With hot days in full swing, damaging ultraviolet sunlight passing through to the skin, there’s plenty of time for harsh sunburns this summer, as we seriously need more sun-protective products to shield our skin. Although sunscreen lotion should always be the first line of defense, but an extra layer of protection never hurts, especially when they come in stylish design. And, what more could we possibly want to wear for summer rather than fashion-conscious clothing that offers a UPF of 30 or more.
When we say about “sun-protective clothing”, the imagination drifts to outfits that look like safari attire or sportswear for running, biking, and swimming, but luckily, in the last few years, sun-shielding apparel has become more flattering and fashionable, reshaping the market and potentially improving public health, as many new lines start conceiving their beautiful sun protective, style-conscious design, ranging from sundresses to layering pieces to versatile tops and bottoms, which some of them are also offered in plus sizes or even for petite figure – still with its charming look.
UPF is to clothes what SPF is to lotion. And since the average T-shirt only offers a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 5, sun-protective clothing is exclusively designed with more additional protection (UPF of 30 or more) to block UV rays, making this type of clothing a modern summer must have.
Here’s a few of sun-protective clothing that you’ll actually want to wear with fashion.
Sun Protective Tropical Dress by Tommy Bahama
Sundresses are essential for staying cool in the summer, especially if they come in beautiful tropical prints, such as these floral dresses from Tommy Bahama. Not only they feature colorful prints and flattering design with molded cups, these dresses are also made from premium microfiber for UPF 50+ sun protection. Available in sizes XXS – XL (0 – 16)
Colorful Sun Protective Summer Dress by Lilly Pulitzer
Even brighter and more colorful in various bold prints, Lilly Pulitzer offers three styles of summer shift dresses, whether it’s in a classic round neckline, hooded, or with a notched neckline, all pieces feature playful, vibrant designs with built-in sun protection of UPF 50+, and it can also be doubled as a swimsuit cover-up. These dresses are available in sizes XXS – XL (0 – 16)
Sun Protection Shift Dress by Cabana Life
Sun Protection Summer Fashion Attire by Cabana Life
Featuring a vast range of sun-shielding versatile apparel in playful prints, including lightweight beach-wear and breezy, comfy summer attire, Cabana Life covers you from head to toe for 50+ UPF sun protection and maximum fashion appeal. Among the selections there are shift dresses, tunic tops, slouchy pants as well as maxi dresses, offered in numerous fresh prints and colors, along with chic details such as embroidery, various types of neckline, scalloped trim, lace-up, tassel and more. Sizes are available from XS (2) to XL (14)
Sun Protective Casual Trousers by NAU
And this is sure to be your summer must-have. Presenting a light-weight, easy to wear pant with permanent UV protection woven right into the chambray style fabric, NAU offers clean design with relaxed fit and functional pocketing that result in a timeless look to fit every scenario. Available in four neutral colors of off-white, baby grey, sable, and chambray blue, the pieces come in sizes XS – XL (0 – 18)
Sun Protective Summer Dress by NAU
Other relaxed, yet super adorable pieces designed by NAU are their summer essential dresses. Featuring a classic strappy dress with an asymmetrical hemline in a soft and comfortable jersey knit, along with a woven twisted dress with subtle front hand pockets and a matching fabric waist tie, both dresses are lightweight to keep you comfortable in heat with natural UV protection fabric.
Available in sizes XS – L (2 – 14), the strappy dress comes in rich colors of dark caviar, teal peacock, and poppy orange (with UPF 50 permanent UV protection), while the twist dress has a UPF 30 rating, and comes in neutral shades including off-white, baby grey, sable, and chambray blue
Sun Protective Summer Dress by SummerSkinSun Protective Summer Cardigan by SummerSkin
Move effortlessly through your day ease and grace with this breathable and versatile sun-protective clothing. If you love linen blouses, palazzo pants, maxi dresses and other effortless getaway favorites, the brand SummerSkin is perfect for you. From an essential chambray shirt dress to a flattering maxi to an airy cardigan, these UPF 50+ offerings are lightweight and easy to move in, perfect for travel whether you’re going for a day or for a week, or even keeping you comfy on flights and summer road trips. These are available in sizes S to XL (4 – 18)
Sun Protection Fashion Dress by West56Clothing
Tired of too many vibrant colors and boldness in summer? Or if you think sun-protective clothing only fuels in floral and tropical prints? Think again. West56 creates a new wave of stylish performance dressing, perfect for those who are looking for clean, modern and chic fashion, which obviously still help shield skin from the sun.
Not only that the lines are made from incredibly lightweight, breathable, and UV-protective fabric, most of its styles are also super cool, fashion forward that looks very hip and cutting edge, yet pretty timeless and versatile that you won’t lose interest next season. Sizes available are S to XL (4 – 16)
Sun Protection Dressy Shorts by mott50
You’ll probably already be wearing a pair of dressy shorts all summer long, so why not go with one that’s functional, too? This light and breezy chambray shorts with flattering front-tie bow has a rating of UPF 30+, and it’s easy to throw on and start the day, allowing you to incorporate chambray effortlessly into your Summer wardrobe, while maintaining our high standards of sun-protection. Available in sizes XS to XL (2-16)
Sun Protection Kaftan by mott50
This is more than just a cute kaftan. Not only that it has fabulous fit and vibrant geo print, it also has UPF 50 rating, designed to block the sun’s harmful rays when you’re in-between the hotel room and the pool. We love the bright colored pom pom trim on hemline and sleeves. Available in sizes S/M and L/XL (4 – 16)
Sun Protective Wrapped Summer Dress by Shedo Lane
This beautiful nautical-striped wrap dress makes a great choice for everyday protection. There are so many things to love about this classic staple, especially its ability to highlight all your best features, letting it hug your curves in just the right places. Available in sizes XS to XL (0 – 18), the dress is made from a super soft material with UPF 50+, featuring deep V-neck to add a touch of flare, as well as soft gathers down the side create a draped effect that’s especially flattering.
Sun Protection Summer Shirt by Sun Precaution
Sun Precautions is a brand that’s been at the forefront of sun safety – with its Solumbra sun protective clothing that is medically designed to protect skin from the sun’s dangerous UV rays. The collection focuses on modern classics – ranging from head to toe apparel including hats, shirts, trousers, and layering pieces – that are versatile, sophisticated and fashionable while also preventing premature aging and skin cancer.
Sun Protection Summer Attire by Sun Precaution
Since the offerings are exclusively designed for medical purposes, all pieces are made from lightweight Solumbra textile that has 100+ SPF (UPF) rating. And with a large variety of versatile shirts in almost 10 different color options (and some with prints), as well as range of irresistible sleek slouchy pants in six neutral shades, you’ll definitely want to scoop up more than one.
Not to mention, the selections are also offered in various types of size – regular, plus and petite, including size for tops and shirts which are regular size from XXS to 3XL (2-24) and petite size from P-4 to P-18, as well as for the trousers started with regular size to petite size to tall size.
Plus Size Sun Protection Summer Dress by Fantasy Figure Swim and uvskinz
Last but not least, for plus size ladies who seem to have difficulty finding plus size sun-protective fashion clothing, these three swimwear and sunwear brands – Fantasy Figure, UVskinz, and Coolibar, offers a few adorable and breezy selections of plus size sundresses as well as chambray shirts and cardigans. Not only that these are a great buy for summer, but with its UPF 50+ rating you’ll also get the bonus of sun protection built in.
