The Sun-Protective Clothing R29 Editors Swear By (& Actually Wear)
From lightweight jackets to chic hats and sun-smart accessories, these are the wearable sun-protective pieces R29 editors actually wear all summer.
Reported by Refinery29 Fashion.
Sun protection just got a style upgrade. Most of us slather on sunscreen and call it a day, but dermatologists have long preached the gospel of layering — and that includes UPF clothing. Unlike sunscreen, which requires constant reapplication, sun-protective fabrics are built to block around 98% of UV radiation when rated UPF 50+. The catch? Until recently, these pieces looked like they belonged in a lifeguard's supply closet, not your vacation wardrobe. That's finally changing, according to Refinery29 Fashion.
The evolution is real. High-performance swim and shirt styles are now engineered with the same design rigor as fashion-forward pieces — think Italian fabrics, thoughtful silhouettes, and prints that actually make you want to wear them. Brands like Hunza G (yes, the one Burberry is collaborating with) have ditched the utilitarian aesthetic entirely. Their Katya UPF 50+ swimsuit features a mock-neck silhouette and front-zip closure that lets you adjust coverage depending on the hour, paired with recycled polyamide that signals a brand taking environmental responsibility seriously alongside skin health.
The New Sun-Safe Essentials
The swimwear market has exploded with options that refuse to choose between protection and aesthetics. Avid Swim's playful-print Sera Zinae suit (UPF 50+) covers the chest — a notorious sun-damage hotspot — with a scoop neck that doesn't sacrifice style. For families, Minnow's rashguard one-pieces extend full-length sleeves in genuinely cute prints, eliminating the parent's daily sunscreen battle. Meanwhile, separates like Seea's vintage-inspired surf set offer mix-and-match flexibility without looking overtly technical.
Beyond the beach, everyday sun shirts are having their moment too. Daise's Pru button-down achieves UPF 45–50+ in a breathable crinkle gauze — a textile feat that balances airy comfort with serious protection. Club & Court reimagined the quarter-zip pullover with retro-stripe detailing and UPF 30 fabric, trading athletic utilitarianism for something that actually looks like a Riviera moment. And for those seeking budget-friendly options, Old Navy's long-sleeve rashguard comes in at under $50 with stellar reviews, while Lands' End's SunShade rash guard boasts a 4.7-star rating from over 2,200 shoppers who wear it everywhere from the pool to the garden.
The real shift isn't about choosing between sun safety and style anymore — it's about refusing to compromise on either.
Read the original at Refinery29 Fashion.
