Wait — A Long Sleeve Shirt in Summer? Yes, Really.
Okay, I know what you're thinking. It's 90 degrees outside. Long sleeves? Really? But hear me out because this is the move that theme park veterans, beach lovers, and anyone who's ever dealt with a nasty sunburn swear by.
Summer is amazing. The sun, the parks, the pool days, the adventures; it's literally the best season. But let's be honest, the sun is no joke out there. Whether you're spending a full day at Disney, hitting the beach, or just spending time outdoors, your skin is taking a lot of UV damage, even on cloudy days.
That's where UPF long sleeve shirts come in. And no, they're not heavy, hot, or uncomfortable. In fact, once you try one, you'll wonder why you weren't wearing them all along.
So, What Exactly Is UPF?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Think of it like SPF but for your clothes. While sunscreen is great, it wears off, you forget to reapply, you miss spots (we've all been there). A UPF shirt gives you built-in, consistent protection all day long without any extra steps.
A rating of 50+ means the fabric blocks more than 98% of UV rays. That's serious protection. Our shirts here at The Bold Designer are all rated at 50+ UPF, which is the highest protection level you can get in clothing.
💡 Quick Tip Regular cotton t-shirts typically have a UPF rating of around 5–7. That means a UPF 50+ shirt is blocking roughly 10x more UV rays than your average tee. Pretty big difference!
But Won't I Be Hot?
This is the number one question we get, and it's totally fair. But here's the thing, our UPF long sleeves are made with a lightweight, breathable dri fit fabric that actually wicks moisture away from your skin. That means even on the hottest days, you stay cool and dry.
A lot of our customers actually say they feel cooler in our UPF shirts than in a regular cotton tee because the sun isn't hitting your skin directly, you're not absorbing all that heat. It's kind of like how people in sunny desert climates wear long, loose layers. Smart, right?
- Lightweight and breathable dri-fit fabric
- Moisture-wicking — keeps you dry all day
- Soft enough to wear all day without any irritation
- Unisex fit — works for everyone
- Available in a range of fun, theme-inspired designs
Perfect for Theme Parks (Especially Disney!)
If you've ever done a full day at a theme park in Florida, you know how real the sun situation is. You're outside for hours, moving between rides, eating on the go, and the last thing you want is to end your magical day with a painful sunburn.
Our UPF shirts were literally made for days like that. They're fun and stylish (because why not look cute while staying protected), they're easy to move in, and they hold up even after a water ride soaking. Win, win, win.
This is the fun part: all our designs are inspired by the things you love most. Whether you're a Disney fan, a theme park obsessed human, or just someone who likes cool graphic tees, there's something for you in our UPF collection.
Why We Love Long Sleeves Over Sunscreen Alone
Don't get us wrong, sunscreen is still important! But here's the reality: most people don't apply enough of it, and almost no one reapplies it every two hours like they're supposed to. (Guilty? Same.)
A UPF long sleeve shirt takes the guesswork out of sun protection for a huge portion of your body, your arms, shoulders, and chest. Pair it with a good sunscreen on your face and neck, and you're genuinely well protected without having to think about it.
☀️ Sun Protection Stack UPF 50+ long sleeve shirt + a good hat + SPF 30+ on your face and neck = a solid full-coverage sun protection setup. Simple, practical, and you still look great.
Ready to Shop?
We have a whole collection of 50+ UPF shirts — both long sleeve and short sleeve — in designs that are actually fun to wear. No boring plain white rashguards here. These are shirts you'll actually want to show off.
Take care of your skin this summer. You deserve to have a great time AND feel good afterward. And honestly, you deserve a cute shirt while doing it.