If you spend hours riding, training, or working around the barn, you know how important sun protection is. But let’s be honest — sunscreen only goes so far, especially on long, hot days in the saddle.
That’s why more riders are turning to UPF sun protection shirts as their go-to defense against harmful UV rays. But how effective is UPF clothing compared to sunscreen? Can it actually help prevent sun damage? And what should you look for in a good riding sun shirt?
A recent study from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has the answers — and if you’ve never tried UPF shirts before, now’s the time to rethink your sun protection strategy.
What is UPF Clothing and Why Does It Matter for Riders?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it measures how much UV radiation a fabric can block. The higher the UPF rating, the better the protection.
Think of UPF clothing as sunscreen built into your shirt — but without the greasy feeling, constant reapplication, or risk of sweating it off mid-ride.
Can UPF Clothing Really Outperform Sunscreen?
According to the OHSU study, the answer is yes. Researchers compared four different UPF fabrics to SPF 30 and SPF 50 sunscreens to see which provided better UVA and UVB protection.
The results were clear:
✔️ UPF shirts blocked over 99% of UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburn and increase skin cancer risk
✔️ Sunscreens provided 76% to 94% UVB protection, with varying effectiveness
✔️ UPF fabrics also blocked up to 98% of UVA rays, which are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots
✔️ Some sunscreens only blocked 54% of UVA rays
For equestrians, this means UPF clothing offers consistent, reliable sun protection, even during long rides, competitions, or barn days — with no need to stop and reapply.
Why is UVA Protection Especially Important?
You might be wondering, “Does sunscreen protect against all sun damage?” or “How do I prevent sun aging while riding?”
While sunscreen helps, UVA rays — the ones responsible for wrinkles, aging, and skin discoloration — often penetrate deeper into the skin, and many sunscreens don’t block them completely.
The OHSU study shows that UPF-rated clothing consistently outperforms sunscreen for UVA protection, making it an essential part of your daily ride wardrobe.
Why More Riders Are Choosing UPF Shirts from Equestrian Fashion Outfitters
At Equestrian Fashion Outfitters, we believe that sun protection should work as hard as you do — and that it should never mean sacrificing comfort or style.
That’s why we stock a wide selection of UPF sun protection shirts from leading equestrian brands like Kastel, B Vertigo, and EIS, designed specifically for life in the saddle.
Our UPF riding shirts offer:
✔️ Built-in UVA and UVB protection to shield your skin from harmful rays
✔️ Lightweight, breathable fabrics made for riding, training, or showing
✔️ Moisture-wicking and antimicrobial technology to keep you cool and comfortable
✔️ Stylish designs so you can ride protected without sacrificing your look
Whether you’ve been searching for “Best UPF riding shirts”, “Equestrian sun shirts”, or “How to prevent sun damage while horseback riding”, we’ve got you covered — literally.
From bold prints to classic neutrals, short sleeve to long sleeve styles, we carry options to suit every rider and every discipline.
Should You Make UPF Riding Shirts Part of Your Routine?
Here’s the bottom line: Sunscreen still plays an important role in protecting exposed areas like your face, neck, and hands. But if you want the best possible sun protection, UPF shirts are your first line of defense — especially for riders exposed to the sun for long periods.
Stay protected. Ride in style. Explore our full collection of UPF sun shirts at Equestrian Fashion Outfitters and enjoy every moment outdoors with confidence.