As an equestrian with fair skin and a sensitivity to hot weather, I’ve searched far and wide for the best sun protection shirt. I have at least a half dozen different types of UV protection shirts, but I finally found one that doesn’t make me overheat! The Columbia Omni-Shade long sleeve shirt is the best UV shirt for equestrians for a variety of reasons.
Long Sleeves Protect You From The Sun
First of all, this shirt is long sleeved, which is essential for total-sun protection. Not only do you want to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but you also want to protect yourself from the dreaded farmer’s tan! Long sleeves are a must on any sun shirt of mine. I don’t want to deal with farmer’s tans or the hassle of applying and re-applying sun screen. I like my trail riding, tacking up and camping scenarios to be streamlined. The less I have to do the better, so this shirt saves me time too!
It’s Cool and Breathable
The Columbia Omni-Shade shirt, which is also called the “Tidal Tee II,” is HANDS-DOWN, the most cool and breathable sun shirt I’ve ever owned, and I have MANY! It’s cooler than the button-ups with the vents, and it’s cooler than the ice-fill style with mesh panels! I don’t know how or why, but it just is.
I am TERRIBLE at taking care of myself, and over the years, I’ve had a few minor heat strokes. I’ve gotten a little better at taking care of myself, but I still feel VERY susceptible to heat. I have a few sun shirts that will absolutely cook me out if it’s a little warmer than 80 degrees. The Columbia Omni-Shade shirt is the only sun shirt I can wear, no matter how hot it is outside, without feeling like I’m cooking in a trash bag! My vented and mesh-panel style shirts LOOK like they would be cooler, but they’re not!
Light Weight UV Shirt For Equestrians
Another thing I love about this sun shirt is that it is super light weight. I don’t like a lot of bulky clothing when I ride during the summer. Heavy clothes are hotter, and this shirt is super light-weight. It’s also easy to roll up and pack in a fanny pack or other bag. You can layer it with a tank top underneath or just wear it by itself.
Fun Colors
Another great thing about this sun protection shirt is that it comes in a ton of fun colors. Right now, I have a really light blue one and a peach colored ones. They come in darker colors, but I think light colors are the best for sun shirts. It’s almost kind of shiny too. I think the light color and somewhat shiny fabric are reasons why this is one of the coolest (temperature-wise) sun shirts available on the market. Okay, and it looks cool too! I have worn mine a few days at a time camping, and it washes like new each time. Still looks fantastic and bright.
Flattering Fit for Riding
This shirt has a flattering fit for riding too. It can be tucked in or left loose, however you like to ride. I leave mine loose, and I like that it’s not super tight. I am 5’8″ and about 130 lbs and the small fits me perfectly. I hate when shirts are too baggy or too tight. This shirt has the Goldilocks effect going on. It’s JUST RIGHT. If a shirt is too baggy, you look sloppy. On the flip side, if a shirt is too tight, it can be uncomfortable to ride in, ride up or let everybody know you had pizza for breakfast! I’m not trying to win any fashion shows at the barn, but I do feel good when I’m in comfortable clothes that fit and look good on me.
Affordable Sun Protection Shirt For Equestrians
The final reason why the Columbia Omni-Shade Tidal Tee II is the BEST sun protection shirt for equestrians is that it is affordable! I have an expensive equestrian-brand sun shirt, and it’s not nearly as nice as this one. It was twice the price though. As you know, anything that’s designed for horseback riders is automatically more expensive! This shirt was designed for women who fish, who are obviously not spending as much on gear and clothing as we are. (Does anybody spend as much on gear and clothing as horse people do???)
You can find the shirt on Amazon, and get it to you in a few days! Leave me a comment and let me know if you’ve tried this shirt, or what your favorite sun shirt is.
Until next time, Happy Trails!