Sun protection clothing used to mean a stiff long-sleeve rash guard and a hat you only wore at the beach. It doesn't have to. A good sleeved knit top can protect your shoulders and arms from the sun and still look like something you chose for the day, not for a hike. This guide explains what sun protection clothing is, how UV protection clothing is rated, what to wear to protect yourself from sunlight, and five women's brands worth a look, including our own.
The short answer: sun protection clothing (also called UV protection clothing or UPF clothing) is made from fabric rated for how much ultraviolet light it lets through. Look for a UPF rating on the label, choose sleeves that cover your shoulders and upper arms, and put sunscreen on the skin your clothes don't cover. A UPF 50 fabric blocks about 98% of UV.
Shop everyday sun protection 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 · The Capsule Wardrobe Edit
Juliet jewel neckNavy · XS–XL · $99Long sleeves, jewel neck. Full arm coverage.
Jackie turtleneckCerulean · XS–XL · $105Turtleneck covers the neck and arms.
Sabrina boatneckBlack · XS–XL · $94Boatneck, 3/4 sleeve. Office to patio.
Deborah V-neckVery Peri · XS–XL · $94A soft V-neck with 3/4 sleeves.
What is sun protection clothing?
Every fabric blocks some sunlight. Sun protection clothing is clothing whose fabric has been tested and given a UPF number, short for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. The number tells you how much UV gets through: UPF 50 lets through about 1/50 of it, UPF 30 about 1/30. That covers both kinds of ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB.
You will see the same thing sold under several names: UV protection clothing, ultraviolet protection clothing, UPF clothing and sun-protective clothing. They all mean a garment with a rated fabric. If you want the detail on the numbers, our guide to UPF clothing for women explains what UPF 50 means and how it compares with SPF.
How to wear sun protection every day
Most of the sun we get is not on the beach. It is the walk to the car, lunch on a patio, a morning at the farmers market, an afternoon watching grandchildren play. That is why everyday clothes matter more than a special outfit kept in a drawer.
- Cover what burns first. Shoulders, upper arms, the back of the neck and the chest. A 3/4 or long sleeve and a boatneck or jewel neck cover more than a tank.
- Choose the fabric, not just the style. Tightly knit or woven fabric lets less light through than a loose, see-through weave. Hold a top up to a window: if you can see a lot of light through it, so can the sun.
- Deeper colors help. Navy, black and rich colors generally let less UV through than white or pale pastels in the same fabric.
- Keep it comfortable. If a top is hot or stiff, you won't wear it. A smooth knit that breathes and washes easily gets worn every week.
- Finish the job. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen on your face, neck and hands cover what a top cannot. Shade in the middle of the day helps too.
How to choose stylish sun protection clothing
The trick is to buy sun protection the same way you buy any good top: fit and color first, then check the label for a rating.
| Piece | What to look for | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Long sleeve top | A smooth knit with a jewel neck or turtleneck | Arms, shoulders and neck |
| 3/4 sleeve top | A boatneck or V-neck that you can wear to the office | Shoulders and most of the arm |
| Tunic | Hip length, worn with leggings or slim trousers | Arms, shoulders and hips |
| Knit dress | Knee to midi length, with a light layer for the arms | Body and legs |
| Hat and sunglasses | A wide brim and UV-blocking lenses | Face, ears and eyes |
For everyday wear, sleeved tops do most of the work. Start with two neutrals you already wear (navy, black or a soft natural) and one color you love. Everything else in your closet keeps working around them. Our guide to the best sun shirts for women compares 19 sun protection shirts if you want more choice.
5 stylish sun protection clothing brands for women
Each brand below takes a different approach, from everyday tops you can wear to work to resort prints and outdoor coverage. We have included our own first, with the facts about it.
1. JudyP Apparel
JudyP makes everyday women's tops, tunics and dresses in the USA. They are cut and sewn here in a smooth microfiber and spandex knit that our fabric supplier rates UPF 50, so a JudyP top looks like a polished wardrobe piece and still covers your shoulders and arms from the sun.
What makes it stylish
The tops come in a range of necklines and sleeve lengths: V-neck, boatneck, jewel neck, scoop neck and turtleneck, with sleeveless, short, 3/4 and long sleeves. The Sabrina boatneck 3/4 sleeve top works for the office and lunch outside. The Juliet jewel neck long sleeve top covers the whole arm, and the Jackie turtleneck covers the neck as well. Colors run from navy, black and natural to cerulean, very peri and red.
Fabric and care
The knit is soft, smooth and machine washable, and it does not need ironing. It holds its shape through the day, which makes it easy to pack for travel as well as wear at home.
Best for and fit notes
JudyP suits women who want everyday sun-smart tops rather than swimwear or hiking gear. Sizes run XS to XL. For a looser shape, the Karen relaxed fit V-neck is cut fuller through the body, and the Sandra tunic covers the hips.
Price range and where to buy
JudyP tops are $84 to $112. Shop them at judypapparel.com, starting with our UPF 50 sun protection tops.
Build a sun-smart wardrobe that still looks like you: pick two or three sleeved tops in colors you already wear, and you are covered from the school run to the patio.
UPF 50 sun protection tops · The Travel Edit · The Smart Casual Edit
Karen relaxed V-neckNavy · M, L, XL · $99Relaxed fit through the body.
Deborah V-neckNatural · XS–XL · $94A neutral that goes with everything.
Sandra tunicBlack · XS–L · $112Tunic length covers the hips.
Karen relaxed V-neckPearl · S, M, XL · $99Pearl reads lighter in summer.
2. Coolibar
Coolibar is one of the more established names in stylish sun protection clothing, with a lineup that spans everyday tops, cover-ups, pants, and accessories for women who want full coverage without compromising on appearance. The brand has focused almost exclusively on UV protection since 2001, which means sun safety drives every design decision they make.
What makes it stylish
Coolibar leans into resort and casual aesthetics, offering lightweight fabrics, soft colors, and relaxed silhouettes that work well for travel, outdoor dining, or warm-weather errands. Their pieces often feature feminine details like flutter sleeves and draped necklines that make them feel intentional rather than purely functional.
UPF and fabric details
Every Coolibar garment carries a UPF 50+ rating, blocking over 98% of UV rays. The brand uses several proprietary fabric technologies, including SUNTECT and SunBlock fabric blends, which are lightweight, quick-drying, and designed to hold their UV protection through repeated washing.
Best for and fit notes
Coolibar suits women who spend significant time outdoors, whether at the beach, on a golf course, or hiking. Fits tend to run relaxed and coverage-focused rather than tailored, so if you prefer a more shaped silhouette, sizing down may help.
Price range and where to buy
Prices range from $40 to $150 depending on the style. You can shop directly at coolibar.com or find select pieces on Amazon.
3. Cabana Life
Cabana Life positions itself at the intersection of coastal style and sun safety, offering women's clothing that leans into beach and resort aesthetics. The brand started with swimwear and cover-ups and has since expanded into tops, dresses, and loungewear, making it a strong option for women who spend significant time near water or in warmer climates.
What makes it stylish
The brand leans into bright prints, bold patterns, and vibrant color combinations that feel right at home on vacation or during warm-weather weekends. The designs frequently feature tropical motifs, florals, and stripes that stand out from the muted palettes of more utilitarian sun protection brands. If you want your sun protection clothing to feel festive rather than functional-looking, Cabana Life delivers that consistently.
UPF and fabric details
Every Cabana Life garment carries a UPF 50+ rating, blocking over 98% of UV rays. The brand uses lightweight, quick-drying fabrics across most of its lineup, which makes the pieces practical for water activities or days that move between the beach and a lunch spot.
The quick-dry construction means you can wear Cabana Life pieces in and out of the water without needing to change outfits mid-day.
Best for and fit notes
This brand works well for women who want sun protection built around coastal and resort settings rather than everyday office or errand wear. Fits run slightly relaxed, which suits cover-up and beachwear use well, though some styles cross over into casual everyday outfits.
Price range and where to buy
Prices typically fall between $40 and $120 depending on the style. You can find select Cabana Life pieces through Amazon or shop directly on their website.
4. Solbari
Solbari is an Australian brand that has built a following among women who want stylish sun protection clothing with a refined, understated look. The brand ships globally with a dedicated US customer base, offering a range of tops, pants, cardigans, and accessories designed for everyday wear rather than purely outdoor or athletic use.
What makes it stylish
Solbari keeps its designs clean and contemporary, favoring neutral tones, soft pastels, and minimal detailing. The aesthetic sits closer to a boutique wardrobe brand than a typical sun protection label, which makes their pieces easy to layer into office outfits, travel looks, and casual wear. If you prefer understated over bold prints, this brand fits your style.
UPF and fabric details
Every Solbari garment carries a UPF 50+ rating, blocking over 98% of UV rays. The brand uses lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics tested and certified by external laboratories, which gives you confidence that the protection claims are backed by real data rather than just marketing language.
Best for and fit notes
Solbari works well for women who want polished, everyday coverage rather than beachwear or activewear. Fits tend to run true to size with a slightly relaxed cut, which keeps them comfortable for long days without looking shapeless.
Price range and where to buy
Prices typically fall between $50 and $130 depending on the style. You can shop directly on their website or find select pieces through Amazon.
5. Sun Precautions
Sun Precautions has been making UPF-rated women's clothing since 1992, which puts them among the longest-standing names in stylish sun protection clothing. The brand focuses almost entirely on UV protection, offering a range of tops, pants, jackets, and accessories built around their proprietary Solumbra fabric rather than chasing seasonal trends.
What makes it stylish
The designs lean toward classic cuts and solid colors rather than bold prints or trend-forward silhouettes. That restraint makes the pieces easy to layer into your existing wardrobe without looking like sun protection gear you're just tolerating.
UPF and fabric details
The brand's proprietary Solumbra fabric carries a UPF 50+ rating, blocking over 98% of UV rays. The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and tested to maintain its protective rating throughout the life of the garment, not just when it's brand new.
Sun Precautions was one of the first brands to develop and patent a UPF-rated fabric, which gives them decades of technical expertise behind their protection claims.
Best for and fit notes
This brand works well for women who prioritize reliable, long-term protection over fashion-forward styling. Fits tend to run relaxed and coverage-first, which suits outdoor activities and travel well rather than tailored office looks.
Price range and where to buy
Prices typically range from $50 to $160 depending on the style. You can shop directly on their website or find select pieces on Amazon.
Quick picks and next steps
Each brand on this list brings a different strength to sun protection clothing. For bold prints and beachwear, Cabana Life fits. For understated everyday coverage, look at Solbari or Sun Precautions. Coolibar is a good fit if you spend serious time outdoors and want rated pieces across many categories.
If you want everyday tops, tunics and dresses that go from home to the office to the weekend and also cover your shoulders and arms, start with JudyP: made in the USA, a microfiber and spandex knit our fabric supplier rates UPF 50, sizes XS to XL. See our UPF 50 sun protection tops or build a whole wardrobe with The Capsule Wardrobe Edit.
More sun protection guides: UPF clothing for women · Best sun shirts for women · Vacation outfits · Summer travel outfits
Sun protection clothing questions, answered
What is sun protection clothing?
Sun protection clothing is clothing made from fabric that has been rated for how much ultraviolet (UV) light it lets through. The rating is called UPF. A UPF 50 fabric lets through about 1/50 of the UV that reaches it, so it blocks roughly 98%.
Is UV protection clothing the same as sun protection clothing?
Yes. UV protection clothing, ultraviolet protection clothing, UPF clothing and sun protection clothing all describe the same thing: garments rated for how much UVA and UVB light passes through the fabric.
Does sun protection clothing really work?
A rated fabric keeps protecting for as long as you wear it, with nothing to reapply. It only protects the skin it covers, so pair it with a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen on your face, neck and hands.
What should I wear to protect myself from the sun?
Choose sleeves that cover your shoulders and upper arms, a neckline that covers the skin that burns first, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Tightly knit or woven fabrics in deeper colors let less light through than thin, loose weaves in pale colors.
Can sun protection clothing look stylish?
Yes. A sleeved knit top in a color you love, worn with your usual trousers, skirt or jeans, does the job without looking like outdoor gear. Look for a rating on the label rather than a technical look.
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.
