Buzz
I used to notice others wearing sun shirts while running, but I never considered it for myself. Long sleeves in scorching weather? Hard pass. Instead, I’d drench my arms, neck, and back in sunscreen, only to feel it blend with sweat, creating a slimy, uncomfortable layer. Occasionally, I’d miss a spot, leaving my shoulders sunburned. I thought it was just part of summer running. That changed when I finally tried a sun shirt.
It wasn’t anything high-end. While many on Reddit recommend the Rabbit hoodie, it was out of stock when I looked. Instead, I grabbed a UPF 50+ rashguard from Amazon for less than $30, along with another shirt that didn’t quite work out. I started wearing them on my runs, and the difference was noticeable.
Why are sun shirts essential, and do they truly benefit runners?
The primary purpose of sun shirts is to shield you from harmful UV rays, much like sunscreen does. High-quality options also draw sweat away from your skin, potentially keeping you cooler than running shirtless.
Sun shirts are highly effective for UV protection. Dermatologists, including experts from the American Academy of Dermatology Association, advise wearing sun-protective clothing alongside using sunscreen and seeking shade. While shade might be scarce during a run, and sunscreen is still necessary for your face and hands, sun shirts provide substantial benefits for your torso and arms compared to relying solely on sunscreen:
No more missed spots, especially on hard-to-reach areas like the back of your arms and shoulders.
Less frequent reapplication of sunscreen during long runs, which is often impractical when you’re sweating heavily.
No issues with sunscreen sweating off or spreading unevenly across your skin, which is the main reason reapplication is needed.
If you use spray sunscreen, you can avoid its sticky texture and the hassle of rubbing it in.
You’ll save significantly on sunscreen over time, especially if you have skin prone to sunburn like mine.
Beyond these practical benefits, what truly convinced me was how much I disliked the slimy mix of sunscreen and sweat running down my arms. It’s unpleasant, messy, and something I’d rather avoid entirely.
Running in a sun shirt feels surprisingly less sweaty and more comfortable.
During a recent intense heatwave, I decided to try a sun shirt for the first time. I usually run in the cooler hours of early morning or evening, but the humidity and wet bulb temperature were unbearably high regardless of the time.
For my first evening run with the shirt, I applied sunscreen only to exposed areas like my face, hands, and lower legs. Overall, I didn’t feel significantly hotter or cooler than I would have without the shirt, but the sticky sunscreen-and-sweat situation was far better. The shirt absorbed and somewhat wicked away my sweat. While it meant running in a damp shirt, the trade-off was worth it: no dripping sweat.
Curious, I wore the shirt again for a sunny morning run and had a similar experience. In a true test of trust, I even wore it for a poorly planned midday run in 93-degree heat (don’t worry, I carried ice water and stayed safe). It performed well then too. During one run, I felt a light breeze and removed the shirt as I finished. The breeze felt refreshing, but it was more of a bonus than a regret about wearing the shirt. Safe to say, I’m now a believer.
I had another realization during one of my runs. The shirt was slightly too long, bunching around my hips. The extra fabric wasn’t helpful, so I grabbed scissors and cropped it just below my waist. Now, I enjoy a bit of airflow on my torso while still staying protected from the sun.
Key factors to consider when purchasing a sun shirt
Clothing designed for runners often comes with a higher price tag, though it’s typically lighter and of better quality than budget options. However, you don’t need to limit your search to “running sun shirts.” Explore terms like “long-sleeved wicking shirt,” “UPF shirt,” or even “rash guard” (a surfers’ staple for sun protection).
The perfect running sun shirt should include most or all of these features:
A UPF rating (similar to SPF but for clothing)—the higher, the better.
Fabric that wicks moisture or has cooling properties.
A high neckline or hood for added neck and head protection.
Thumb holes to extend sleeve coverage and shield your hands.
Lightweight material—avoid rashguards made with thicker swimsuit-like fabric.
A slightly loose fit (though this is subjective). If you usually shop in the women’s section, try men’s styles—they might fit better.
Sun protection experts often suggest opting for dark (black, blue) or bright (red, yellow) colors over white or pastels, as darker shades absorb more UV rays. Personally, I’ve hesitated to choose dark colors, even though white is less protective, fearing they might feel hotter. (This might just be my preference, so for reliable advice, trust dermatologists.)
With these tips in mind, here are some sun shirts in various styles and price ranges that meet the criteria. If you’re unsure, start with an affordable option and see how it works for you. You might just find yourself joining the ranks of runners who’ve ditched the slimy sunscreen mess.
