If you’re shopping for a sun shirt to stay cool and protected in hot weather, you’re in the right place.
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With over 90% of skin cancer cases linked to UV exposure, a quality sun shirt is one of the best investments you can make for outdoor activities and your health.
The top sun shirts on the market combine high UPF ratings, lightweight materials, and moisture-wicking fabric to keep you comfortable and safe.
Whether you’re hiking, running, or just spending a day in the sun, these options have breathable, quick-dry materials and anti-odor features to keep you fresh.
To make your search easier, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 sun shirts perfect for hot weather.
Let’s dive into the best picks for staying protected while enjoying the outdoors.
Best Sun Shirt for Hot Weather – Contents
Top 10 Sun Shirts
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie quickly became one of my favorite layers for hot, sunny days outside.
Its lightweight design is a standout—it’s so airy that I barely notice I’m wearing it, which is a huge bonus for hiking and running in the heat.
The moisture-wicking fabric does a great job handling sweat, keeping me dry and comfortable even on longer hikes.
Although the UPF 15 rating is lower than some options, it provides solid coverage for lighter protection, especially if you’re moving in and out of shaded areas.
The hood is a nice touch for extra coverage on my neck and face, which is especially useful when it’s super bright.
What really impressed me was the durability. I’ve put it through several hikes and multiple washes, and it still looks new. The anti-odor feature also comes in handy—after a full day outside, it doesn’t hold onto smells the way some other activewear does.
If you need the maximum UV protection, you might want a higher SPF shirt, but for daily outdoor activities, the Echo Hoodie is a perfect blend of comfort, breathability, and lightweight design.
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody
The Mountain Hardwear Women’s Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody offers a unique blend of coverage and comfort that feels perfect for sunny days outdoors.
Unlike some sun shirts that feel heavy or restrictive, this hoody is impressively light and breathable, letting air circulate while keeping my skin protected.
The UPF 50+ rating was reassuring, and the soft material moved well with my body, making it feel effortless to wear on a long hike.
It dries quickly, and the odor-resistant fabric helped it stay fresh, even after several hours of activity.
For anyone looking for reliable sun protection that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, this hoody is a winner.
Columbia Silver Ridge2.0 Long Sleeve Shirt
The Columbia Silver Ridge 2.0 Long Sleeve Shirt is not only functional but also stylish, making it versatile enough for a variety of occasions beyond outdoor activities.
Its sleek, casual look means you can wear it on a hike and then head straight to lunch without changing.
With UPF 50 protection and moisture-wicking fabric, it’s built for comfort in the heat, while the vented back provides extra airflow.
It’s a great balance of style and functionality, perfect for both active days and casual outings.
MIER UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie Long
The MIER UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie Long Sleeve is an excellent choice for sun safety with plenty of style options.
With UPF 50+ fabric, it offers dependable sun protection, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or running.
The lightweight material is moisture-wicking and quick-drying, so it keeps you comfortable all day.
What sets this hoodie apart is the range of colors and patterns, letting you pick a look that suits your style, whether you’re on a trail or hanging out with friends.
For the Patagonia fans, this is an affordable alternative to the Capilene Cool Daily Hoody,
BLACK DIAMOND Alpenglow Long Sleeve Hoodie
The BLACK DIAMOND Alpenglow Long Sleeve Hoodie combines serious sun protection with performance-driven comfort, making it perfect for active outdoor enthusiasts.
This hoodie features UPF 50+ sun protection, so it’s ideal for long days in intense sunlight. The lightweight, breathable fabric is designed to wick away moisture, helping you stay dry during high-energy activities.
It’s also quick-drying, durable, and comfortable enough for everything from climbing to casual wear. Plus, the minimalist design and range of color choices make it versatile for various occasions.
Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie
The Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie offers a unique blend of comfort, functionality, and eco-friendliness.
Made from bamboo fibers, it’s naturally soft and breathable, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities in warmer climates. The UPF 20+ rating provides moderate sun protection, suitable for activities like beach trips, hiking, and boating, while the fabric’s moisture-wicking properties help you stay dry throughout the day.
One standout feature is how versatile it is—you can wear it for active outings or as a casual everyday layer. The hoodie is available in various colors, adding to its appeal as a go-to item for multiple occasions.
The bamboo fabric has natural odor-resistant properties, which is a plus for extended wear. The relaxed fit makes it comfortable, with a slight stretch for freedom of movement.
If you’re looking for a sun-protective, lightweight hoodie with a soft feel and sustainable fabric, the Free Fly Bamboo Hoodie is a great choice.
Columbia Tamiami Ii Long Sleeve Shirt
I recently tried the Columbia Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt, and it’s perfect for staying cool while getting solid sun protection.
This shirt is available in women’s sizes as well.
The UPF 40 rating means I don’t have to worry about burning on long hikes or fishing trips. The fabric is super lightweight and moisture-wicking, so I stay dry even in the heat, and the vented back adds extra airflow, making a real difference on hot days.
One of my favorite features is the roll-up sleeves—they let me easily switch between long and short sleeves if it gets warmer. Plus, the antimicrobial treatment keeps the shirt fresh, which is great after a long day outdoors.
It’s also nice-looking and comes in several colors, so I can wear it for casual outings, too. Overall, it’s a practical, comfortable shirt that’s perfect for sun protection and hot weather.
Baleaf UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie
The Baleaf UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie has become a favorite of mine for staying safe in the sun.
With UPF 50+ protection, I feel covered even on the brightest days, whether I’m hiking, fishing, or just hanging outside.
The fabric is super lightweight and breathable, so it keeps me cool and doesn’t feel clingy or heavy.
I also like the relaxed fit, which makes it easy to wear all day without feeling tight.
The hoodie comes in several colors, so I can pick the style that works for me.
Willit Sun Shirt UPF 50+ Protection Hoodie
The Willit Sun Shirt UPF 50+ Protection Hoodie is one of my favorite picks for sun protection.
With UPF 50+, you get solid coverage, and it’s lightweight and breathable, so you stay cool, even in high heat.
I like how the fabric feels softer than the Baleaf UPF 50+ Hoodie, which is more performance-oriented, while this one has a relaxed, almost cotton-like feel that’s comfortable for all-day wear.
Compared to the Columbia Tamiami II, this hoodie feels less structured and more flexible, perfect for both activity and lounging. The variety of colors is a plus too—I can choose something subtle for fishing or a brighter color for hiking.
Overall, it’s a great mix of comfort, sun protection, and versatility that works well for any outdoor plan.
COOrun Hooded Sun Shirt Long Sleeve
The COOrun Hooded Sun Shirt Long Sleeve is a strong option for sun protection, ideal for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and running.
Its UPF 50 fabric blocks harmful UV rays, while the moisture-wicking and quick-dry material helps keep you cool and dry on hot days.
Compared to the Baleaf UPF 50+ Sun Hoodie, the COOrun has a slightly closer fit, making it better suited for active movement without feeling restrictive.
It also offers thumb holes, which help keep the sleeves in place and add extra hand coverage—a feature I appreciate during longer outings.
The hood is comfortable and adds extra sun protection for my neck and head, similar to the Willit Sun Hoodie but with a sportier, more fitted look.
Available in multiple colors, it gives a good balance of comfort, protection, and style.
Sun Shirt Review Wrap-up
Here’s a wrap-up of the 10 sun shirts reviewed, highlighting each one’s strengths:
- Baleaf UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie: Great for sun coverage, with a relaxed fit and lightweight feel, perfect for all-day wear.
- Willit Men’s Sun Shirts UPF 50+ Hoodie: Super soft, relaxed fit, and comfortable for casual and active use.
- COOrun Men’s Hooded Sun Shirt: Snug fit with thumb holes and added hand coverage, ideal for active days.
- Columbia Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt: Ventilated, moisture-wicking, and versatile for outdoor and casual wear.
- Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody: Durable with strong sun protection, good for rugged adventures.
- Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie: Ultra-soft bamboo fabric, natural feel, perfect for hot weather.
- Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie: UPF 50+ with a clean, performance-driven design for intense sun.
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody: High-quality, soft, breathable, and good for all-day use.
- Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie: Lightweight, breathable, with moderate sun protection, good for hiking.
- MIER UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie: Comfortable with a wide color selection, good for various activities.
Favorite Pick
Columbia Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt – It stands out for its versatility, with vented panels for breathability, UPF 40 for sun protection, and a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric that works well for both outdoor adventures and casual settings.
More About Sun Shirts
Why UPF Ratings Matter for Sun Protection
For example, the Columbia Tamiami II offers UPF 40, which blocks about 97% of UV rays. It’s a great pick for anyone spending hours outside, like anglers or hikers, who need reliable sun coverage.
How Moisture-Wicking Fabrics Keep You Cool
The Baleaf UPF 50+ Hoodie is designed with moisture-wicking material that pulls sweat away from the body. This keeps you feeling dry and comfortable on hot days, even during intense hikes.
Choosing the Right Sun Shirt for Different Activities
A snug fit, like the COOrun Hoodie, works well for running since it stays close to the body and won’t catch on branches or gear. For fishing, the Willit Hoodie’s relaxed fit and extra sun coverage are ideal.
Benefits of Breathable and Quick-Dry Materials
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody is a great example of breathability and quick-dry fabric. This shirt lets air flow easily, keeping you cool, while its quick-dry feature ensures it stays comfortable after a splash or rain.
Top Features to Look for in a Quality Sun Shirt
Look for extras that suit your needs—like thumb holes on the COOrun for added hand coverage or anti-odor fabric on the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie, which keeps it fresh after a full day outdoors.
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.
Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API