Sunscreen shirts are called sun shirts, UPF shirts, rash guards, and sun-protective clothing.
Shoppers ask this a lot: what are sunscreen shirts called? Stores and gear sites use a mix of names. The terms overlap, yet each points to a slightly different use. This guide clears up the naming, shows how UPF ratings work, and helps you pick fabric for long days outside.
Common Names You’ll See
Brands use several labels for one idea: a shirt designed to block ultraviolet rays and keep you covered. Here’s a map of the names and what they mean.
| Name | Where You’ll See It | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Shirt | Outdoor apparel, hiking, travel | Lightweight woven or knit, long sleeves, breathable |
| UPF Shirt | Technical apparel, dermatology rec lists | Labeled UPF 30–50+, tested for UV blocking |
| UV Shirt | Swim and casual retailers | Marketing term for UPF or UV-blocking fabric |
| Rash Guard | Surf, swim, paddle sports | Close fit, stretch knit, often crew neck or mock neck |
| Swim Shirt | Family swimwear, kids’ aisles | Rash-guard style, made for the water |
| Fishing Shirt | Angling and boating shops | Vented back, quick-dry woven, roll-tab sleeves |
| Sun Hoodie | Running, hiking, climbing | Hood, thumb holes, neck coverage |
| Cooling Shirt (UPF) | Hot-weather performance wear | Moisture-wicking knit, sometimes ice-towel feel |
What Are Sunscreen Shirts Called? Variations That Matter
You’ll hear people ask again, what are sunscreen shirts called? In day-to-day use, “sun shirt” and “UPF shirt” are the broad umbrella terms. “Rash guard” is a water-sport shirt first designed to prevent board rash, now a common swim top for all ages. “Fishing shirt” is a sun shirt tailored to boats and banks, with vents and pockets. “Sun hoodie” is a knit or light woven with a hood for ear and neck coverage. The fabric may change, yet the goal is the same: keep UV off your skin.
When Each Name Fits Best
Pick “rash guard” when you need a snug swim layer that won’t billow. Pick “sun shirt” or “UPF shirt” for hiking, driving, sightseeing, or yard work. Pick “fishing shirt” if you want a crisp look, chest pockets, and airflow from mesh yokes. Pick “sun hoodie” when you want head and neck shade without a separate gaiter.
How UPF Ratings Work
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It measures how much UV radiation a fabric lets through to your skin. UPF 50 blocks about 98% of UV, while UPF 30 blocks about 97%. Unlike SPF on lotions, UPF covers both UVA and UVB and applies to clothing, not sunscreen. See the Skin Cancer Foundation clothing guidance and the AAD advice on shade, clothing, and sunscreen.
Why Some Fabrics Block More
Dense weaves, darker dyes, and certain fibers block more light. Stretch, moisture, and wear can open gaps and drop protection. A wet white tee can feel cool but transmit far more UV than you’d guess. Purpose-built UPF fabrics aim to hold their rating during normal use.
Labels And Standards You’ll Spot
Many makers test to well-known methods and then label with UPF numbers. You may see test notes like AATCC TM 183, ASTM D6544 for durability after laundering, or AS/NZS 4399 classification on tags. These signals tell you the fabric’s rating isn’t a guess.
Fabric, Color, And Fit
Fabric choice sets the baseline. Tightly woven nylon or polyester blocks more than loose cotton of the same weight. Darker shades absorb more light. Finishes and dope-dyed yarns can boost blocking. Fit matters, too. Stretch can thin a knit and reduce coverage, so many rash guards list protection when worn at normal stretch, not fully taut.
Woven Vs. Knit
Wovens breathe through vents and the gaps between yarns. They feel cool in a breeze and pair well with roll-tab sleeves. Knits cling and move with you, which suits paddling, running, and climbing. Both can reach UPF 50+ with the right yarn, density, and color.
Necklines, Cuffs, And Hoods
Crew and mock necks cover the collar line. Thumb holes keep cuffs over the backs of your hands. A hood shields ears and the nape, two spots many people burn. If you wear a cap, choose a hood with a brim-friendly cut.
Rash Guard Vs. Sun Shirt
Rash guards hug the body, so they glide in the water and avoid drag. They’re usually knit with spandex. Many feel like a long-sleeve swim top. Sun shirts for land use lean looser, breathe better when dry, and often skip spandex. If you switch between paddle and trail, a hybrid knit with a relaxed cut splits the difference.
When A “Fishing Shirt” Makes Sense
Anglers stand in glare all day. A fishing shirt solves that with long sleeves, a collar you can flip up, and mesh vents that dump heat. Fabrics dry fast after spray or rain. Modern versions also carry UPF ratings and stain guards. You don’t need to fish to wear one; the pattern and pockets are handy for travel too.
Buying Checklist
Use this quick list to compare options across brands and styles. You’ll get the right coverage without trial and error.
| Feature | Why It Matters | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|
| UPF Rating | Predicts UV blocking | Look for 30–50+ |
| Coverage | More fabric, less burn | Long sleeves, drop hem |
| Neck/Hood | Shields neck and ears | Mock neck or hood |
| Fabric Type | Breathes or stretches | Woven for air, knit for flex |
| Color | Darker shades block more | Navy, olive, or prints |
| Fit | Too tight can thin fabric | Room to move |
| Durability | Holds rating after wear | Notes on wash testing |
| Pockets/Vents | Comfort and utility | Mesh yoke, chest pocket |
How To Read A UPF Label
Labels often show a number plus language such as “blocks 98% of UVA/UVB.” Some add care tips to keep that performance. If a tag lists a test method and mentions wash cycles or stretch testing, that’s a good sign. It tells you the brand checked protection beyond a dry, new swatch.
UPF Vs. SPF
SPF is for sunscreen and mainly tracks sunburn-causing UVB on skin. UPF is for fabric and covers both UVA and UVB. You still need lotion on spots your shirt doesn’t cover. Pair the two and you’re set for long days outside.
Care And Longevity
Rinse after salt or pool days. Wash in cold water with mild detergent. Skip fabric softener; it can clog performance fibers. Hang dry or tumble low. Check tags for heat limits if the shirt uses elastane. If a knit looks stretched out, expect some drop in protection until it rebounds.
Myths To Skip
“Any long sleeve blocks enough.” Not true. A thin white cotton tee can let in a lot of UV, and even more when wet. “Black shirts are always hotter.” Breathable black knits can feel fine if they dump heat well. “UPF washes out in a month.” Some finishes can fade, yet many shirts reach their rating with yarn choice and density, not a temporary coating.
Sizing And Comfort Tips
For rash guards, choose your usual swim size. For travel and trail shirts, go with a relaxed cut that lets air move. If between sizes, test reach overhead; sleeves shouldn’t creep far above the wrist. Check hood depth with your cap on to be sure the brim still shades your face.
Price, Value, And What To Skip
You can get solid protection without a designer logo. Look for clear UPF labels, a fabric weight that suits your climate, and stitch quality that won’t chafe. Skip shirts that hide the rating behind vague “UV” claims or that feel see-through when stretched.
Bottom Line: Names You Can Trust
When you shop, the safest bet is anything labeled “UPF 30–50+” from a trusted brand. Sun shirt, UPF shirt, rash guard, fishing shirt, or sun hoodie—pick the cut that matches your day and the climate. You’ll get simple, reliable coverage that keeps you outside longer with less worry.