My Favorite UPF Clothing Brands For Stylish Sun Protection

Before we get into the fun stuff…

I thought we could quickly go over what UPF clothing is and why it’s important! UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Just like sunscreen there are varying degrees of protection (I’ve mostly seen UPF 30-50+, and I always try to get the highest possible). Sun protection is especially important to those with autoimmune disease that are accompanied by photosensitivity and those who are more at risk for skin cancer, but in reality everyone should be cautious in the sun. The UPF ratings show how much ultraviolet light is able to make it through the clothing. Not all clothes were created equal in terms of sun protection so it’s important to understand how your clothing is or isn’t protecting you. The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF, so many acronyms in sun protection!) has a great page on all things UPF and sun protection that you should check out for more information: Skin Cancer Foundation

One of the best things about UPF clothing is how thin and light it is. I love jean jackets for their look but also because of the sun protection it gives (it’s thick and tightly woven fabric allows less UV to make it through), but in the summer they can get pretty sweaty and I find myself wanting to take it off which is the exact opposite of what I want; the only way I can be protected from the sun is to keep it on, which is UPF clothing is great to do its thinness and wicking properties that are found in so many of the items. Another great perk is not having to put sunscreen on, well, at least not everywhere. With UPF clothing I am able to avoid fully greasing myself in my SPF 100, while still being protected. It’s also nice not to have to worry about reapplying sunscreen every two hours. If I’m going to be out for longer periods of time or the UV index is really high I will fully sunscreen and have my UPF clothing (especially if I am swimming or in water) for added sun protection. Over the past few years UPF clothing has become more mainstream with more styles, options, and becoming more attainable.

The options I am to share today are definitely more high end and pricey, but I am hoping to make this a series once I am able to safely go back to stores and find some equally safe but cheaper options. These more expensive brands I have had for years and have never done me wrong (long spring and summer days covered in sunscreen), but I also understand they are an investment and try to catch things on sale whenever possible (check out RueLaLa, Marshalls, and semi annual sales to get some good deals).

Lilly Pulitzer

Lilly has so many options from tank tops, dresses, skorts, to workout clothes, they have so many options that are UPF 50+. They have their UPF rating in the  title of the clothing so it makes it super easy to search for specifically UPF items, whereas with other brands it can be a lot of searching in the descriptions. They are known for their vibrant and colorful prints, but if that’s not your style they also have neutrals (mainly navy, white, and black). They are probably the most expensive out of this list, but the quality, longevity, and protection are hard to beat (I still wear the Lilly clothes I have from high school that made it through school, college, rush, and many trips, still in perfect condition). One thing I’ve found in my quest for UPF clothing is there tends to be a lack of options and colors, but Lilly Pulitzer has really stepped up their game and has so much to offer. Here I have linked a few of my favorite pieces from their website but there are many more to choose from: Some of my Lilly Favorites

Vineyard Vines

Another preppy expensive brand, but again shopping sales and overstock retailers can be very helpful. It looks like their clothing ranges from 30-50+ UPF, which is great. My mom recently got me an activewear pullover from Vineyard Vines on RueLaLa and I absolutely love it. It’s UPF 30, so a good amount of protection, but it’s very light, moisture wicking, and protective. I wore it on my three mile hike the other week and it kept me warm and cool all at the same time. The one downside to Vineyard Vines is having to look through the descriptions to find out what is UPF and the rating, although it seems that most of the Sankaty collection is UPF 50+, but still check the descriptions because not all of it is. I have had a lot of Vineyard Vines from over the years and I absolutely love it all and it has always held up. I have been wearing their rash guard for the past four years and it has kept me protected in UV indexes of 12 (with sunscreen underneath, but getting in and out of oceans, lakes, and pools). To hopefully save you from some of the search work, I have linked some UPF items: Some Vineyard Vines UPF Clothing

Patagonia

I have always been a big fan of their pullovers (again shop the sales!), but it wasn’t until recently that I started looking into their UPF clothing. My boyfriend recently got one of their polos and a hoodie and has really enjoyed them (he seriously wears the hoodie almost everyday). Their prices can be lower or equal to that of Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer, but they offer tons of options for men, women, children, and toddlers, and have a different style than the preppier stores. A lot of their products are Fair Trade and/or made of recycled products (check out the information for each product, as well as their activism page for more information). Their clothing ranges from 40-50+ UPF, which is amazing for the price (again, sometimes an investment but they also have a section to buy second hand!). Check out their collection here: Patagonia Sun Protection

Today I talked about more expensive brands, but I have items from these companies so I can attest to their quality, however, I am hoping to make this a series and bring more affordable UPF clothing brands or pieces to share on this blog in future posts. Until I can do that, I would encourage you to hit up sales, coupons, second hand stores, or overstock sellers, or pay full price, whatever feels right! Down below I am going to include some more links about UPF and sun protective clothing.

Let me know what your favorite UPF brands or pieces are!

UPF Education Links:

Melanoma Research Alliance

Skin Cancer Foundation