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When it comes to advice on how to shield your body from harmful UV radiation, sunscreen tends to get all the glory. But wearing sun-protective clothing is the true best form of protection—not only can a UPF 50+ shirt block up to 98 percent of rays, but you’ll never risk sweating it off, missing a critical spot, or needing to constantly reapply.
Running brands now incorporate sun protection into their workout gear to help runners safeguard their bodies from skin cancer. We spend so much time outdoors in direct and indirect sunlight—save for the occasional treadmill workout—and are at a higher risk for skin damage, skin cancer, and premature aging. Remedy that with UPF-rated running apparel and gear (trust me, that running hat goes a long way in protecting your face).
The products here were selected based on my personal experience or from staff recommendations. I also used guidance from the Skin Cancer Foundation to analyze the effectiveness of products I haven’t personally tested and scoured online reviews to tease out pros and cons.
Good sun-protective gear needs to have a UPF rating of at least 40, preferably 50+, as well as greater skin coverage and fabric that effectively filters out ultraviolet rays. It should also be comfortable and breathable. As a native Texan runner, I’m well aware that many sun-protective items are worn when running in the heat, so I sought out cooler, summer-friendly options that still provide full coverage.
The Ciele FSTCap was dubbed “Best Overall” when Reviews Editor Amanda Furrer tested dozens of running caps for its “no-fuss, flexible design.” She insists the brim is soft, allowing it to “sit comfortably on your head.”.
Its fabric is lightweight and breathable, with fast-drying, anti-odor mesh panels. The bungee cord at the back ensures a secure fit that won’t flop around when you’re logging miles.
A hoodie in the heat may seem counterintuitive, but it provides excellent coverage, saving the oft-forgotten neck and ears from burning. The UPF 50-rated fabric is extremely lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable.
Perforations under the arms keep you ventilated, and thumbholes in the sleeves keep you covered past the wrists. The Sunchaser was popular at this year’s Cocodona 250.
Goodr has been in the running for best-tested sunglasses since they first hit the scene in 2015. They’re cheap, durable, and protect your eyes from the blazing sun. The larger frames provide extra coverage above your brows and along the tops of your cheeks. Squinting through sweat on a hot run is bad enough—do yourself a favor and snag these.
This neck gaiter is UPF 50-rated and ultra-breathable. Wet it and wring it out to instantly cool you down on runs or hikes. Use it to cover your neck, face, or even your ears. Think of it as a detachable hood for any of your running tops.
If you don’t want to don a long-sleeved tee in the dead of summer, I don’t blame you. This easy-wearing tee is ideal with its loose fit and breathable fabric that still shields you from harmful rays.
These Roxun arm sleeves are great options if you’re a die-hard singlet fan, as they keep your arms covered up to the shoulder. The nylon-spandex fabric wicks moisture and provides a comfortable amount of compression.
If you want the most coverage from head to shoulders, the Sun Runner Cap is what you need. The sun skirt fully covers the neck and extends down just past the shoulders. It’s also removable for easy washing. The hat and skirt are UPF 50-rated and not only wick moisture but also repel it.
Don’t want to replace your lucky running hat? Snag this shade to attach instead. It’ll fit any cap with its bungee cord, and the shade is UPF 45 rated. It also buttons at the chin for a secure fit.
Obviously, a higher level of protection is better. But what do the UPF numbers mean? Unlike the SPF (sun protection factor) number, which indicates how long it takes for sun-exposed skin to turn red and burn, UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) measures how much UV radiation can pass through clothing and reach your skin. A UPF 50 garment will prevent 98 percent of UV rays from penetrating, while a UPF of 30 to 49 will provide less protection—but still enough to qualify for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
We know—it’s hard to run in full tights or long sleeves when it’s 75+ degrees outside. But the more skin you cover with sun-protective clothing, the higher your protection level and the less real estate you have to cover with sunscreen. Try loose-fitting long sleeves on warmer days when you still want more protection and seek shadier running spots with plenty of tree coverage. Try to run earlier or later, too, outside of peak sun-exposure hours.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, dark or bright colors are better at protecting your skin from UV rays because they absorb or even reflect the rays instead of allowing them to pass through the fabric to your skin. Light colors and see-through or slightly transparent fabric, like a thin white shirt, will be less protective because more UV rays can penetrate.
As for fit, loose-fitting clothing is not only more comfortable in the heat, but it also provides better protection because it’s not stretched to the point where sunlight can filter through, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Fabric material should also be a consideration—the tighter the weave and the darker the color, the more protective the fabric is. While a cotton tee covers your skin and breathes, its loose weave isn’t as effective as a denser-weave nylon or synthetic top.
Danny Perez is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.
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