If you’ve ever peeled off a soaking wet cotton shirt after a summer ride and thought “there has to be a better way” - there is. And the difference a good UPF sunshirt makes isn’t just about staying cool. It’s about protection, comfort, and honestly, not looking like a wrinkled mess by the third horse of the day.
I live in the South. I ride outside. I’m in the sun constantly. So I’ve tried a LOT of sunshirts - the cheap ones, the expensive ones, and everything in between. Here’s the truth about what actually works.
Quick Comparison: My Top Picks
| Sunshirt | Best For | UPF Rating | Price Range | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Ride Perforated Sunshirt | All-day barn wear | 50+ | $65-85 | ★★★★★ |
| Asmar Technical Top | Shows + clinics | 50+ | $95-125 | ★★★★½ |
| Kerrits Ice Fil | Budget option | 30+ | $45-65 | ★★★★ |
My #1 Pick: Free Ride Perforated Sunshirts
Here’s the thing - I’ve worn these almost every single day since I discovered them. The perforated panels aren’t just a gimmick. They actually breathe.
What I love:
- The perforations are strategic - placed where you actually sweat (back, underarms) but not where they’d look weird
- UPF 50+ protection that doesn’t feel like wearing a wetsuit
- The fit is designed for riders - longer in the back, doesn’t ride up when you’re in two-point
- They dry incredibly fast between horses
The honest downside:
- They’re not the cheapest option
- Color selection rotates seasonally (grab what you like when you see it)
The reason I keep reaching for Free Ride is simple: they feel like wearing nothing while actually protecting my skin. And after years of pretending sunscreen was enough (spoiler: it wasn’t), I’ve become religious about UPF coverage.
Shop Free Ride Perforated Sunshirts - Use code ELEVATED10 for 10% off
For Shows and Clinics: Asmar Equestrian Tops
When I need to look polished but still want sun protection, Asmar is my go-to. Their technical tops walk that line between “I’m here to work” and “I also care about not looking like a disaster.”
What stands out:
- The quality is undeniable - these things last for years
- Sophisticated colors and cuts that don’t scream “I’m wearing athletic wear”
- UPF 50+ built into the fabric (not a spray-on treatment that washes out)
- Perfect for clinics, shows, or any time you need to look put-together
Worth knowing:
- Higher price point (but the longevity justifies it)
- Runs slightly fitted - size up if you’re between sizes
Asmar has been making equestrian apparel since 2011, and you can tell they understand what riders actually need. The All Weather Rider jacket is legendary for a reason, and their tops carry that same thoughtful design.
Budget-Friendly Option: Kerrits Ice Fil
If you’re not ready to invest heavily in sunshirts yet, Kerrits Ice Fil is where I’d start. They’ve been doing the sun protection thing for a long time, and their Ice Fil fabric actually works.
The good stuff:
- Lower price point than premium brands
- Widely available (SmartPak, Dover, most tack shops)
- UPF 30+ protection
- The cooling effect is real - you can feel it
The trade-off:
- Not as breathable as the perforated options
- The fit is more “athletic wear” than “equestrian specific”
- Some colors show sweat more than others
For someone building their first collection of sun-protective riding clothes, Kerrits is a solid starting point.
Why UPF Actually Matters
The truth is, I spent years thinking I was fine with just sunscreen. Then I hit my late twenties and started seeing sun damage I can’t undo.
Here’s what changed my mind:
- Sunscreen sweats off. UPF fabric doesn’t.
- You miss spots. Every time. (Hi, back of the neck.)
- Reapplying sunscreen between horses? Who has time for that?
- Sun damage is cumulative. Every ride counts.
A UPF 50+ rating means only 1/50th of UV rays get through. That’s 98% blocked. Compare that to a regular cotton t-shirt, which is around UPF 5-7.
What to Look For in a Riding Sunshirt
Fit for the saddle:
- Longer back hem (nobody needs a sunburned lower back)
- Sleeves that stay put
- No awkward bunching at the waist
Fabric that works:
- Perforations or mesh panels for airflow
- Moisture-wicking (you will sweat)
- Quick-dry (for multiple horses)
- UPF rating built into the fabric, not added as a coating
Practical details:
- Colors that don’t show every speck of dirt
- Thumb holes optional but nice for sun protection on hands
- Quarter-zip or full-zip options for temperature control
My Actual Summer Rotation
For transparency, here’s what my sunshirt drawer looks like right now:
- 3 Free Ride perforated sunshirts (daily rotation)
- 2 Asmar technical tops (shows and clinics)
- 1 Kerrits Ice Fil (backup/laundry day)
I wash them all in cold water and hang dry. They’ve all held up well.
The Bottom Line
If I had to pick just one sunshirt to own, it would be the Free Ride Perforated Sunshirt. The breathability is unmatched, the UPF protection is real, and they just feel good to ride in.
For shows or when you need to look more polished, Asmar is worth the investment.
And if you’re testing the waters on UPF wear without committing to the price tag, start with Kerrits.
The real cost of skin damage isn’t the dermatologist bills - it’s the stuff you can’t undo. A good sunshirt is one of the smartest investments you can make for summer riding.
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Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I actually use and believe in.
