, wicks moisture, and fits well while active, you’ve found the perfect UV protection for all your summer adventures.
Caring for UV protective clothing – washing, drying, storing
You’ve found the perfect lightweight, breathable sun shirt to protect your skin this summer. But to get the most out of your UV protective clothing, you’ll need to properly care for it. Follow these simple tips for washing, drying, and storing your sun shirts and other sun protective gear.
Washing
To maintain the UPF rating and sun protective properties, always wash your sun shirts separately from your regular laundry. The abrasion from other garments can damage the UV blocking fibers and coatings.
Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle to preserve the fabric’s integrity. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can break down UPF materials.
Some sun shirts may specify hand washing only. This is gentler on specialty fabrics designed for sun protection. Make sure to check the care tag for washing instructions.
Turn the shirt inside out before washing to protect the outer fabric from damage. This also prevents the buildup of sunscreen residue.
Use a mild liquid detergent without dyes or perfumes, formulated for activewear or delicate fabrics. Powder detergents can cling to moisture-wicking fibers.
Skip the dryer sheets – they can leave a coating that diminishes UV blocking effectiveness. And don’t wash with your swimsuits, as the chemicals in pool or salt water can degrade the shirts.
Drying
Always air dry your sun shirts to help maintain the UPF rating. The heat of electric or gas dryers can damage the UV blocking fibers and coatings.
Hang shirts on a line or rack outside or indoors. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors and break down the fabrics over time.
If air drying inside, use a fan to speed up drying time and circulate fresh air through the fibers. Just don’t use heat settings.
Smooth out any wrinkles or bunching and straighten the sleeves so the shirt dries flat and even. This helps prevent creases from setting in.
For quick-drying performance fabrics, air drying won’t take long. But give cotton and linen shirts ample time to fully dry before wearing or storing.
If you’re in a rush, the low or no heat setting on a dryer may be acceptable. But air drying is best for extending the life of your UV protective wear.
Storing
After washing and drying, be sure to fold or hang your sun shirts properly to maintain their sun protective qualities:
- Fold loosely instead of tightly rolling or balling up, which can break down the fibers.
- Use pants hangers to avoid stretch creases on the shoulders.
- Place shirts in breathable garment bags or on open shelves – avoid airtight plastic bins or bags.
- Store out of direct sunlight in a clean, dry area.
- Avoid mothballs or harsh chemical deterrents that may cling to fabrics.
- Wash before extended storage to remove body oils, sunscreen residue, etc.
Proper laundry care extends the life of your UV protective clothing. Using non-abrasive detergent, air drying out of sunlight, and storing loosely folded or hung will help maintain the sun blocking effectiveness wash after wash.
With price points ranging from $20 to $70 and up, quality sun shirts represent an investment in skin health. Taking steps to care for the fabrics will ensure you get the most wear for your money.
But no piece of clothing lasts forever, especially with repeated sun and sweat exposure. Keep an eye out for signs your trusty sun shirt may need to be replaced:
- Thin, threadbare fabric
- Holes, snags or tears
- Fading, especially along the tops of the shoulders and back
- Loss of stretch and shape
- Visible sun damage or discoloration
UPF clothing has a limited lifespan so you’ll need to retire well-worn pieces after a few years. Caring properly for your sun shirts while they’re new will help maximize their UV protection.
Don’t let washing and drying your UV protective gear become a tedious chore. Follow these simple care instructions to maintain effectiveness and keep your skin safe from sun damage all season long!
Other sun protective clothing like SPF shorts, pants, hats