• ALL WEEK FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM

What Makes a Women’s UV Protection Shirt Better Than a Regular Long-Sleeve Shirt?

by Meredith Knight on April 01, 2025

You step outside on a bright, sunny day—whether for a hike, a day on the water, or just running errands. You grab a regular long-sleeve shirt, thinking it’ll keep your skin covered and protected. But a few hours later, you’re sweaty, overheated, and somehow sunburned.

The truth is, that most long-sleeve shirts aren’t built to block UV rays. While they may cover your arms, they still let harmful radiation through, leaving your skin exposed. That’s why UV protection shirts are a game-changer. Designed with built-in sun-blocking technology, they offer breathability, moisture-wicking performance, and all-day comfort—something a regular shirt simply can’t do.

So, what makes a UV protection shirt better? Let’s break it down.

Why a UV Protection Shirt is Superior

A regular long-sleeve shirt may look similar to a UV protection shirt, but the performance and benefits are completely different. Here’s why standard shirts fall short:

1. Ordinary Fabric Lets UV Rays Through

Most cotton and blended fabrics have a loose weave, which means UV rays can pass right through and reach your skin. Even thick fabrics don’t guarantee protection, as sunlight can still penetrate over time.

A plain cotton shirt has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of about 5—which means 20% of UV rays still reach your skin. Over time, this exposure adds up, increasing the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

A UV protection shirt, however, has a UPF of 50+, meaning it blocks 98% of harmful rays, giving you far better defense against sun damage.

2. No Built-In Sun Protection

Regular long-sleeve shirts aren’t designed with sun protection in mind. They lack a UPF rating, meaning they haven’t been tested to block UV radiation effectively. You might think any fabric offers protection, but without UPF technology, you’re still at risk.

UV protection shirts, however, are specifically engineered to absorb or reflect UV rays, offering a guaranteed level of defense you won’t get from an ordinary shirt.

3. Regular Shirts Trap Heat & Sweat

A long-sleeve cotton shirt in hot weather? That’s a recipe for discomfort. Regular shirts tend to trap heat, making you feel hot and sweaty. They also absorb moisture and dry slowly, leaving you feeling damp and sticky.

UV protection shirts, on the other hand, use moisture-wicking, breathable fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin and dries quickly. This keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable, even on the hottest days.

Why Boone’s Bay UV Protection Shirts Are the Best Choice

At Boone’s Bay, we’ve designed the perfect women’s UV protection shirt—one that combines style, comfort, and unbeatable sun defense. Here’s what makes our shirts better than a regular long-sleeve:

1. Advanced Sun Protection

Our UV protection shirts are made with high-performance polyester fabric that blocks 98% of UV rays (UPF 50+). Unlike regular long-sleeve shirts, they are scientifically tested to provide real sun protection, helping to reduce the risk of sunburn and premature aging, even after long hours outdoors.

2. Stay Cool & Comfortable

Designed for warm-weather wear, these shirts are lightweight and breathable, allowing air to flow and preventing overheating. The moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry, while the quick-dry technology ensures your shirt doesn’t stay damp or sticky throughout the day.

3. Built for Durability & Performance

Unlike cotton shirts that shrink, fade or lose shape over time, these UV protection shirts are designed to last. The fabric resists stretching and maintains its color and fit, even after multiple washes. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, at the beach, working out, or just running errands, these shirts provide lasting comfort and protection.

The Bottom Line

If you’re still wearing a regular long-sleeve shirt for sun protection, it’s time for an upgrade. A standard shirt may offer coverage, but it doesn’t block UV rays, keep you cool, or wick away sweat as a true UV protection shirt does.

Boone’s Bay UV protection shirts are designed for women who love the outdoors and want to stay safe, stylish, and comfortable in the sun.

Don’t let the sun ruin your adventure—shop our latest collection of women’s UV protection shirts today!

BACK TO TOP