Base Layer with UPF50 Rating
 

I noticed last summer that I got a pretty good tan line on my back where my bib straps are. Most of my jerseys are very lightweight.

Does anyone know of a company that makes short sleeve base layers with a UPF rating? It would be great if we could avoid side discussions about whether the rating is necessary and all that. Thanks in advance.

There are a few companies that specialize in sun protective clothing.

Coolibar is one but there are several more.

REI carries a few brands. The cheapest may be this one rated at SPF50https://www.rei.com/product/153828/r...-crew-top-mens

edit: UPF50

That looks too loose fitting to work underneath a jersey.

As far as I know, they don’t have a base layer.

Helly Hansen makes a few but I don’t know their sizing. Idk if this Lycra vest is breathable enough. Idk who makes bike specific short sleeves. Check out their website for more styles:


https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/wa...rashvest-34024

No, that’s for swimming/surfing. It wouldn’t be comfortable for cycling.

Just get a long-sleeve jersey with decent UPF and you will be fine. It will be a lot cooler than a base-layer.

If it's for warm weather riding, why go with a base layer when you can get a jersey with UPF50?

Take a look at this one from Aerotech Designs: UPF 50 Bike Jersey from Aerotech Design

I think it hits your needs - short sleeve, high sun protection.

I don't pay attention to clothing UPFs so I haven't looked but - the grey Patagonia t-shirts are wonderful under jerseys and my go to until it gets into the '80s. (I just looked - "Daily Tech" and UPF50.)

Super comfortable, regular T-shirt fit. Expensive. My oldest looks just as new as my most recent and I think they are going to pull the Patagonia stunt of lasting nearly forever.

You might try Pearl Izumi and Primal's websites, too. I'd search the UPF thing and see what shows up.

On really sunny days sometimes I just wear a rash guard. It's aero form fitting but does not have the nice back pockets.

I have a thousand jerseys that I really like and I don’t want to retire them. The base layer solves the problem without throwing out thousands of dollars of cycling jerseys.

Were you wearing a base layer when you got the mentioned tan lines, or wearing a base layer would be new for you? Otherwise I would think that a base + jersey, both not UPF rated might often be enough with the double layer of material.

I would just look otherwise for a base that has a close weave vs being the mesh variety. What fits the bill with these are often labelled as "Compression" tank tops or shirts, one random example (actually even mentions UPF protection!). However, don't expect them to be wicking like a mesh base layer.. those wick because they are mesh and therefore have lots of gaps in the weave that let thru the sun. These tend to hold sweat a bit.

I don’t usually wear a base layer in the summer unless it’s cool outside. So the sun damage was really from thin jerseys. I agree with you that using a base layer with a jersey, even without a rating, is probably enough to prevent sun damage. I did find this one base layer which is UPF25. That’ll probably be the best I can do.

https://us.endurasport.com/translite.../12936526.html

Under Armor has a fitted upf50 short sleeve shirt. It may be a bit heavy as a base layer but it may work on cooler days.

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/...e/1306250.html

Yeah, I see your point.

The SPF is a fiction for a shirt. White fabric lets throught the most UV but you would not know that from the stated rating. A black poly t-shirt will provide the best UV protection.

You might try a Merino wool, sleeveless base layer. I have one from Iomerino. I’ve only used them for cool weather. Merino wool has properties that are claimed to be good for cooling in warmer weather. Merino wool also doesn’t get stinky. You don’t need to wash it after every ride. So one shirt is all you need.

I doubt these would have SPF ratings. But I’m pretty sure they block about all light.