Long sleeve UV-protection shirts for tennis

PatrickT

Rookie
Hi all - I'm in a situation where my skin is very sensitive to the sun, meaning that I need to be playing with a long sleeve shirt on with UV protection (ie a UPF rating).

Does anyone have recommendations for shirts that are as lightweight / breathable as possible while still having a UPF rating? I realize this might be a bit of a challenge to have UV protection AND be breathable, but there's got to be something out there that works. Thanks!
 

PatrickT

Rookie
Thanks, I'm aware of those, but I guess was not hoping for something so tight fitting. Mostly looking for a regular athletic shirt that is long sleeves and offers UV protection.
 

PURETENNISsense

Professional
Hi all - I'm in a situation where my skin is very sensitive to the sun, meaning that I need to be playing with a long sleeve shirt on with UV protection (ie a UPF rating).

Does anyone have recommendations for shirts that are as lightweight / breathable as possible while still having a UPF rating? I realize this might be a bit of a challenge to have UV protection AND be breathable, but there's got to be something out there that works. Thanks!
I use long sleeves to coach lessons in for the last 4-5 years. I found some nice ones on Amazon. Helped a lot this summer in Georgia. Just gotta dug through a bit to find one you like. I used to wear Nike ones but those are like thievery.... $80+ each for thr nice ones.
 

Radicalized

Professional
Hanes Men's and Big Men's Cool Dri Performance Long Sleeve T-Shirt (50+ UPF), Up to Size 3X
  • Ribbed crewneck keeps its shape wash after wash.
  • Set-in long sleeves
  • Cool Dri rapid-dry, interlock jersey knit wicks away moisture to help keep you cool and comfortable
  • FreshIQ advanced odor protection technology attacks the odor-causing bacteria to keep you feeling fresh all day
  • UPF rating of 50+ for helps protect against harmful UV rays
  • In sizes up to 3XL
  • Lightweight 4 oz., 100% Polyester jersey
  • Machine washable
  • Imported
  • Hanes Men's Cool Dri Performance Long Sleeve T-Shirt (50+ UPF)

I have a few for biking around. Can be had for $10.00 (depends on shipping cost or if can get free shipping). Seems plenty durable and is simple, plain crew neck shirt. Multiple colors. Very lightweight.
 

Gemini

Hall of Fame
I bought some shirts on that <ahem> really BIG site. I'm not sure if they work or not but I figured it couldn't hurt.-- Vapor Apparel. I think were $20 each for long sleeves.
 

PatrickT

Rookie
Hanes Men's and Big Men's Cool Dri Performance Long Sleeve T-Shirt (50+ UPF), Up to Size 3X
  • Ribbed crewneck keeps its shape wash after wash.
  • Set-in long sleeves
  • Cool Dri rapid-dry, interlock jersey knit wicks away moisture to help keep you cool and comfortable
  • FreshIQ advanced odor protection technology attacks the odor-causing bacteria to keep you feeling fresh all day
  • UPF rating of 50+ for helps protect against harmful UV rays
  • In sizes up to 3XL
  • Lightweight 4 oz., 100% Polyester jersey
  • Machine washable
  • Imported
  • Hanes Men's Cool Dri Performance Long Sleeve T-Shirt (50+ UPF)

I have a few for biking around. Can be had for $10.00 (depends on shipping cost or if can get free shipping). Seems plenty durable and is simple, plain crew neck shirt. Multiple colors. Very lightweight.

THAT's the recommendation I was hoping for. Just bought a couple, should be here in a couple days and will try them out. Thanks!

Will check out the other rec's as well in case these don't work out. Cheers!
 

jindra

Hall of Fame
Am I crazy on someone mentioned on this thread a sale on a specific brand and got deleted?

Anyway, if you mentioned a great sale on very good long sleeve shirts, I just want to thank you!
 

tennisjaz

New User
Hi all - I'm in a situation where my skin is very sensitive to the sun, meaning that I need to be playing with a long sleeve shirt on with UV protection (ie a UPF rating).

Does anyone have recommendations for shirts that are as lightweight / breathable as possible while still having a UPF rating? I realize this might be a bit of a challenge to have UV protection AND be breathable, but there's got to be something out there that works. Thanks!
IBKUL, Bloquv, Coolibar and Columbia. I live in Miami with lots of UV. These are my go-to 4 brands on the courts. All these brands have UPF50+ so should be good for you.
 

papado

New User
Am I crazy on someone mentioned on this thread a sale on a specific brand and got deleted?

Anyway, if you mentioned a great sale on very good long sleeve shirts, I just want to thank you!

Think that was me lol. I realized providing a link was probably a bad idea but didn't know they'd delete it!

Also looks like the UnderArmour longsleeve compression heatgear shirts have a UPF 30 rating for those looking as well if you don't need it to be at least 50
 

jindra

Hall of Fame
Think that was me lol. I realized providing a link was probably a bad idea but didn't know they'd delete it!

Also looks like the UnderArmour longsleeve compression heatgear shirts have a UPF 30 rating for those looking as well if you don't need it to be at least 50

Thanks, man! :)
 

puppybutts

Hall of Fame
I have a FILA UPF long sleeve that isn't too tight and still is breathable. I think it was "Fila Men's Fundamental UV Blocker Long Sleeve Tennis Top"

I also have a couple Columbus "fishing" UPF long sleeves. Those are designed to be much looser, though I would say they're a bit less breathable and heavier.

To be honest I think most clothes would be UPF rated pretty well. I wore a non-UPF mesh Nike t-shirt on a 2 hour boat ride in the summer once with sunscreen only on my face and neck. I thought I would get burned in dots, but surprisingly I wasn't burned anywhere on my body, just my knees and forearms. The UPF rating does offer peace of mind, but I also notice most UPF rated clothes are priced higher than average. IMO you only need something UPF rated if you plan to go out into the ocean with it, and make sure its UPF rating considers the garment when wet.
 

pvbplayer

New User
My favorite are the under armour heatgear armour long sleeve for women, I’m sure there’s a Men’s version too. They are perforated and feel very light in the Florida heat. They don’t specifically mention UV protection but I’ve worn them for 3+ hours in the midday sun many times and had no issues.
 

Rayzor

New User
When I’m at Sam’s Club, I’ll pick up those Columbia PFG fishing shirts whenever they have them in stock. Not as tight as some other sports apparel “performance gear”, but loose enough with 50 UPF.
 

mauricem

Semi-Pro
There are lots of long sleeve Ts but very limited LS polos at sane prices that still breathe better than a bin liner. Not sure why there isn't a bigger market. I always wear my polos with collar up to protect the back of my neck on warm days and opening the front V helps with ventilation so overall a better choice than a T IMO.
 

onehandbh

G.O.A.T.
@Shroud

There is a certain poster on TTW that wears dark-colored hoodie sweatshirts in hot weather. I assume they provide some sun protection.

If you cold-blooded like a lizard you may actually like it in hot weather.
 

Shroud

Talk Tennis Guru
@Shroud

There is a certain poster on TTW that wears dark-colored hoodie sweatshirts in hot weather. I assume they provide some sun protection.

If you cold-blooded like a lizard you may actually like it in hot weather.
I think you are talking about me. I wear those hoodies and am always over dressed. When I was doing USTA this happened on a change over:

opponent: “ Just looking at you makes me hot”

shroud:” Thanks man. But I usually get that from the ladies”.
 

onehandbh

G.O.A.T.
I think you are talking about me. I wear those hoodies and am always over dressed. When I was doing USTA this happened on a change over:

opponent: “ Just looking at you makes me hot”

shroud:” Thanks man. But I usually get that from the ladies”.
If the USTA ever makes a "Hottest Men in USTA" calendar in the future, you should definitely be in it.

On a more serious note, I think any kind of long sleeve shirt (ideally close-woven) would be better than a short sleeve shirt or sleeveless shirt when it comes to sun protection
 

Shroud

Talk Tennis Guru
If the USTA ever makes a "Hottest Men in USTA" calendar in the future, you should definitely be in it.

On a more serious note, I think any kind of long sleeve shirt (ideally close-woven) would be better than a short sleeve shirt or sleeveless shirt when it comes to sun protection
I think the whole sun is bad stuff is wrong. I am not dressing for sun protection.
 
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