How to Pick the Best Sun-Protective Clothing and 10 Products to Try

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The best sun-protective clothing has a UPF 50+ rating and comes in dark or vibrant colors. Image Credit: Boy_Anupong/Moment/GettyImages

If you already know the importance of

With long sleeves and a dark color, this rash guard is the ideal way to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. It features a stylish scallop neckline and has a quarter zipper in the back that makes it easy to put on and take off.

It's made out of UPF 50+ sun protective fabric to block out 98 percent of the sun's rays.

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This stylish one-piece suit features long sleeves with thumbholes, to keep your arms and hands covered, plus a crew neck and a full zipper up the front.

The material is UPF 50+, and it comes in an array of bright colors.

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This surf shirt is made for the water, with chlorine- and salt water-resistant UPF 50+. It has a mock neck and long sleeves for great coverage, and it features a snug-but-stretchy fit to keep you comfortable during summer activities.

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Made from a polyester-spandex blend, this hoodie offers up a UPF 50 rating, making it a great

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It's easy to see why this hat is a top-rated item on REI's website.

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It's clamshell-style brim and cape provide ample coverage for your face and neck, and an under-chin strap keeps it securely in place during even the toughest hikes. Ventilation at the top and a sweat-wicking material keep you cool and comfortable on hot days. And, of course, it's got a UPF 50+ sun rating.

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New York City-based cosmetic dermatologist,

These high-rise leggings offer up UPF 40+ protection, which is rated "very good," according to Dr. de Golian.

"Melanoma is most common on legs in women, so this area should always be protected when sun-exposed with either UPF clothing or SPF sunscreens," she says.

To maintain the integrity of this fabric, it's best to hang dry instead of using the dryer.

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Made from a durable fabric, these stretchy tech pants are designed with tool storage in mind, so they'll be your go-to for fishing or any number of household projects. Plus, they zip off just above the knee to become shorts for hotter days. And they've got UPF 50+ protection.

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Sun sleeves like these are a great way to protect the arms while running and keep the body a little cooler during your run, according to Dr. Qazi.

"Lighter sleeves reflect harmful radiation, and the fabrics are often specially treated to increase absorption factors," he says.

The weave of the fabric used in this arm sleeve not only increases UV protection, but it also adds moisture-wicking and cooling properties to the material to keep you comfortable on your run.

Buy it: ​Amazon; ​Price: ​From $21.21

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