The Surprising Benefits of Wearing a Sun Shirt During Summer Runs
I’ll never forget my first summer of running in a long-sleeved sun shirt. It was a game-changer, and it completely transformed the way I approach summer runs. As a runner, I’ve always been aware of the importance of sun protection, but I never thought I’d be a convert to wearing long sleeves in the heat. However, after discovering the benefits of sun shirts, I’ve become a loyal advocate for these often-overlooked pieces of gear.
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One of the main reasons I started wearing sun shirts was to avoid the hassle and discomfort of applying sunscreen during runs. Let’s face it – sunscreen can be a real pain to apply, especially when you’re sweaty and on the go. With a sun shirt, you can say goodbye to the sticky, drippy mess that comes with reapplying sunscreen mid-run. And, as an added bonus, you’ll go through far less sunscreen each year, which can be a significant savings if you have sunburn-prone skin like me.
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But the benefits of sun shirts don’t stop there. They also offer significant advantages over slathering on sunscreen, including the fact that you can’t miss a spot, and you don’t need to reapply (as much) sunscreen on long runs. Additionally, sun shirts won’t have you dealing with sunscreen sweating off or working its way across your skin, which is the main reason we need to reapply, anyway.
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Aside from these objective points, the thing that really sold me on wearing one was that I hate the feeling of sunscreen-and-sweat slime dripping down my arms. It’s gross, it gets on everything, and I do not like it. And, let’s be real, who hasn’t experienced the frustration of dealing with sunscreen that’s been mixed with sweat, only to have it turn into a sticky, drippy mess?
So, what makes a good sun shirt? According to sun protection experts, the ideal running sun shirt will have most or all of the following features:
- A UPF rating (like SPF, but for clothing) – the higher the number, the better.
- A high neck or even a hood, to protect your neck and/or head.
- Thumb holes, which means longer sleeves, the better to protect your hands.
- Lightweight fabric—beware the rashguards that are designed with thicker swimsuit-type fabric.
- A moderately loose fit (although this is up to preference). If you normally buy from the women’s section, consider the
