Top UPF Clothing Brands for Sun-Savvy Style

As the awareness of sun protection rises, UPF clothing has emerged as a crucial component in safeguarding our skin from harmful UV rays. These garments are designed to block out most of the sun's rays, offering an extra layer of defense on top of sunscreen. With a variety of options available, it can be challenging to identify the best brands that combine efficacy with style. In the following article, we explore some of the top UPF clothing brands that have gained popularity for their high-quality materials and fashionable designs. Read on to discover which brands stand out in the realm of sun-protective apparel.

Illustration of upf clothing

Best brands of upf clothing in 2025

Coolibar

Coolibar is a leading brand in the UPF sun protective clothing market, renowned for its industry-leading fabrics that block 98% of UVA/UVB rays, providing ultimate UPF 50+ protection guaranteed for the life of the garment. As the first company to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, Coolibar has been a pioneer in sun protective clothing since its inception. Their products, which include a wide range of items such as shirts, shorts, swimsuits, and hats for men, women, and children, are designed to last and offer unparalleled sun safety. Coolibar's innovative, proprietary fabrics are infused with millions of sun-bouncing minerals at the fiber level, ensuring they never wash out. With a strong commitment to R&D and rigorous testing, Coolibar stands out as a trusted name in sun protective apparel.

Columbia

Columbia Sportswear is a leading producer of UPF sun protective clothing, renowned for its innovative Omni-Shade line, which includes over 100 UPF-rated products for men, women, and children. These products offer protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays, with ratings ranging from UPF 15 to UPF 50, and have been endorsed by The Skin Cancer Foundation since 2008. Columbia's Omni-Shade apparel ensures that only 2% of UV radiation penetrates the fabric, providing superior sun protection. The company's commitment to sun safety and quality has made it a trusted brand in the market. With its global distribution and continuous innovation, Columbia Sportswear remains a key player in the UPF sun protective clothing industry.

Patagonia

Patagonia is a leading producer of UPF clothing, renowned for its innovative and sustainable approaches to sun protection. The brand uses various methods to enhance UV protection, including adding titanium dioxide (TiO2) to yarns, which provides highly durable and lightweight fabrics. Since 1996, Patagonia has used organic cotton, reducing CO2 emissions by 48% per kilogram compared to conventional cotton. Over 85% of their product line is made in Fair Trade Certified™ factories, impacting more than 85,000 workers. Patagonia's commitment to sustainability and worker welfare makes it a standout in the UPF sun protective clothing market. For more information, explore their UPF fabric innovations.

UV Skinz

UV Skinz is a leading brand in the UPF sun protective clothing market, renowned for its high-quality products that offer excellent protection against UV radiation. Every item from UV Skinz is proudly rated UPF 50+, blocking over 98% of the sun's rays, providing long-lasting protection through tight weaves, special dyes, and specific types of fibers. This brand is particularly popular due to its commitment to superior sun protection, making it a favorite among consumers who prioritize skin health. The growing awareness about the detrimental impacts of UV radiation has driven the demand for UPF-rated clothing, with UV Skinz at the forefront of this trend. As the market is expected to grow significantly, with the U.S. UPF sun protective clothing market projected to reach USD 1552.5 Million by 2033, UV Skinz is well-positioned to continue its dominance.

Solbari

Solbari is a leading brand in the sun protective clothing industry, renowned for its high-quality, UPF50+ fabrics that block at least 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Founded in 2014 by Johanna Young, Solbari has expanded its sales to over 120 countries, with nearly 40% of its revenue coming from the US. The brand's products are independently tested by the Australian Government and approved by the Melanoma International Foundation, ensuring the highest sun protective rating available. Solbari's revenue has seen significant growth, with a 12% increase over the past three months, and the company has won the Healthy Skin Award from the Skin & Cancer Foundation in 2016 and 2017. With a Google Customer Review rating of 4.8/5, Solbari stands out for its commitment to sun safety and stylish, comfortable clothing.

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean, although not exclusively focused on UPF clothing, is a reputable brand known for its high-quality outdoor apparel, which includes sun-protective options. While the brand has undergone changes in its business model, it still maintains a strong reputation for quality and customer service. However, for UPF-specific clothing, other brands like Coolibar, Cabana Life, and Columbia Sportswear are more specialized, with the U.S. UPF sun protective clothing market led by online distribution channels, accounting for 53.4% of the market share in 2023. L.L. Bean's shift towards more fashion-forward products and private labeling has impacted its traditional quality and guarantee standards, as noted by some customers. Despite this, L.L. Bean remains a trusted name in outdoor gear.

Athleta

Athleta stands out as a leader in sustainable and performance-driven apparel, including UPF clothing, with 60% of its materials made from sustainable fibers as of 2019, aiming for 80% by 2020. The brand has diverted over 38 million plastic bottles from landfills since 2014 through recycled polyester and introduced innovative fabrics like H2Eco and AquaRib, which use regenerated nylon from abandoned fishing nets. Athleta's sustainable initiatives extend to its Athleta Girls line, with 69% of summer collection styles made from sustainable materials. The brand also focuses on water-saving techniques, with a goal to increase products made using these methods to 25% by 2020. Additionally, Athleta has partnered in initiatives like the Fashion Positive PLUS and Make Fashion Circular to promote circular fashion. For more information, you can visit their website.

Lands' End

Lands' End is a leading producer of UPF sun protective clothing, known for its high-quality and effective products that offer superior protection against UV radiation. The company has seen significant growth in its margin expansion, with a 430 basis points increase in gross margins in fiscal 2023 and 450 basis points in the first half of fiscal 2024, indicating its focus on profitable sales and efficient inventory management. Lands' End's UPF clothing, such as pants, shorts, and shirts, are designed to provide comfort and protection, aligning with the growing demand for sun-protective apparel. The company's international reach, with sales in approximately 135 countries, further underscores its market presence. With a strong online distribution channel, Lands' End caters to the increasing consumer preference for e-commerce, making it a top choice for UPF clothing.

REI Co-op

REI Co-op is a leading producer of UPF clothing, offering a wide range of sun-protective garments that filter both UVA and UVB rays. Their clothing often carries a UPF 50+ rating, allowing only about 2% of UV radiation to pass through the fabric. Founded in 1938, REI Co-op has a long history of providing high-quality outdoor gear, including sun-protective clothing that is both functional and durable. Factors such as dense fabric construction, darker colors, and special treatments enhance the UPF ratings of their garments. For example, a UPF 50+ rated fabric allows less than 2% of UV transmission, providing excellent sun protection. You can explore their extensive sun-protective clothing collection on their website.

Helly Hansen

Helly Hansen is a renowned brand for producing high-quality UPF clothing, particularly with their Solen collection, which offers UPF 50+ sun protection, ensuring that the protective factor does not wash or wear out over time. This collection utilizes advanced technologies like S.Cafe(r) and LIFA(r) Active, which incorporate recycled coffee grounds for enhanced sun protection and quick drying capabilities. Established in 1877, Helly Hansen has a rich history of innovation, making it a trusted choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The Solen clothing line is designed for activities such as sailing, skiing, and hiking, providing all-day comfort and protection. With a focus on sustainability and performance, Helly Hansen's UPF clothing is a top choice for those seeking reliable sun protection.