UPF clothing for women is clothing made from fabric that has been rated for how much ultraviolet light it lets through. It is the simplest kind of sun protection there is: you put it on in the morning and it keeps working all day, with nothing to reapply. This guide explains what UPF 50 sun protection clothing means, how to choose it, and 10 JudyP tops worth a look, from long sleeves for full coverage to lighter pieces for hot days.

The short answer: UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how much UV passes through a fabric. A UPF 50 fabric lets through about 1/50 of the UV that reaches it, which means it blocks roughly 98%. Look for a UPF rating on the label, choose sleeves that cover the areas you burn first (shoulders, upper arms, forearms, the back of the neck), and use sunscreen on the skin your clothes do not cover.

Sabrina boatneckShown in Black3/4 sleeve boatneck. Office to patio.Juliet jewel neckShown in NavyLong sleeve for full arm coverage.Deborah V-neckShown in NaturalA soft neutral V-neck, 3/4 sleeve.Jackie turtleneckShown in CeruleanCovers the neck and arms.

UPF meaning: what UPF 50 sun protection clothing means

UPF meaning, in one line: UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, a rating for how much of the sun's UV a fabric lets through to your skin. The higher the number, the less gets through.

UPF is the clothing version of SPF, but the two are measured differently. SPF is tested on skin and mostly describes protection from UVB, the rays that cause sunburn. UPF is tested on the fabric itself and covers both UVA and UVB. The number tells you the fraction that gets through: UPF 15 lets through about 1/15, UPF 30 about 1/30 and UPF 50 about 1/50. That is why UPF 50 is the rating most sun protection clothing aims for.

A rating describes the fabric, not the garment. A UPF 50 top still leaves your hands, face and neckline uncovered, so sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses still have a job to do. For more on the difference, see SPF vs UPF, explained.

How to choose UPF clothing

• Check the label. If a garment is sold as sun protective, the UPF number should be on the tag or product page. If there is no number, assume it is an ordinary fabric.
• Coverage matters as much as the rating. A 3/4 or long sleeve covers far more skin than a tank. A boatneck or jewel neck covers more of the chest than a deep V.
• Choose a fabric you will actually wear in the heat. Smooth, light knits and performance fabrics stay comfortable. If it is too hot to wear, it protects nothing.
• Fit. A fabric that is stretched very tight can let more light through, so choose your usual size rather than sizing down.
• Color. Darker and brighter colors generally absorb more UV than pale ones, but the UPF number on the label is what to trust.

10 JudyP UPF 50 tops for women

Every top below is made in the USA from our microfiber and spandex knit, which our fabric supplier rates UPF 50. It is soft, stretchy, moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant and machine washable, and it comes in sizes XS to XL. The list starts with the styles that cover the most skin and works toward lighter pieces for hot days.

1. Sabrina Boatneck 3/4 Sleeve Top

If you want one top that works at the office, on a patio and on a plane, the Sabrina boatneck is it. The boatneck covers more of the chest and shoulders than a V-neck, and the 3/4 sleeve covers the forearms, which are often the first place to burn when you are driving or walking.

Style it from desk to dinner

• Pair with white ankle trousers and flat sandals for a summer weekend.
• Wear it with a pencil skirt under a blazer for work; it comes out of the wash smooth.
• Roll it in a carry-on for a ready-to-wear travel top.

Best for: everyday wear when you want shoulder and forearm coverage. See all 3/4 sleeve tops.

2. Juliet Jewel Neck Long Sleeve Top

For the most arm coverage, choose a long sleeve. The Juliet has full-length sleeves and a jewel neckline that sits close to the collarbone, so it covers more of the chest than an open neckline. It is light enough to wear on a warm afternoon and polished enough for dinner.

Best for: long days outdoors, boating, sightseeing and driving with the sun on your arms. See all long sleeve tops.

3. Jackie Turtleneck Long Sleeve Top

The Jackie covers the neck as well as the arms, which makes it the most covered-up top on this list. The back and sides of the neck are easy to miss with sunscreen, and a turtleneck takes care of them. In a smooth knit it reads sleek rather than wintry, and it layers under a jacket on cooler days.

Best for: maximum coverage, ski trips and spring or fall days in strong sun.

4. Deborah 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Top

The Deborah is a fitted V-neck with 3/4 sleeves, the easiest top to wear every day. The sleeves cover the shoulders and most of the forearm, and the V-neck looks good with a necklace or under a blazer. Add sunscreen or a scarf at the neckline when you will be outside for hours.

Best for: work, errands and travel. See all V-neck tops.

5. Karen Relaxed Fit 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Top

The Karen is a V-neck with 3/4 sleeves and a relaxed body that skims rather than clings, so air moves through it on hot days. Because a fabric stretched very tight can let more light through, a relaxed fit is a smart choice for sun wear. Order your usual size; it comes in S to XL.

Best for: hot, humid days and anyone who prefers room through the body.

Sandra tunicShown in BlackLonger length, 3/4 sleeve.Karen relaxed V-neckShown in PearlRelaxed fit for hot days.Juliet jewel neckShown in BougainvilleaLong sleeve in a vacation color.Deborah V-neckShown in Very Peri3/4 sleeve in periwinkle.

6. Pamela Scoop Neck 3/4 Sleeve Double Layer Top

The Pamela has a scoop neck, 3/4 sleeves and a double layer of fabric in front, so it is non-sheer even in light colors. It is a softer, more casual shape than the Sabrina with the same sleeve coverage.

Best for: weekends, garden days and casual lunches outside. See all scoop neck tops.

7. Rachel V-Neck 3/4 Sleeve Ruched Bottom Top

A 3/4 sleeve V-neck with ruching at the hem, which gathers the fabric for a flattering line through the middle. It gives you the same arm coverage as the Deborah with a little more detail, so it works for a garden party or an outdoor dinner.

Best for: outdoor events and dressier summer days.

8. Sandra V-Neck 3/4 Sleeve Tunic

A longer V-neck with 3/4 sleeves that covers the hips. Wear it over leggings or slim pants for a walk, a long drive or a day at a market, and you have covered a lot of skin with one easy piece.

Best for: walking days and travel. See all tunics.

9. Emily V-Neck 3/4 Sleeve Pocket Dress

A V-neck dress with 3/4 sleeves and pockets, in the same knit as our tops. A dress with sleeves covers the arms and most of the legs in one piece, which is handy for summer events, travel and cruise days. Pair it with a hat and sandals.

Best for: summer events, cruises and vacations.

10. Cathy Short Sleeve Jewel Neck Top

When it is too hot for 3/4 sleeves, a short sleeve with a high neckline still covers the shoulders and the top of the chest, two of the places that burn first. The Cathy has a jewel neck and short sleeves and pairs with shorts, skirts and white jeans.

Best for: the hottest days, when you want some coverage without sleeves to the elbow.

Layering under the sun: a sleeveless top like the Christina Boatneck Sleeveless Shell or the Stephanie Scoop Neck Layering Tank Top is in the same fabric, but bare arms need sunscreen. Wear them under a jacket or open shirt when you will be outside for long. See all sleeveless tops.

Cover-up layers from The JudyP Collective

The JudyP Collective is a small group of brands we carry alongside our own tops. These pieces are not sold with a UPF rating, but they add coverage over a JudyP top on sunny days.

• Buki Resort Vee Long Sleeve Popover Shirt ($158). A relaxed long sleeve shirt in a soft, machine-washable tech fabric. Wear it open over a shell or tank.
• Buki Neo-Tech Jacket ($178, navy, black or charcoal grey). A light jacket that covers the arms on a breezy boat ride or an evening outside.
• Buki Easy Street Stretch Chino Pant ($178). A full-length stretch pant that covers the legs, worn with any top above.

See every Buki piece in the Buki collection.

Wrap-Up: Build Your Sun-Smart Wardrobe

Sun protection gets simpler when it is built into clothes you already want to wear. Start with two or three UPF tops with sleeves for everyday errands, walks and travel, add a hat for your face, and keep sunscreen for the skin your clothes leave uncovered. Fabric protection does not sweat off or need reapplying, so wearing it consistently matters more than any single piece. To start with tops, see our Capsule Wardrobe Edit and Travel Edit, made in the USA in sizes XS to XL.

More sun protection guides: SPF shirts and SPF vs UPF · Best sun protective shirts · Stylish sun protection clothing · Summer travel outfits

UPF clothing questions, answered

What is UPF clothing?

UPF clothing is made from fabric that has been rated for how much ultraviolet light passes through it. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. A higher number means less UV reaches your skin.

What does UPF 50 mean?

UPF 50 means the fabric lets through about 1/50 of the UV that reaches it, so it blocks roughly 98% of UVA and UVB. It is the rating most sun protection clothing aims for.

Is UPF the same as SPF?

No. SPF is tested on skin with sunscreen and mostly describes protection from UVB, the burning rays. UPF is tested on fabric and covers both UVA and UVB. Use both: UPF clothing for the skin it covers and sunscreen for the rest.

Is sun protective clothing the same as sunscreen?

Not quite. Sun protective clothing, sometimes called sunscreen clothing or sunscreen apparel, protects the skin it covers and does not need reapplying, sweat-proofing or rubbing in. Sunscreen protects the skin the clothing leaves bare, like your face, neck and hands. Most people get the best protection from both together.

Does a regular T-shirt protect from the sun?

A little, but not reliably. A thin, light-colored cotton T-shirt can let a lot of UV through, especially when it is wet or stretched. A garment with a UPF rating on the label tells you how much protection you are getting.

Does UPF wash out of clothing?

When the protection comes from the fabric itself, it does not wash out. Some garments rely on a treatment added to the fabric, which can fade with washing, so check the care label and the product description.

Are JudyP tops UPF 50?

Our microfiber and spandex knit is rated UPF 50 by our fabric supplier. Our tops are made in the USA, machine washable, need no ironing and come in sizes XS to XL.