Search for "SPF shirts" and you will find shirts sold with sunscreen language on them. Here is the thing most labels skip: clothing is not rated with SPF at all. Sunscreen gets an SPF number. Fabric gets a UPF number. This guide explains the difference, what to look for when you buy a sun protection shirt, and how to wear one so it actually does its job.
The short answer: an "SPF shirt" is a shirt rated for sun protection, and the rating you want on the label is UPF. UPF 50 means the fabric lets through about 1/50 of the UV that reaches it, so it blocks roughly 98%. Choose sleeves that cover your shoulders and arms, and keep sunscreen for the skin the shirt does not cover.
Shop sun-smart everyday tops: JudyP tops are made in the USA in a microfiber and spandex knit that our fabric supplier rates UPF 50. Machine washable, no ironing, sizes XS to XL.
UPF 50 sun protection tops · Long sleeve tops · 3/4 sleeve tops
Juliet jewel neckNavy · XS–XL · $99Long sleeves and a jewel neck.
Sabrina boatneckBlack · XS–XL · $943/4 sleeves, boatneck.
Deborah V-neckVery Peri · XS–XL · $94A soft V-neck with 3/4 sleeves.
Jackie turtleneckCerulean · XS–XL · $105Turtleneck covers the neck too.
SPF vs UPF: what is the difference?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the rating for sunscreen. It is tested on skin and mostly describes protection from UVB, the rays that cause sunburn. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is the rating for fabric. It measures how much ultraviolet light, both UVA and UVB, passes through the cloth.
| SPF | UPF | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Sunscreen | Clothing and fabric |
| Tested on | Skin | The fabric itself |
| Covers | Mostly UVB | UVA and UVB |
| Wears off? | Yes: reapply after swimming, sweating or about two hours | No reapplying while you wear it |
So when a shop calls something an SPF shirt, read it as "a shirt rated for sun protection" and look for the UPF number. For more on the numbers, see our guide to UPF clothing for women.
Why a sun protection shirt is worth having
- It doesn't wear off. Sunscreen needs reapplying. A rated shirt keeps working for as long as you have it on.
- No missed spots. The backs of the shoulders and the tops of the arms are easy to miss with lotion. A sleeve covers them every time.
- It is the easiest habit. You get dressed anyway. If your everyday top is sun-smart, protection happens without thinking about it.
- It suits real life. Most sun comes in small doses: the drive, the walk to lunch, the garden, the sidelines. A top you would wear anyway covers all of it.
What to look for in an SPF shirt
- A UPF rating on the label. UPF 50 is a strong everyday choice.
- Sleeves. 3/4 or long sleeves cover the shoulders and arms. Short sleeves and tanks leave more skin to cover with sunscreen.
- A neckline that covers the chest. A boatneck, jewel neck or turtleneck covers more than a deep scoop.
- A fabric you will wear. Smooth, soft and easy to wash. If it is scratchy or needs ironing, it stays in the drawer.
- A fit that skims. Not tight, so air moves and the fabric is not stretched thin over the body.
Want the same coverage with a looser fit? A relaxed V-neck or a hip-length tunic covers your arms and shoulders without clinging.
UPF 50 sun protection tops · The Tunic Edit · The Capsule Wardrobe Edit
Karen relaxed V-neckNavy · M, L, XL · $99Relaxed fit through the body.
Sandra tunicBlack · XS–L · $112Tunic length covers the hips.
Deborah V-neckNatural · XS–XL · $94A neutral that goes with everything.
Three sun protection myths
"Any shirt protects me." Every fabric blocks some light, but a thin, loose or pale fabric can let a lot through, and more when it is wet or stretched. A rating takes the guesswork out.
"I only need protection at the beach." Everyday sun adds up: car windows, patios, walking the dog, watching a game. That is where an everyday top earns its keep.
"Sun shirts all look like hiking gear." Plenty of technical shirts do. A smooth knit top with sleeves gives the same coverage and looks like part of your normal wardrobe, which is the point.
How to wear sun protection every day
Treat a sun protection shirt like any other top. A long sleeve jewel neck with jeans for a farmers market morning. A 3/4 sleeve boatneck with white trousers for lunch on a patio. A relaxed V-neck over leggings for the school run or the golf course. Add a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, put sunscreen on your face, neck and hands, and you are covered.
Travelling somewhere sunny? Our vacation outfits guide and summer travel outfits show how to pack sleeved tops without packing a second wardrobe.
More sun protection guides: UPF clothing for women · Best sun shirts for women · Sun protection clothing for women · Sun tops for women
SPF shirt questions, answered
Do SPF shirts exist?
Not officially. SPF is the rating for sunscreen. Clothing is rated with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) instead, so a shirt sold as an "SPF shirt" should carry a UPF number on its label.
What is the difference between SPF and UPF?
SPF is tested on skin and mostly describes protection from UVB, the rays that cause sunburn. UPF is tested on the fabric and measures how much UVA and UVB passes through it.
Is UPF 50 the same as SPF 50?
They are measured differently, so they are not directly comparable. A UPF 50 fabric lets through about 1/50 of the UV that reaches it, which means it blocks roughly 98%.
Do I still need sunscreen with a UPF shirt?
Yes, on the skin the shirt does not cover: your face, neck, hands and any exposed arms. The shirt protects the skin underneath it.
Does sun protection wash out of a shirt?
It depends how the protection is made. Protection that comes from the yarn and the knit itself does not wash out. Finishes and laundry additives can fade over time.
Are JudyP tops UPF 50?
JudyP tops are made in the USA in a microfiber and spandex knit that our fabric supplier rates UPF 50. They are machine washable, need no ironing and come in sizes XS to XL.
