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★★★★★2,500+ verified 5-star reviews

Protection that stays put.

Sunscreen sweats off. On a long day in the hills, that leaves you exposed when it matters most. The LifeJacket UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Active Tee has protection woven into the fabric. It can't sweat off, wash out, or wear away.

STAY PROTECTED ALL DAY

Trusted by Olympians. Made for everyone.

From elite sport to everyday life.

Official Partner
British Triathlon
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England Netball
In Partnership With
UKSI
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PCA
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Surfing England
Supplier for Paris
Team GB
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British Rowing
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Mountain Training
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Paddle UK
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GB Snow
Official Partner
BWSW
Supplier to the ECB
ECB
Official Partner
British Mountain Guides
Official Partner
British Triathlon
Official Partner
England Netball
In Partnership With
UKSI
Official Partner
PCA
Official Partner
Surfing England
Supplier for Paris
Team GB
Official Partner
British Rowing
Official Partner
Mountain Training
Official Partner
Paddle UK
Official Partner
GB Snow
Official Partner
BWSW
Supplier to the ECB
ECB
Official Partner
British Mountain Guides
Official Partner
British Triathlon
Official Partner
England Netball
In Partnership With
UKSI
Official Partner
PCA
Official Partner
Surfing England
Supplier for Paris
Team GB
Official Partner
British Rowing
Official Partner
Mountain Training
Official Partner
Paddle UK
Official Partner
GB Snow
Official Partner
BWSW
Supplier to the ECB
ECB
Official Partner
British Mountain Guides

Why sunscreen fails you on the hill.

Sunscreen was designed for the beach. Not for six hours of elevation gain, pack weight, and relentless sweat. The conditions that define a real day in the mountains are exactly the conditions that break sunscreen down.

It sweats off on the climb.

Heat output on a long ascent is brutal. Within 90 minutes, most sunscreen has mixed with sweat and rubbed off under your pack straps. You're exposed, and you won't know it until tomorrow.

Long sleeves trap heat.

Standard long-sleeve tops trap warmth when your effort is pushing it out. You overheat, get uncomfortable, and peel the top off exactly when you need arm coverage most.

Your UV kit wears out.

Most UV-protective fabrics use a chemical treatment over the weave. Around 20 washes in, that treatment is gone. The protection you bought when the top was new is no longer there.

Why hikers choose LifeJacket over sunscreen.

Long days above the treeline demand real protection. Here's what the UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Active Tee does differently.

  • UPF 50+ woven into the fabric: blocks 98% of UV all day, every day.
  • Moisture-wicking and quick-drying: stays comfortable on steep, sweaty ascents.
  • Structural UPF protection: doesn't degrade with washing, ever.

★★★★★

"Excellent protection against the sun... easy to wear and even though it has long sleeves it didn't feel any warmer than a short sleeved tee shirt. Thoroughly tested on a Tour of Mont Blanc in 30+° temperatures."

Peta D. — Mont Blanc hiker, 30°C field test passed

★★★★★

"Bought this as I wanted some extra sun protection whilst trekking in the Dolomites and love it!! So cool, comfortable and despite the only colour being white it didn't really seem to get dirty."

Chris D. — Dolomites trekker, white shirt sceptic converted

How we're different.

UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Active Tee
Big brand long-sleeve wicking top
Yes
UPF 50+ lab tested and certified
Available in XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL
No
No UV testing or certification
Guessing. Hoping. No idea what protection you're getting.
Yes
Engineered yarns and weave
Technology built into the fabric itself.
No
Standard fabric construction
Just a top. No UV consideration in design.
Yes
Skip sunscreen on covered skin
Covered = protected. Simpler routine.
No
Still need SPF under your shirt
Your "athletic top" isn't actually protecting you.
Yes
Flatlock seams
No chafing after hours of movement.
No
Standard seams that rub
Red marks under your arms by lunchtime.

★★★★★

"Very comfortable to wear. Love the looser style as allows the air to circulate. Stays fresh. I wore the top 3x on long hilly walks before I washed it. It gives me confidence to enjoy the outdoors."

Joanne S. — Melanoma patient, daily outdoor walks

PROTECTION IS BUILT IN.

Protection's built in. Our UPF 50+ fabrics block 98% of UV through structure, not chemicals. The weave does the work so protection doesn't wash out, wear off, or fade over time.

WHAT'S IN IT AND WHY
  • 90% polyester, 10% spandex. Four-way stretch for full range of motion without restriction.
  • Performance matt yarn. Moisture-wicking, quick-drying, comfortable at pace.
  • High-density jacquard weave. The tight construction physically blocks UV — making the protection structural, not chemical.
OTHER USEFUL INFO

Gentle machine wash 30°C | Hang to dry | No tumble dry, no iron, no bleach | UPF structural not chemical | Available XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL

FABRIC INFORMATION
90% polyester, 10% spandex

Built from personal experience.

When several close friends, including Jono, were diagnosed with cancer in their thirties, it changed everything. LifeJacket was born to make everyday skin protection simple, reliable and part of normal life.

GOOD TO KNOW.

What is the point of UV protection in clothing and are all long-sleeve shirts UV protective?

UPF refers to the Ultraviolet Protection Factor which is a  UV rating system that’s used for fabrics, similar to SPF for cosmetics. It indicates how much UV radiation can penetrate the fabric of the top.

A fabric that’s rated UPF 50+ blocks 98% of the sun's rays, offering very high sun protection. UV protective clothing works by absorbing or reflecting the sun's UV radiation, preventing it from reaching your skin.

Long sleeve shirts with UV protection help shield your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin damage, heat stroke and skin cancer.

Not all long sleeve shirts offer UV protection. It depends on the fabric, yarn, weave and treatment used in the shirt's production.

You can read more about it here.

Is this clothing chemically treated to offer UPF protection?

No. All of our clothing offers the UPF50+ protection it does due to the natural properties of the fabrics we use. This means you can wear and wash it over and over again, safe in the knowledge it will continue to keep your skin protected and you comfortable.

When will I get my order?

We try to get every order out the same day up until 4pm during the week. From then, please allow 2-3 business days for your order to arrive.

Are your long-sleeve shirts with UV protection suitable for all outdoor activities including swimming?

Yes, our long sleeve shirts with UV protection are designed for a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to swimming.

If you’re likely to be sweating or are particularly active, our active tops would suit you best. Our rash vest is ideal when in or by water. If you’re just outside in strong sun and want a more casual look, that’s where our casual tops would be best suited to your needs.

Who will be delivering my order and is there tracking?

We use a tracked service for nearly all of our deliveries. You will get an email from us when your order has been despatched which will include the tracking details.

How do your sizes compare to other brands?

We would say our sizing comes up true. This is a more relaxed fit than our other items and is oversized with a dropped shoulder. That shouldn't change the size you order and we would recommend ordering your usual size. If in any doubt check out the size guide towards the top of the page or give us a shout.

Can I return the product if I don't like it?

We’re happy to exchange or refund any clothing you're not 100% happy with. Just make sure it’s unworn and in perfect condition. To start a return, head to Returns and exchange and follow the instructions.

Who is LifeJacket for?

We're for anyone who wants to look after their skin and perhaps learn a little more about how to best achieve that. Whether you're a professional athlete, weekend warrior, dog walker, gardener or commuter, the science remains the same. Our products cater for every personal preference and environment, so it's just about finding what works for you.

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Trusted by athletes, made for everyone