The best UPF clothing for sun-safe style

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When it comes to sun safety, most of us are fairly good at remembering the basics: sunscreen, hats and occasionally seeking shade. But if you’ve ever forgotten to reapply your SPF (guilty) or missed a spot (hello, weird sunburn stripes), it might be time to add another layer to your protection plan literally.

Enter UPF clothing, recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation for covered areas. Designed to block harmful UV rays while keeping you cool and covered, sun-protective clothing is an easy, no-reapply-required way to safeguard your skin all summer long. With a wide range of stylish options available for women, men and kids, this wardrobe upgrade is both practical and protective.

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We’ve rounded up a range of UPF pieces for the whole family, whether you’re beach-bound, hiking a trail, or just chasing the ice cream truck down the street. Keep reading to find your new summer staples.

The best UPF clothing, summary

Best for women: Columbia Chill River Wrap Dress
Best for men: Kathmandu EVRY-Day Men’s Cargo Shorts
Best for kids: Patagonia Baby Long-Sleeved Capilene Silkweight T-Shirt
Best accessory: Arc’teryx Sima 5 Panel Cap
Best for water activities: Helly Hansen Waterwear Rashguard
Best for hiking: lululemon UV-Protective Hiking Pant
Best everyday basic: The North Face Lightrange Summer Short-Sleeve
Best Canadian brand: Hikesity Aircon UV Protection Jacket 

The best UPF clothing, explained

Best for women: Columbia Chill River Wrap Dress

Stylish enough for dinner and technical enough for a hike, this Columbia wrap dress earns its spot in your carry-on. The lightweight fabric moves with you, and a drawcord waist offers an adjustable fit for all-day comfort.

It features Columbia’s Omni-Shade technology for UPF 50 sun protection, along with built-in cooling and sweat-wicking properties to help keep you dry and comfortable in hot or humid conditions.

Price: $79.99
Where to buy: Columbia | Amazon 

Best for men: Kathmandu EVRY-Day Men’s Cargo Shorts

Cargo shorts may have a bad rep, but this pair from EVRY-Day makes a convincing comeback. Built for everything from lakeside lounging to impromptu hikes, these multipocketed shorts are made from tough, recycled nylon and offer UPF 50+ protection.

Water-repellent and quick-drying, they’re designed to handle unexpected weather. A built-in webbing belt and elastic waistband ensure comfort on the move, while five pockets provide ample storage without bulk.

Price: $89.95
Where to buy: Kathmandu | MEC 

Best for kids: Patagonia Baby Long-Sleeved Capilene Silkweight T-Shirt

For tiny adventurers, this long-sleeve tee from Patagonia is a smart pick. The brand’s signature Capilene Silkweight fabric is breathable, quick-drying and tough enough for lakeside splashes or stroller naps.

It offers UPF 40+ protection and thoughtful extras, including flat seams, a drop-tail hem and longer cuffs that grow with your child. Field-tested by real parents, this one balances function and comfort without overpacking.

Price: $35
Where to buy: Patagonia | Altitude Sports | MEC

Best accessory: Arc’teryx Sima 5 Panel Cap

Some hats offer shade, but this one offers strategy. Designed for high-output, high-heat adventures, the Arc’teryx Sima 5 Panel Cap delivers lightweight, breathable coverage with UPF 40+ protection and an integrated cape that snaps into place when the sun gets relentless.

Part of the Sima product family, it’s made for thermoregulating comfort on the move. Reviewers say it stays put on windy hikes and long runs without overheating or slipping. The curved brim effectively shields your eyes from glare.

Price: $120
Where to buy: Arc’teryx 

Best for water activities: Helly Hansen Waterwear Rashguard

Whether you’re paddleboarding, sailing or just spending hours in the sun, this rashguard from Helly Hansen is built for action. It provides UPF 50+ protection, dries quickly, and stretches to move with you.

Flatlock seams reduce chafing, and it’s made from recycled materials collected near at-risk coastlines. Available in women’s, men’s and junior sizes, it’s a solid pick for sun safety across the whole family.

Price: $60+
Where to buy: Helly Hansen

Best for hiking: lululemon UV-Protective Hiking Pant

Trail-tested and city-approved, these UV-protective hiking pants from Lululemon are made to move. Built from water-resistant, windproof fabric, they’re designed to handle unexpected weather and rough terrain with ease.

With UPF 40+ protection, abrasion resistance and a sleek, minimal cut, they strike the right balance between performance and polish. The fit is lightweight but structured, meaning you won’t feel weighed down or underdressed. Plus, they’re made using recycled fibres, so they’re a smarter pick for the planet too.

Price: $168
Where to buy: lululemon

Best everyday basic: The North Face Lightrange Summer Short-Sleeve

Sometimes the best sun protection is the kind you forget you’re even wearing. This classic crewneck tee from The North Face is exactly that: lightweight, breathable and easy to throw on, with UPF 40+ built in for everyday coverage.

Designed for active days but polished enough for daily wear, the Sunriser Graphic Short-Sleeve feels like your favourite cotton tee but performs like technical gear. Whether you’re out for a walk, running errands or just soaking up the sun responsibly, this is a summer staple you’ll reach for on repeat.

Price: $89.99
Where to buy: The North Face 

Best Canadian brand: Hikesity Aircon UV Protection Jacket

Designed in Victoria, and inspired by West Coast landscapes, this jacket from Hikesity brings serious versatility to your sun-safe wardrobe. With UPF 50+ built in, it combines the function of a sun hat, umbrella, sleeves and lightweight jacket in one sleek layer.

What really sets it apart is the clever invisible waist zipper, which lets you switch between a structured silhouette and a relaxed fit depending on the vibe (or the forecast). 

Price: $66
Where to buy: Hikesity

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