Sun Protection Starts with What’s On Your Back—The Best Sun Shirts for 2025 | I Heart RVing

When it comes to sun protection, sunscreen tends to steal the spotlight. But smart RVers know that keeping your skin safe from harmful UV rays takes more than just what you slather on—it’s also about what you wear. And in many cases, great sun shirts can do even more to shield you from sunburn, overheating, and general discomfort when you’re living life outdoors. 

Whether you’re hiking a high-desert trail, lounging lakeside, or just walking the dog around the campground, your shirt is one of the first lines of defense against the beating sun. And thankfully, today’s sun protection clothing goes far beyond stiff, beige button-ups. Think lightweight fabrics, moisture-wicking tech, breathable comfort, and styles you’ll actually want to wear.

Since few things can slow your roll as much as a sunburn, today, we’ll be examining the best sun shirts for RVers—from classic button-ups and hooded sun shirts to sustainable picks and budget-friendly options that can still get the job done. But first, let’s break down what makes a good sun shirt, well, great.

What to Look for in a Great Sun Shirt

When you’re spending long days outside, comfort, performance, and protection all matter. Here’s what to consider before tossing a new shirt into your RV wardrobe:

1. UPF Rating: Look for a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of at least 30, though 50+ is ideal. This rating tells you how well the fabric blocks UV rays. A UPF 50 shirt blocks about 98% of the sun’s rays, giving you serious protection without constant sunscreen reapplication.

2. Lightweight, Breathable Fabric: You don’t want to feel like you’re wearing a plastic bag. Choose fabrics that are breathable, quick-drying, and light enough to keep you cool—even in the midday sun. Synthetic blends, bamboo, and even performance-grade merino wool are all solid options.

3. Moisture-Wicking & Odor Resistance: Especially if you’re boondocking or away from laundry facilities for a few days, odor resistance is key. Shirts with moisture-wicking capabilities also help keep sweat off your skin, so you feel drier and more comfortable longer.

4. Smart Design Features: As the saying goes, the devil—or in this case, angel—is in the details. Look for details that make a difference on the road or trail, such as:

• Hoods for extra protection for your neck and ears
• Thumbholes to keep sleeves in place and protect the backs of your hands
• Zippered vents or pockets, which add airflow as well as a convenient place to stash your keys or cards

5. Style & Versatility: Let’s be honest—if it doesn’t look good, you’re probably not going to wear it—at least not as much as you probably should. Many modern sun shirts are designed to go from camp to town without screaming, “Yo, I’ve been hiking all day.” Bonus points for shirts that double as base layers when temps drop.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into the best sun shirts RVers are raving about this year.

Best Sun Shirts for RV Life

Whether you’re chasing sunshine or trying to avoid too much of it, these top picks have you covered—literally.

Classic Sun Shirts (Button-Ups or Pullovers)

Columbia PFG Tamiami™ II Long Sleeve Shirt

Best for: Fishing, hiking, or everyday wear in hot, humid climates

A long-time favorite among outdoor lovers, this lightweight shirt offers serious breathability and a UPF 40 rating. It’s moisture-wicking, vented, and includes roll-up sleeves and chest pockets.

Pros:
✔ Quick-drying and breathable
✔ Great for layering or wearing solo
✔ Relaxed fit and easy mobility

Cons:
✖ Sizing can run large
✖ Not the most fashion-forward off the trail

Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Shirt

Best for: Active travel, kayaking, and humid environments

Made from engineered modal (primarily from beech tree pulp), this shirt is soft, stretchy, and offers UPF 40+ sun protection along with a casual look that works just about anywhere. Plus, it’s both breathable and durable, no matter how high the temp gets.

Pros:
✔ Eco-friendly fabric
✔ Looks like a regular shirt
✔ Naturally odor-resistant

Cons:
✖ Higher price point
✖ Limited, fairly neutral color selection

Sun Hoodies (Hooded Sun Shirts)

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

Best for: High-output activities like hiking, biking, or trail running

Featherlight and ultra-breathable, this hoodie packs easily and offers UPF 15 protection. While it’s not the highest-rated for UV shielding, it’s a favorite for airflow, comfort, and 4-season versatility.

Pros:
✔ Super lightweight
✔ Breathable even on hot days
✔ Thumb loops and ActiveFresh™ odor control

Cons:
✖ Lower UPF rating
✖ Thin fabric may not be durable for rugged use

REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie

Best for: Everyday sun protection and camping

This affordable option provides UPF 50 protection with a relaxed fit, breathable fabric, and built-in thumbholes. The hood is roomy enough to cover most hats for extra sun protection.

Pros:
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Full coverage design
✔ Available in extended sizing

Cons:
✖ Slightly heavier fabric
✖ Hood fit may be loose in strong winds

Dual-Purpose & Layering Shirts

Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody

Best for: Layering in changing mountain or desert climates

With UPF 40+ and a moisture-wicking, anti-odor fabric, this hoodie is designed to keep you comfortable from sunrise to summit—and everywhere in between. Wind- and water-resistant panels add extra protection.

Pros:
✔ Built for performance
✔ Great for layering
✔ High coverage without bulk

Cons:
✖ On the expensive side
✖ Slightly technical look may not appeal to all

Smartwool Merino Active Mesh Hoodie

Best for: Lightweight layering and odor-free comfort

A blend of merino wool and synthetic fibers gives this hoodie a great mix of softness, breathability, and durability. It wicks moisture and resists odor even after days on the road.

Pros:
✔ Naturally odor-resistant
✔ Eco-conscious blend (three performance fabrics, including Merino wool, recycled polyester, and TENCEL Lyocell fiber)
✔ Excellent for layering or stand-alone

Cons:
✖ Not as cooling in extreme heat
✖ Slimmer fit

Sustainable Picks (Merino & Eco-Friendly)

Icebreaker Tech Lite II Merino Shirt

Best for: Travelers who want sustainable, everyday wear

This short-sleeve tee looks like a classic crew, yet it offers UPF protection, breathability, and serious odor resistance, thanks to 100% merino wool.

Pros:
✔ Timeless look
✔ All-natural, renewable fabric
✔ Great for multi-day wear

Cons:
✖ Limited UPF rating disclosed
✖ Prone to snagging if not handled gently

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt

Best for: Eco-conscious adventurers

Lightweight and stretchy, this shirt offers protection. Plus, it’s quick drying and has plenty of stretch for mobility and all-day comfort. It has HeiQ® Mint odor control. Perhaps best of all, it’s made from 50 – 100% recycled materials in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

Pros:
✔ Eco-friendly and bluesign® approved
✔ Comes in a wide variety of colors and fits

Cons:
✖ Fabric may cling when sweaty
✖ Runs slightly long in the torso

Budget-Friendly Finds

Baleaf UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Shirt

Best for: RVers who want protection without the price tag

This shirt gets high marks for performance and value. It’s quick-drying, provides full UPF 50+ coverage, and comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

Pros:
✔ Very affordable
✔ Solid protection
✔ Soft, lightweight feel

Cons:
✖ May not last as long with heavy use
✖ Limited breathability compared to premium brands

Amazon Essentials UPF Shirt

Best for: Casual RV wear or backup sun protection

A solid basic that gets the job done, this Amazon-branded long sleeve has UPF 50 protection and a simple fit for everyday use.

Pros:
✔ Very easy on the wallet
✔ Multiple size and color options
✔ Works well as a layering piece

Cons:
✖ Less technical performance features
✖ Fabric can pill over time

Soak Up the Sun, Not the Sunburn

Sunshine and RVing go hand in hand—but that doesn’t mean you have to put your skin at risk. With the right sun shirt, you can stay cool, covered, and comfortable whether you’re setting up camp, paddling a lake, or strolling through a desert trail. From high-tech hoodies to classic button-ups and budget-friendly basics, there’s a sun shirt out there that fits your lifestyle—and your rig.

A few RV-friendly tips to make the most of your sun shirt stash:

• Pack light but smart: Choose shirts that double as base layers or casual wear so you don’t have to overpack.
• Hang dry outside your rig: Most sun shirts dry quickly—just clip them to your awning, a drying rack, or a travel clothesline after washing or a sweaty hike.
• Use storage wisely: Roll your shirts instead of folding to save drawer or cubby space, and consider moisture-wicking bags if you’re storing after beach or water use.
• Keep a backup: Stash an extra sun shirt in your daypack or hiking bag so you’re never caught in the sun unprotected.

All that’s left is to get out there and chase the sun, explore new trails, and enjoy every minute of your RV adventures. Just don’t forget the (sun) shirt on your back. It might be the most important part of your sun protection plan.

Source: https://iheartrving.com/blog/the-best-sun-shirts-for-2025/