# Sun Shirts Are the Underrated Hero of Summer Exercise
UV-protective athletic shirts outperform sunscreen for outdoor workouts, according to fitness and health experts. These garments block up to 98% of ultraviolet rays while eliminating the need to reapply sunscreen every two hours during exercise.
Sun shirts, technically called UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing, come in UPF 50+ ratings. Brands like Patagonia, Nike, and Coolibar manufacture durable options ranging from $50 to $150. Unlike chemical or mineral sunscreen, these shirts don't wash off with sweat or water, making them ideal for swimmers, runners, and cyclists.
The practical advantage lies in consistency. Sunscreen requires frequent reapplication, especially after sweating or swimming. A sun shirt stays put. For people exercising for 60 minutes or longer, the math favors protective fabric. One $80 shirt lasts multiple seasons. A sunscreen bottle requires constant repurchasing.
Dermatologists note that long-sleeve sun shirts reduce skin cancer risk more reliably than sunscreen alone, particularly for those with fair skin or family histories of melanoma. The shirts also prevent heat exhaustion better than previously assumed. Modern fabrics use moisture-wicking technology that pulls sweat away from skin, keeping athletes cooler than loose cotton.
Budget-conscious exercisers should know that many athletic retailers now stock affordable UPF options under $40. Target, Amazon, and Old Navy carry functional sun shirts that perform comparably to premium brands. Retailers like REI and Dick's Sporting Goods offer clearance sections where last season's styles drop to $25-$35.
The environmental case matters too. Sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate damage coral reefs. Sun shirts eliminate this concern entirely