The Very Best Clothing And Sunscreen To Protect You From The Sun

We've got you covered — from head to toe.

By
Published May 08, 2025
photo collage of sun protection items
AARP (Getty Images, 6; Shutterstock)

Spring brings flowers, warmth and delightfully longer days. Sunshine cheers us up, especially after a long, cold winter, but we mustn’t forget the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation it brings. The good news: the sun is full of Vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium for stronger bones.

However, overexposure can cause wrinkles and skin cancer.

Sunscreen is the first and most important step in protecting our skin. Many of us are conscientious about applying it at the beach, pool or playing pickleball. Yet we often neglect putting it on before we leave the house or go on daily outdoor walks, shopping excursions and picnics in the park.

Professionals advise avoiding or minimizing sun-drenched outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, sunburns can also happen on foggy days.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can enjoy outdoor activities and limit your skin cancer risk by taking simple, smart protective measures. These include regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-safe clothing, hats, eyewear and a UV-protective window film for your car.

Sunscreen, On and Off the Beach (or Pool) 

Mineral or physical sunscreen reflects or bounces the sun’s rays away with a protective barrier containing zinc oxide. It starts working immediately and is good for sensitive skin or allergies, says Dr. Jane Yoo, a New York City board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Mineral sunscreens need frequent reapplication as they can rub off easily. Dr. Yoo recommends re-applying every hour. Some people don’t like the thicker texture and white cast that forms, as some formulas don’t absorb well into our skin.

Traditional or chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and need up to 30 minutes to work after applying. Lightweight without a white cast, they are easy to apply. They can cause skin sensitivity in some.

“Wear whichever sunscreen you’ll put on regularly,” Dr. Yoo says.

Regular Street Clothes Don’t Provide Enough Protection

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor: how much of the sun’s radiation penetrates your clothes and into your skin. The best way to reduce your risk is by looking for fabrics carrying a UPF of 50, blocking 98 percent of the sun’s rays.

My mother was a competitive golfer, and as she aged, she needed multiple skin cancer surgeries. She began wearing long sleeves on and off the golf course, as she lived in Florida, where the tropical sun is extremely strong.

“Dark-colored, loosely fitting clothing made of tightly woven fabrics provides the highest level of protection,” says Dr. Yoo. “When shopping, look for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.”

· Denim, canvas, wool and other densely woven fibers are most protective. Hold up your garment — if you can see through it, the sun’s rays can, too.

· UV rays are absorbed by unbleached cotton. Fabrics that reflect radiation better include satiny silks and shiny polyesters.

· If your clothing is extra tight or wet, it can stretch and let in more of the sun’s rays.

Sun Protective Clothing Is More Fashionable Than Ever

Dr. Yoo warns that UV clothing is not a substitute for sunscreen. Multiple washings can reduce the fabric’s protection factor. “The more skin you cover, the better. Don’t forget that this includes your head! A wide-brimmed hat protects the top of your scalp, ears and face.”

Today, even teenagers will find a greater array of UV clothing cool. Dr. Yoo especially likes the long-sleeve Coolibar cabana hoodies for the pool or beach, a brand that offers gloves and UV sleeves for golfers and gardeners, and hats for runners. She buys umbrellas at Solbari. Her favorite hats don’t fall off because of their tie string and are easily packable. Is there a new baby in the family? Your gift can be a soft sun blanket.

Don Those Shades

Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement — they protect our eyes and are as important as wearing a hat, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine: “UV light is damaging to almost all ocular structures, including the eyelid.” The skin around your eyes is thinner than other places on the body. Cataracts can form when UV light enters the eye through the lens. Other risks are corneal damage and macular degeneration.

Even small children should be encouraged to wear sunglasses. Make sure the sunglasses you select offer protection against UVA and UVB rays. The bigger the sunglasses, the better. Imagine yourself as a movie star.

Don’t Forget Your Toes!

How many times have you sat under a beach umbrella and gone home with sunburnt toes? Umbrellas can’t cover everything. Spread your sunscreen on every exposed area — just remember that children’s song: “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”

What sunscreen do YOU typically use? Let us know in the comments below.

Candy Schulman’s essays, health, and travel pieces have appeared in AARP, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Next Avenue, Oldster, Parents, Travel & Leisure, among others. She is a creative writing professor at the New School in New York City and a private writing coach. Learn more at candyschulman.com.