We are outdoors A LOT. And fair-skinned.

At the end of the day, I really would like to limit the amount of chemical sunscreen we use as a family. And one very realistic way to do this is to keep our skin covered with quality sun wear.

We’ve been testing out the Sunday Afternoons sun wear for the last month and are completely impressed. There is a quality difference between a product like Sunday Afternoons and say, Old Navy. The fabric is more durable, less given to snagging, and staining easily. They have quickly become my kid’s favorite shirts.

Test in: Beach, pool, hiking, camping
Cost: $20-$36
Best Use: For sun protection while swimming, camping, hiking, or just adventuring!

Wave Rider Swim Shirts

Selling Points:

Great Fabric and Colors: Like mentioned above, as compared to other swim shirts that are less expensive, I have noticed higher performance in the Sunday Afternoons shirts. The fabric is slightly thicker, less given to snagging (which happens so easily with swim shorts and suits), and less given to staining. I am not sure what it is with quick dry synthetic shirts, but many of my kid’s shirts have stained super easily! We’ve not had this problem with these shirts. They also dry extremely quickly, as they should!

Higher collar: The swim shirts have a higher collar protecting the back of the neck from the sun.

Comfortable: Ultimately they need to be stretchy and comfortable, otherwise my kids won’t wear them. They love these shirts and wear them for hiking and play even more than just swimming.

Significant Stats:

UPF 50+ certified sun rating wet or dry
4-way stretch, ultra-breathable chlorine / saltwater resistant fabric
Raglan cut sleeves allow full range of motion
Flat-lock stitching won’t irritate skin
Regular fit
Sizes: Boy’s 2T, 3T, 4T, S, M, L (see clothing sizing chart)
Designed in the USA/Imported

Radient Long Sleeve Shirt

Higher collar: Like the swim shirts, the sun shirts have a higher collar protecting the neck while playing, hiking, or climbing.

Light weight fabric: The fabric is light and airy, allowing the kids to remain cool even when it is hot outside. The shirt is stretchy and comfortable.

Super cute! The girly detailing on the shirt was a winner right from the start!

Significant Stats:

Sun (Arm) Sleeves:

Selling Points:

Some of you might ask why on earth you’d wear a sun sleeve. I did. Until I started road biking. Then I realized how awesome they are for quick changes while on the move when temperatures are heating up! In fact, these arm sleeves are going backpacking with me. No more having to take my pack off and on as temperatures change while on the trail. I can slip the sleeves off and stow them in a hip pocket.

In addition, once you’ve had enough of the sun, just put them back on to protect your skin, especially in high alpine areas. They are lightweight, thin, allow air flow, and the white helps reflect some of the heat.

Significant stat:

UPF 50+ certified sun rating
S.Cafe® fabric technology for superior wicking and breathability
Anti-microbial properties
Flat-lock stitching with elasticized top cuff for secure fit
Close to skin fit
Sizes: Men and Women’s S/M and L/XL (see sizing chart)
Designed in the USA / Imported

Suggested Improvements: The sun sleeves aren’t as stretchy as the knit ones we are accustomed too. We’d like them to be looser around the upper arm and slightly stretchier.

Bottom Line: Sunday Afternoons makes and designs a fantastic line of sun wear for the whole family. A great buy for the family looking to limit sunscreen usage, and wanting higher quality clothing that will last through many kids.