The Best Sun Protective Clothing for Keeping Your Family’s Skin Safe

Available in 11 pretty colors, this versatile sun protective shirt from Vapor Apparel can be worn just about anywhere, from casual hikes, to chilly beach days, to checking out a new city’s tourist attractions. And, with an “Amazon’s Choice” badge and over 1,000 positive reviews on the site, it’s a consistent crowd-pleaser, too.

You should never have to sacrifice comfort or style to protect your skin, which is why we’re huge fans of Coolibar’s casual Weekend Pants. An elevated take on sweatpants, these slim-fit joggers will become your go-to pants for long flights and outdoor yoga sessions alike.

Lilly Pulitzer is beloved for garden-pretty prints and dresses, so we were thrilled to see they're getting into the sun-protection clothing game. This elongated tunic-style dress covers most of your body, so you won’t have to worry about obsessively applying sunscreen. You’ll be sure to turn heads on your next tropical vacation or pool party, thanks to its cheery, colorful print and unforgettable boho vibes.

If you're into surfing or snorkeling, you're probably already familiar with the benefits of a rashguard. They offer full arm and torso protection from the elements (cold water, rough surfboards, and sun) but the Attraco’s swim shirt ups the protection ante with a UPF 50. It also has a zippered front, so you can take it off and show off your bikini whenever you please. 

If you're looking for all-day in-the-water sun protection, skip the rashguard and go straight for a long-sleeved one-piece swimsuit with UPF 50. Mott50 has a flattering swimsuit option in 18 fun and cheery prints and colors ranging from chili peppers to bright white. It's also moisture wicking (so it dries fast) and has thumbholes to keep the sleeves in place during active water sports activities, like wakeboarding. 

A chic, yet sun-protective, hat is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. This style from Mott50 is called a fishing hat, but we can picture it everywhere from the garden to a pontoon boat. The has has a UPF rating of 50, plus the sweet bow offers some serious retro vibes. Bonus: the extra wide brim further protects from the sun's rays.  

At first glance, Columbia's Low Drag Offshore looks like any other sporty button-down shirt. But look again—it has hidden ventilation in the shoulders and a UPF rating of 40. Antimicrobial treatment protects it from bacterial growth. Whether you wear it fly fishing in the Bighorn River or camping in Yosemite, one thing’s for sure: This shirt will look (and smell) just as good long after the sun sets.

They say that two is better than one—and sun-protective clothing is no exception. These Silver Ridge Convertible Pants (available in eight solid colors) from Columbia can easily be converted via a hidden zipper into shorts, making them a must-have for any adventure where the weather wildly fluctuates from cold to warm to hot and then back to cold again. They're made from durable nylon ripstop with advanced wicking fabric and UPF 50. Oh, and did we mention they have over 300 five-star reviews? *Adds to cart*

Sure, most people think of long-sleeves when they hear “swim shirt,” but this shorter style is the perfect thing to throw during a hot day (or a boardwalk bike ride) on the beach. This option from Kanu looks good thanks to sharp-looking contrast panels at the sides (choose from 13 bold colors). And, as Amazon’s best-selling sun-protective swim shirt, it gets the job done with a UPF 50 rating.

Consider Kana's Barracuda Swim Trunks as the Goldilocks of swim shorts: Available in sizes from small to 4X, they fit just right for most guys. And at a whopping 43 prints and colors, even the pickiest guy can find a swimsuit he likes. As a bonus, they hit just below the middle of the knee for extra sun coverage, along with the UPF 50 rating. 

Columbia's Bora Bora II Booney hat checks off all the boxes that make most dermatologists happy. Derms recommend investing in a hat with a three-inch brim to protect the scalp and face. The Bora Bora also features an Omni-Wick sweatband and mesh venting to let your head breathe and pull moisture away from the skin—keeping the wearer cool. The adjustable drawcord and toggle at the back allow for a customized fit. If that's not enough to seal the deal, the flexible construction makes it ideal for packing in your carry-on. 

Sunscreen for babies and toddlers can be controversial, as it's best to keep sensitive baby skin out of the sun completely (most doctors advise against sunscreen on children younger than 6 months). So keep your little ones out of the sun and in this adorable sunsuit from SwimZip. It offers maximum coverage, and the sweet miniature pineapples, jellyfish, or shark pattern will tug at your heartstrings. A full body zipper makes beachside diaper changes easy. 

You'll still need sunscreen as a back up, but this cute two-piece swimsuit from Kanu will give you some extra sun protection piece piece of mind as your tot’s splashing around in the kiddie pool. It's available in sizes 2T to 14, and is fully lined. The 17 pool-ready patterns range from flamingos to flowers. If your kid is a water baby, be sure to buy two suits, so one is always dry and ready to go. 

Of course, the beach and pool aren't the only place your kids need sun protection. Available in black and white—with a fun Hawaii island print, Quicksilver's Kona short-sleeved shirt is a great choice for field trips and days spent on the playground.