How to choose sun protective UPF clothing

NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.ApparelHow to choose UPF clothing and swimwear for the whole family, according to dermatologistsUnlike sunscreen, UPF clothing protects without you needing to reapply anything.Updated July 17, 2026, 12:43 PM EDTBarbara BoothBethany HeitmanCommerce EditorLily SternIntern+ 1 moreSkip to table of contentsUPF clothing adds a layer of defense against UV rays, but not all options protect adequately. Dermatologists say color, construction and fit matter too.Amazon; UV Skinz; CoolibarIn this articleOur top picksTop-rated UPF clothing and swimwearBest UPF clothing and swimwear for womenBest UPF clothing and swimwear for menBest UPF clothing and swimwear for kidsWhat is UPF?How I picked the best UPF clothing and swimwearHow to shop for quality UPF clothing and swimwearWhat other ways can you protect yourself from the sun’s rays?Meet our expertsWhy trust NBC Selected?See 8 MoreIt takes one bad sunburn to make you realize that sunscreen isn’t always enough. That’s where clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) can come in. “Sun-protective clothing adds an extra layer of defense from the sun, and unlike sunscreen, it doesn’t necessarily fade with time,” says Dr. Anna Guanche, board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, and founder of Bella Skin Institute.Since sunscreen needs to be reapplied frequently, and chemical sunscreens must be fully absorbed for 30 minutes before they perform optimally, our experts recommend wearing UPF clothing, including swimwear, as the first line of defense against UV radiation. To understand how UPF works and what determines its quality rating, we spoke to dermatologists about what to look for when shopping for sun protective clothing and swimwear. We also rounded up some top-rated pieces for men, women and kids based on their advice.Selected.Our top picksBest UPF swimsuit for womenZando...