6 Best Long Sleeve Work Shirts For Sun Protection That Old Farmers Swear By
For sun protection that works, trust the experts. We list 6 durable, long-sleeve shirts farmers swear by, from classic chambray to modern UPF tech.
You know the feeling. It’s 2 PM in July, the sun is relentless, and you still have three fence lines to check. A cheap t-shirt feels like a wet towel, and you can practically feel your skin baking. The right long sleeve work shirt isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical piece of gear that keeps you safe, comfortable, and productive when the heat is on.
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Sun Protection: A Farmer’s First Line of Defense
The sun doesn’t care about your schedule. It’s out there from dawn till dusk, and consistent exposure is one of the biggest long-term risks we face. Thinking you can just tough it out is a rookie mistake that can have serious consequences down the road.
A good long sleeve shirt is your most reliable shield. Unlike sunscreen that sweats off or needs constant reapplication, a shirt provides consistent, physical protection. It’s a simple, one-and-done decision you make in the morning that protects you all day long. This isn’t just about avoiding a sunburn; it’s about preserving your health so you can keep farming for decades to come.
Carhartt Force Relaxed Fit: The Classic Choice
When you need a shirt that’s as tough as the work you’re doing, you grab a Carhartt. The Force line is their answer to working in the heat, and it’s become a modern classic for a reason. It blends traditional Carhartt durability with technology that actually helps you manage sweat and heat.
The magic is in the fabric. It wicks sweat away from your skin and fights odors, which you’ll appreciate by the end of a long day. The fit is relaxed but not sloppy, giving you room to move without getting snagged on machinery or fencing. This is your go-to for general farm work—mending fences, moving equipment, or working with livestock. It’s a bit heavier than other options, but that heft is what makes it last season after season.
Columbia PFG Bahama II: Ultimate Breathability
Don’t let the "Professional Fishing Gear" (PFG) label fool you; this shirt is a secret weapon for farmers on the hottest, most humid days. Originally designed for anglers standing on a boat deck in the blazing sun, its features translate perfectly to fieldwork. The entire design is centered around one thing: ventilation.
The Bahama II is incredibly lightweight, feeling like you’re barely wearing anything at all. Its biggest selling point is the massive, mesh-lined vent across the back, which lets any breeze flow right through, providing instant relief. The fabric is quick-drying and has a high UPF rating for sun protection. The tradeoff? It’s not built for wrestling with barbed wire. Save this shirt for tasks like harvesting vegetables, working in the greenhouse, or running the tractor on a sweltering afternoon.
Duluth Trading Armachillo: Beat the Summer Heat
Duluth Trading Co. built its reputation on solving problems, and their Armachillo line is a direct assault on summer heat. They embed microscopic jade particles into the fabric, which creates a subtle but noticeable cooling sensation against your skin. It sounds like a gimmick, but on a 90-degree day, you’ll take every advantage you can get.
Beyond the cooling tech, it’s just a well-designed work shirt. You get underarm gussets for better reach, a UPF 40 rating, and fabric that wicks moisture effectively. It strikes a great balance between the ruggedness of a traditional work shirt and the high-tech features of performance wear. If you find yourself overheating easily but still need a shirt that can handle real work, the Armachillo is worth a serious look.
Wrangler Riggs Workwear: Durable and Dependable
Wrangler Riggs is the working person’s line, and it offers a fantastic, durable alternative to some of the other big names. These shirts are built with the understanding that you’re going to be stretching, reaching, and generally beating them up. They often use ripstop fabric, which is excellent at stopping small nicks from turning into huge tears.
The standout feature is often the "Room2Move" fit, which incorporates gusseted shoulders and sides for a full range of motion. You can swing an axe or lift a hay bale without feeling your shirt pull tight across your back. It’s a practical, tough-as-nails shirt that combines old-school durability with smart design. It’s a workhorse, plain and simple.
Ariat Rebar Workman Shirt for Maximum Movement
Ariat’s roots are in the equestrian world, where freedom of movement is non-negotiable. That DNA is baked into their Rebar workwear line. If your primary complaint about work shirts is that they bind across the shoulders or ride up when you lift your arms, this is your solution.
Their "Greater Arm Mobility" technology is the key. They design the armhole seams differently so the main body of the shirt stays put, no matter how you move your arms. This is a game-changer for tasks like stacking bales, trimming high branches, or working on overhead equipment. The fabric is also tough, moisture-wicking, and offers solid sun protection, making it a specialized tool for the most physically demanding jobs.
Dickies Heavyweight Work Shirt: No-Frills Value
Sometimes you just need a shirt that works. No fancy cooling tech, no space-age fabrics—just a simple, tough, and affordable shirt that you can buy in a multi-pack and not worry about. That’s the Dickies Heavyweight Work Shirt. It’s the definition of a value proposition.
Made from a sturdy cotton/polyester blend, this shirt is built to withstand abuse. It’s not the most breathable option on this list, so it might not be your first choice for the absolute hottest days. But for its price, the durability is unmatched. This is the shirt you wear when you know you’re going to get covered in grease, dirt, or worse. It’s a disposable asset that refuses to be disposed of easily.
What to Look For: UPF, Fabric, and Fit Guide
Choosing the right shirt isn’t about finding the "best" one, but the right one for you and your typical tasks. Keep these three factors in mind, and you can’t go wrong. Each one represents a tradeoff between durability, comfort, and protection.
First, understand the specs. A shirt’s ability to block the sun is measured by its Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). A standard cotton t-shirt might have a UPF of 5; a purpose-built sun shirt will have a UPF of 30 to 50+, which blocks over 97% of harmful UV rays. Always look for a UPF 30+ rating as a minimum for a dedicated sun shirt.
Next, consider the fabric. Materials like polyester and nylon are champs at wicking moisture and drying quickly, making them ideal for hot, sweaty work. Cotton/poly blends offer superior durability and abrasion resistance but can feel heavier and hold moisture longer. The choice depends on your priority: beating the heat or surviving rough work.
Finally, don’t overlook the fit. A shirt needs to allow for a full range of motion. Look for features like:
- Gusseted underarms: Extra diamond-shaped panels of fabric that prevent the shirt from pulling tight when you lift your arms.
- Vented backs: Mesh-lined openings that allow for critical airflow.
- Articulated elbows: Seams that are pre-bent to match the natural shape of your arm, improving comfort.
A relaxed fit is generally better for airflow, but a shirt that’s too baggy can be a safety hazard around machinery. Find the fit that lets you work unimpeded while keeping you cool and covered.
Ultimately, your work shirt is a tool, just like your favorite shovel or a well-oiled tractor. The best one is the one that lets you get the job done safely and efficiently, day after day. Investing in a few good shirts tailored to different tasks and conditions isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in your own well-being and your ability to keep farming for the long haul.
