What to Look for in a Sun Shirt

What's a Sun Shirt?

POP QUIZ

a. A shirt you can wear in the sun for protection against UV rays

b. A shirt you can wear as a bottom layer for its moisture-wicking properties

c. A shirt you can wear to sleep for optimum coolness and comfort

d. All of the above

[CORRECT ANSWER: d]

SHOP MULTI-PURPOSE SUN SHIRTS

  • Sun Protection

    Sun shirts are designed to block both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate more deeply, resulting in premature skin aging. UVB rays are associated with sunburn and skin cancer.

  • Moisture-Wicking

    Made of lightweight microfiber, sun shirts provide moisture-wicking properties so they never have to see you sweat. You don't have to feel it, either, as the fabric works to keep you dry.

  • Super for Sleep

    In addition to being the coolest choice (literally) for outdoor activities, sun shirts make great sleep shirts. They help regulate your temperature while keeping you comfy all night long.

What's the Difference between UPF and SPF?

  • UPF: ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION FACTOR

    • UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it's used for fabrics
    • Refers to the amount of UV rays blocked by the fabric
    • The higher the number, the higher the protection levels

    How UPF ratings are calculated:

    • A sun protection fabric rated UPF 50 only allows 1/50th (or about 2%) of the UV rays to penetrate. That means it blocks 98% of the UV rays.
    • A fabric rated UPF 30 allows 1/30thh to penetrate (or about 3%)
    • A fabric rated UPF 15 allows 1/15thh to penetrate (or about 6%)

  • SPF: SUN PROTECTION FACTOR

    • SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it's used for sunscreens
    • Indicates the amount of UV radiation required to create a sunburn on the skin
    • The higher the number, the higher the protection levels

Top 10 Things to Look for in a Sun Shirt

Not all sun shirts are created equal, especially when it comes to their protection levels. Check out the top 10 things to look for when seeking a high-quality, shirt that gives you the protection and comfort you need.

UPF 50 is the highest fabrics can go

UPF50 Rating

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it's the rating used for sun protection fabrics. Anything rated UPF30 or above is eligible for the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation. Our sun shirts are rated UPF50.

Skip the sprayed-on sun protection

Built-in Sun Protection

You want your sun protection to last as long as the shirt, which is why built-in sun protection is a must. If you opt for sun shirts with sprayed-on protection, the protection can disintegrate in as few as five washes.

Quality Sun Shirts last for years...and years

Quality Workmanship

Ever have your sun shirt fall apart while you were sailing across the world? Neither have we. That's because we tested multiple shirts from a variety of manufacturers to find durable stitching, strong sleeves and impeccable hems.

Different Cuts Produce Different Fits

Cut for Comfort

Whether you're laying in a hammock or waterskiing across the bay, you want a sun shirt so comfy that you may even forget you're wearing it. Our lightweight, breathable shirts are available in men's (unisex), women's and children's cuts to perfectly suit your preferences and style.

Easy-Peasy Maintenance is Key

Wash and Wear

Throw it in the washing machine - or let your dog rinse it with a garden hose. The best sun shirts will be easy to wash and fast to dry. Ours can be tossed in the machine and either tumbled on low or hung out to dry. (Just don't use fabric softener on a sun shirt as it can clog up the fabric's breathability.)

Shirts that stand up to any adventure

Durable Fabric

The sun shirt you choose needs to be able to handle anything you give it, whether it's a day of boating or a week of camping. Our shirts are constructed out of moisture-wicking microfiber that can easily stand up to the heat and pressure of our dye sublimation printing process.

Dye Sublimation Won't Crack, Peel or Fade

Durable Printing

Dye sublimation is the perfect printing process for sun shirts for several reasons. Because the dye is absorbed into the fabric, the graphic design will never crack, peel or fade. The design doesn't block the air flow, either, so the entire shirt remains cool, breathable and comfy.

The Seller is as important as what they sell

Trusted Source

As a small business operating in Cape Coral, Florida, for the past 13 years, Cape Life Apparel is proud to serve the local community. Our graphic design roots run deep, as does our promise to provide high-quality products and services to all our customers and fans.

White is Right, but not for everyone

Colors You Love

From bright pink to pale yellow with several hues of grey and blue in between, the best sun shirts come in a variety of colors. White remains one of the most popular options, but it's certainly not the only one. We're also one of the few sun shirt shops that offer darker colors like charcoal grey and deep purple.

Graphic Designs Make Our Sun Shirts Pop

Style That's All Yours

Style comes from the different cuts and colors, but it can also come from the graphic design. We specialize in printed sun shirts, featuring designs that capture the essence of adventure, relaxation and fun. We also offer custom printing options, creating sun shirts sporting your company logo, beloved dog or any other design you want to send us or have us create.

Check out info on our custom UV shirts as well as our wholesale custom printing and private label services. Or contact us direct at info@UPF50.com.

Cape Life is the sun shirt capital of Southwest Florida

  • BEST SUN PROTECTION YOU CAN WEAR ANYWHERE

    If you’re looking for fun in the sun, Cape Life Apparel is the place to get it. For the past 13+ years, we’ve been covering Southwest Florida with UPF 50 sun shirts that block 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor, and a UPF of 30 or higher is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.  

    Unlike sunscreen that must be slathered on repeatedly throughout the day, UV protection clothing keeps you covered with no repeat applications or potentially harmful chemicals. In short, it’s the longest-lasting and safest sun protection you can find.  

    In addition to offering optimum sun protection, the UV fabrics we choose are breathable, moisture-wicking and some even feature odor-absorbing properties. They are tough enough for any adventure yet soft and comfy enough for all-day wear – and even sleep.  

  • SUN PROTECTION MEETS SIGNATURE GRAPHIC TEES

    It’s not just the high-quality UV performance fabrics and workmanship that makes our sun shirts stand out, either. We’ve been rocking graphic tee designs since 1982.

    We focus on sun shirt graphics that reflect the vibe of the Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Sanibel areas of Florida’s Gulf Coast. You’ll even find the place names printed on the sun shirts for an extra special touch.

    Dye-sublimation printing is the method we use for quality and longevity with sun protection fabrics, as it won’t peel, crack, fade or block the air flow. That means your UPF 50 sun shirt stays fully breathable, ready for action, and primed for all the fun in the sun you can give it.  

    Shop online or visit our Cape Life store in downtown Cape Coral for UPF 50 sun protection clothing, hats, souvenirs and other items that reflect the personality and our love for our Southwest Florida community.
THE PERFECT SUN SHIRT AWAITS