Looking for a super light weight UPF top

April 8, 2022 8:31 AM

I’m looking for the lightest weight / coolest possible UPF top that covers my upper back and shoulders.

Must:
- be certified UPF 25 or higher, ideally 50+
- be lightweight and cool in hot, humid weather
- cover my upper back/shoulders; I have no preference about whether it covers my arms
- Not just a scarf

I would prefer:
- solid color, ideally grey
- not ugly (obviously this is subjective)
- under $50, but I will pay more if it’s great

I like Coolibar’s Aire fabric and Uniqlo’s UV mesh, but I don’t love any of their designs. I’m considering this shrug from Solbari but it looks kind of uncomfortable.

This BloqUV crop rash guard is cute but I don’t know if it’s too warm.

This previous question has some good suggestions, but I’m looking for specific suggestions for ultra lightweight tops, and it mostly recommends brands.

I’m in the US and typically wear a medium or large in tops.

posted by maleficent to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total)

Columbia has cooling and vented options? Or this one from Duluth Trading is described as silky and 4.6 ounces.
posted by mcgsa at 8:55 AM on April 8, 2022 [1 favorite]

This other shrug from Solbari looks a lot more comfortable and the comments mention it being lightweight and cooling.
posted by Adifferentbear at 9:31 AM on April 8, 2022

I love the landsend rash guard UPF50 which comes in beautiful colors and patterns like this landsend rash guard. This is my favorite and it keeps me cool even in 100 deg heat.

Also Costco has UPF30 Sun tee nautica brand.

Hangten brand like this women’s long sleeve are good too.
posted by SunPower at 11:09 AM on April 8, 2022

Oh! One more idea - I have this SPF bolero from Terry Cycles and it's SPF and it's silky and light, although probably not ultralight.
posted by mcgsa at 11:28 AM on April 8, 2022

The lightest upf clothes I've found are the Outdoor Research Echo line. Which, damn it, seems to be discontinued. But you can still find it at places that do let you try and return. It is likely less than UPF 25, but adding it just in case the trade off is worth it for you (or someone else reading).

These are amazing and I love them so much.
posted by Salamandrous at 1:48 PM on April 8, 2022 [1 favorite]

Uniqlo do exactly this in their Airism range.
posted by ozgirlabroad at 5:17 PM on April 8, 2022

The nicest I've found is Tailored Sportsman but they're expensive. IceFil is the fabric name. Kastel sun shirts are almost as light, and there are lots of others. Smartpak and Dover Saddlery have house brands that are usually pretty good for lower prices.
posted by sepviva at 5:30 AM on April 9, 2022