While my 20-year old self liked to get a little tan, my soon to be 30-year old self slathers on SPF every morning like a champ. And while I still love beaches with the best of them, I don’t just laze out baking like toast. Yea, I still have some awful tan lines on my legs from running, but if you can figure out how to keep sunscreen on through 15 miles in Washington DC’s humidity in the summer, I suggest you patent that like yesterday.
Over the last few years, in my attempt to protect myself from the sun, I’ve acquired a few items of clothing I adore. They keep me shaded without making me uncomfortably hot. They protect me from UV rays. Dare I say it, they are mostly fashionable too. Win-win-win.
Without further adieu, here are my favorite five pieces of sun-protective clothing, fully tested in wonderfully sunny places and hot climates, where without copious amounts of sunscreen or gear, you’ll probably end up looking like a lobster.
This is from J.Crew because it was like $20 on sale, but Patagonia, Athleta, and a myriad of other companies make these now. Get one. When you are snorkeling, the last thing you want to do is worry that your back is burning. I hate putting sunscreen on before swimming in the ocean as it just seems to wash off or smear everywhere, so I don’t bother when I wear one of these puppies. There are so many cool colors and patterns to choose from, including ones that match bathing suits. Yup, they make men’s versions, too. This one is rated UPF-50 (similar still available here). Field tested: Belize.
These are La Viva pant, from Athleta (still available here). These are also rated UPF-50, and are a featherweight material that is incredibly light and packable. These dry in a flash and are perfect for walking all day in the sun. If you have a little bit of fashion sense, I think these are also easy to dress up or down. Field tested: Italy.
I have a few hats I take on trips, depending on the destination. While I love big sun hats dearly, they are not great on safari (you need something the wind won’t blow off…and that doesn’t obstruct your view!). I typically just throw on a baseball cap, though I know people swear by Tilly hats. But for beach sitting, picnicking, or other leisurely activity, I love this big straw thing. Field tested: only in Washington DC (though it’s plenty hot here), as I just purchased on sale this summer for $17! But it will definitely go on the next beach trip.
This shirt is great when you are in need of something a bit crisper or more classic than a hoody, but still want it to be light and provide UPF protection. I have a (typically purple) shirt from Mountain Hardware, that weighs next to nothing. They still make a similar style here, which is UPF-30. Tons of other companies, including Patagonia and Ex Officio, make these as well. I prefer the arms buttoned up, because it’s a bit more stylish, but remember to SPF where you are uncovered! Bonus: mosquitoes have a hard time biting through this. Field tested: Egypt.
