UPF 50+ Active Tee

£30.00
Used by the winner of the Marathon des Sables - 250km across the Sahara
Covers the back you can't reach, in a light top made for moving.
  • Breathable, with four-way stretch
  • Wicks sweat and dries quickly
  • UPF 50+: blocks at least 98% of sunburning UV
  • In the fibre, not a finish that washes out

CHOOSE A COLOUR: Blue
CHOOSE YOUR SIZE: S

Unisex. Close, athletic fit. Between sizes? Size up

14 in stock
Bundle & save 15%
SPF 50+ Moisturising Lip Protector
Free Lip Protector with every order (worth £7)
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FREE DELIVERY
(orders over £25)

TRACKED DELIVERY
(2-3 working days)

30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

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a question
CHOOSE A COLOUR: Blue
CHOOSE YOUR SIZE: S

Familiar?
We fixed that.

Out in the sun, with no one to do your back.

  1. Your back is the bit you can't reach.

    On your own, sunscreen back there is a stretch, so it goes on patchy or not at all, and your shoulders are in the sun all day.

    The fix

    Covered the moment it's on.

    Your back, chest and shoulders are covered at UPF 50+ as soon as you pull it on, with no one's help and nothing to top up.

  2. Another layer sounds hot.

    On a hot day, a top is the last thing you want, so it comes off and your back's out again.

    The fix

    Light enough to keep on.

    A light, breathable knit that moves sweat off your skin instead of holding it there.

  3. Kit has to keep up on a trip.

    Away for a week with a small bag, you're washing as you go, and kit that's slow to dry holds you up.

    The fix

    Washes easily, dries fast.

    Hang it up after a wash and it's soon dry, and its protection is in the fibre and the knit, not a finish that washes out.

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Why we made it

Sun protection you'd wear anyway.

We wanted a tee you'd pick for a run, a game of tennis or a week on a boat anyway: close-fitting, light and quick to dry. Then we gave it the top UV rating a fabric can carry, built into the fibre rather than added on top.

Close, athletic fit.
Fit guide

Close, athletic fit.

Cut close, with four-way stretch, so there's no spare fabric to bunch up. It's true to size: between sizes, or if you like it looser, size up. Every colour is cut the same. It's unisex, so go by your chest measurement in the size guide, not a dress size. Not right? You've got 30 days to exchange or return it.

PROTECTION IS BUILT IN.

Our UPF 50+ fabrics block at least 98% of sunburning UV. It's in the fibre and the knit, not a finish that washes out.

WHAT'S IT MADE OF AND WHY?
  • UPF 50+, no finishes or treatments: blocks at least 98% of sunburning UV. The protection is built into the fibre and the knit, not a finish that washes out.
  • 36-gauge high-density jacquard knit: 36 needles to the inch make a fine, tight knit, so very little sunlight gets through the gaps.
  • 90% polyester matt yarn: polyester itself absorbs UV, and the fine, matt yarn feels soft with no plasticky shine.
  • 10% elastane for four-way stretch: it gives in every direction, so it moves with you when you reach, swing or run.
  • Wicking and quick-drying: pulls sweat off your skin and dries fast, so you're not left in a cold, wet top.
  • 180 GSM, 2% shrinkage: 180 grams of fabric to the square metre gives it body, and it shrank just 2% in testing, so it keeps its fit wash after wash.
OTHER USEFUL INFO
  • Unisex
  • Sizes XS to XXL
  • Navy, white and blue
  • About 160g in a medium
  • Gentle machine wash at 30°C and hang to dry
  • No tumble dryer, iron or bleach
FABRIC INFORMATION

90% polyester, 10% elastane

Tested out there.

4.9 · 62 verified reviews
  • “Comfortable and good sizing. Felt protected in the very strong Caribbean sunshine. Worked well with additional Lifejacket sunscreen.”
    Chris H, Caribbean testedVerified buyer
  • “Bought 2 active tees white and blue for a trip to the Canary Islands. Great for by the pool or beach and smart enough to wear into a restaurant.”
    Stuart A, Canary Islands testedVerified buyer
  • “The Active UPF Tee is just a quality shirt. I've used it for runs, and also just when out and about in the Sun. I'll be buying more.”
    Chris, RunnerVerified buyer
AS FEATURED IN

Here's how we're different.

LifeJacket
Sunscreen and a cotton tee
UV rating
» Rated UPF 50+The top rating a fabric can carry.
No UV ratingFewer than 3 in 10 cotton fabrics reach UPF 30.
Top-ups
» No reapplyingIt covers you for as long as it's on.
At least every two hoursOnly 27% of UK skin specialists keep that up.
Coverage
» No thin patchesIts cover doesn't depend on how much you use.
Spread too thinMost people use a fifth to half the tested amount.
Feel
» Nothing to rub inYou wear it, and that's it.
Something to rub inNot everyone likes the feel of it.
Advice
» Health bodies' first choiceThe WHO puts clothing before sunscreen.
For skin you can't coverThat's where the WHO says sunscreen goes.

Which one's for you?

Our closest alternatives, side by side.

Ask us a question
You're here
UPF 50+ Active Tee
£30.00
Rated 4.9 out of 5, (62 reviews)
What it is: A short-sleeve tee with a close, athletic fit. UPF 50+
Best for: Running, sport and everyday wear
Why pick it: Keeps your back and shoulders covered, arms free
UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Active Tee
£35.00
Rated 4.8 out of 5, (90 reviews)
What it is: A long-sleeve tee with a loose, relaxed fit. UPF 50+
Best for: Cycling, walking and long days outside
Why pick it: Covers your arms without overheating
UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Collared Top
£42.00
Rated 4.8 out of 5, (125 reviews)
What it is: A soft quarter-zip top that feels like cotton. UPF 50+
Best for: Golf, sailing and smart casual
Why pick it: Smart enough to wear off the trail
UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Active Hoodie
£42.00
Rated 4.7 out of 5, (18 reviews)
What it is: A long-sleeve hoodie with a loose, relaxed fit. UPF 50+
Best for: Hiking and fishing, out in the open
Why pick it: The hood covers your scalp, ears and neck
UPF 50+ Rash Vest
£42.00
Rated 4.7 out of 5, (74 reviews)
What it is: A lightweight rash vest with a snug fit. UPF 50+
Best for: Beach and pool days with the kids, swimming, surfing and paddling
Why pick it: One less thing to top up between swims

HOW TO USE.

  1. Woman in a navy UPF 50+ Active Tee tying her shoelace on a coastal path

    Wear.

    Pull it on before you head out. Sunscreen still goes on your arms, neck and face.

  2. Dress.

    Put your sunscreen on first and let it dry before you dress: it can mark white fabric.

  3. Back of a navy UPF 50+ Active Tee with a pink LifeJacket logo, worn by the sea

    Pro tip.

    Buying for someone else? Measure a tee that fits them, armpit to armpit, and match it to the size guide.

COMPLETE YOUR KIT.

These go perfectly with your pick.

Build your own bundle
  • New sizes
    SPF 50+ Sun Gel
    From £16.00

    A light gel that dries in seconds, so you'll actually use it.

    Rated 4.8 out of 5(485 reviews)

    Choose options
  • Anti-Chafe Bar
    From £13.50

    Prevents skin rubbing so you aren't forced to stop. No petroleum.

    Rated 4.9 out of 5(45 reviews)

    Choose options
  • Aluminium Bottle Refill
    £2.00

    Takes your sunscreen out with you, so you can top up.

    Rated 4.5 out of 5(13 reviews)

IN THEIR WORDS.

GOOD TO KNOW.

Who is it for?

Anyone active in strong sun in short sleeves: running, walking, tennis, sailing or a hot holiday. It's unisex, with a close, athletic cut.

What's it made of?

90% polyester and 10% elastane, in a tight, high-density knit. Its UPF 50+ protection is built into the fibre and the knit, not a finish that washes out.

How soon does it protect?

As soon as it's on. There's nothing to wait for, and nothing to top up on the skin it covers.

Is it chemically treated? Will the protection wash out?

No. The protection is built into the fibre and the knit, not a finish that washes out. Sprayed-on UV finishes fade with washing: in a 2023 test, finished garments lost around three-quarters of their protection over 50 washes.

Do I still need sunscreen?

Yes, on the skin it doesn't cover: your arms, neck and face. Reapply that at least every two hours, and after sweating or towelling.

Does it smell after a few days' wear?

"I wore my LifeJacket tee shirt for 3 days in a row and there didn't seem to be any odour," says Stephen P, who climbed Mt Toubkal in it.

When will I get my order?

We try to get every order out the same day up until 4pm during the week. From then, it usually takes 2-3 working days to arrive.

What if it's not right for me?

You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee. Send it back unworn and in perfect condition for an exchange or a refund: email hello@lifejacketskin.com and we'll sort it.

Where do you ship?

We ship to the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands using a Royal Mail tracked service.

Protection you put on once.

UPF 50+ blocks at least 98% of sunburning UV, and it's in the fibre, not a finish that washes out.

  • Free delivery over £25

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

  • Usually 2-3 working days

  • Trusted by athletes, made for everyone

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