This post on wearing long sleeves in the summer was originally published in 2016 and most recently updated in July 2024.
My boyfriend would tell me I’m nuts for wearing long sleeves in the Texas heat, but when it is upwards of 100 degrees, it doesn’t make much of a difference what you are wearing as long as it breathes.
Of course, I don’t wear just any long sleeves in the summer heat, I usually stick with cotton, linen, or chambray. It all comes down to fabric choice. As you probably know, cotton is the most breathable fabric you can find. It’s natural and allows air to move through it freely while wicking away moisture. According to Who What Wear, linen is the second best fabric for summer (which I’m wearing in these photos), because it is super light, and in the off-chance that there is a breeze, it’s loose and breathable. Linen is also known to be used in summer-weight bedding, as well. Of course, there’s always athletic material that boasts wicking powers, but I prefer the natural fabrics when I’m not working out.
Growing up in Ohio, we barely put away our sweaters and coats to switch over our wardrobes for spring and summer. I remember going home from college one year in June and it was still in the 60s! So, as much as I wanted to wear cute tanks and shorts, I was frozen, so I always had a sweatshirt or chambray button-up nearby.
To style long sleeve tops, I wear them over dresses, tie them up with skirts, or as pictured below, with shorts!
There are so many ways to wear long sleeves in the summer and so many reasons to!
Benefits and Tips for Wearing Long Sleeves in the Summer
Long Sleeves Protect From the Sun
If you are pale, sensitive to the sun, or already sunburnt, long sleeves are a savior. Earlier this summer I burnt my shoulders and it actually hurt to be out in the sun, so my only saving grace was super lightweight tops with sleeves! However, long sleeves don’t necessarily protect you from the sun! While they will provide much more protection than no sleeves at all, brighter colors such as red or darker colors such as black have a higher Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) than lighter colors such as white.
Invest in UPF in Clothing
UPF clothing is like wearing sunscreen. The UPF rating takes into account the fabric weave, construction, color, treatments, and material, measuring how effective the clothing is in protecting against UVA and UVB rays. A cotton t-shirt would be considered around UPF 5 (REI), whereas UPF 15 is considered a minimum amount of coverage and the lowest rating you will see on clothing. UPF 30 is considered good and UPF50+ is excellent and most protective.
Choose Looser Fitting Clothing
The weave of the fabric and the material also play a factor. Tightly woven clothing such as jeans or synthetic materials can protect you better than a cotton tee or sweater. You’ll also want to wear loose-fitting clothing so you don’t stretch the threads to create a wider opening for the sun to penetrate. For those really concerned or sensitive to the sun, you can get clothes with sun-blocking technology like these UPF styles from Lily Pulitzer.
Long Sleeves are Better Than Mosquito Repellant or Bug Spray
I’m not sure what it is, but I get major mosquito bites. They love to bite me. One bites and tells all their friends how tasty I was, and sends them over. I get the biggest welts all over. Of course, I’ve tried all of the bug sprays, but sometimes I just don’t want to be sticky and smell bad, so wearing long sleeves in the summer helps prevent them from getting to me.
Hiding From the A/C
I’m actually cold more often in the summer than in the winter. After spending all weekend in the sun by the pool, the A/C always gets me! At home, I’m usually under a blanket, and I am always cold in the office, out to dinner, and especially at the movies! Long sleeves are again, the best option!
Wearing Long Sleeves in the Summer Can be a Habit
Like I said, I’m from Ohio, and I lived in sweatshirts during the cool summer nights. You never know when the temperature will drop or you’ll be frozen at a restaurant. So I always leave a sweater or jacket in my car! I totally got this from my mom, too. She also believes that sweatshirts or long sleeves are a must year-round!
Lightweight Linen
Linen is lightweight, made with a loose, open weave in the fabric allowing for airflow and a featherweight feeling. It can be rough at first but will get softer the more you wash and wear it.
Poplin is Lightweight and Professional
Poplin or blends are generally found in professional button-ups. With the classic styles becoming more popular lately, you’ll find many options and styles. I love an oversized look with trousers or jeans, even shorts in the summertime.
Classic Chambray
Chambray is such a classic style. Wearing it with colorful shorts, white jeans, or as a cover-up in the summer are some of my favorite ways to wear it! Chambray is a classic style of button-down shirt in a lightweight denim material. It can look semi-professional if worn with pants or a skirt, or totally casual with shorts or at the beach. It is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can own.
Rainy Day
Summer showers happen everywhere, and the last thing you want is to be caught in the rain in your tank and shorts! Protect yourself with a lightweight raincoat and stay dry! I have an awesome Northface one that I love!
Where to Wear Long Sleeves in the Summer
Cozy at Home
In the summer I try really hard to be a Texan and love the A/C, but I am constantly cold! I live in sweatshirts and long-sleeve tops in the summer more than in the winter! When the air conditioning is on, I am typically on the couch with my Barefoot Dreams Blanket and a sweatshirt. Kale thinks I’m nuts, but I can’t help it, I love a cozy vibe. Being cozy is a big part of wearing long sleeves in summer, too. It’s more about comfort than anything else.
The Office
As we make our way back to the office, and RTO becomes inevitable, we are remembering how uncomfortable corporate offices are for females whose summer wardrobes are in stark contrast to our male co-workers’ clothing choices that don’t vary throughout the year. The A/C is typically set cold because someone, somewhere, mentioned that it might be better for productivity *insert eye roll*. This is an antiquated and sexist policy if you ask me. I am personally much less productive when I can’t feel my fingers, thank you.
I digress. When I go into the office I always have a sweater in the back of my chair, or in my bag while traveling- just in case. However, it is nice to not have to rely on the same cardigan people see day after day, so an oversized linen or poplin button-down is another great option!
Date Night
As much as I love a cute tank and skirt or summer dress, I typically need something to cover up in the A/C as you’ve probably discovered at this point. With a date night look, I typically opt for a denim jacket or as we move into August-October (still in the 80s or 90s in Texas) I’ll grab a leather moto jacket!
The Pool
Many people choose long sleeves when out in the sun to protect against sunburn or rashes. Rash guards are great for swimming, and long-sleeve cover-ups can have UPF for additional protection.
Beach Day
Usually, there is little hiding from the sun on the beach. long sleeves can help with that! I love a chambray shirt or linen cover-up to allow for some air flow and protection from the sun. Similar ot the pool, a rash guard for swimming could also be a great option!
Bonfire
No one wants their clothing to smell like smoke but a long-sleeved shirt will help cover you, keep you warm around the fire, and protect against bug bites. My go-to at night is a sweatshirt, but depending on your temperature, a button-down would be great too!
Boat Day
I love seeing those in the northeast wearing sweaters on boats in the summer. It’s so foreign to me in 100-degree Texas, but it is such a vibe and I love it so much. The cool ocean breeze in the north is a great excuse to break out the summer sweaters!
Working Outdoors
Function over fashion for those who work outside in the summer. Often people who work outdoors need to protect their skin from the sun, to not overheat they will use cotton to soak up the sweat but stay wet to then keep them cool. Otherwise, they wear sweat-wicking material to stay dry but still be protected.
Vacation
No matter where you go on vacation, you have to pack for all scenarios. Bring your chambray, poplin, sweatshirts, rash guards, and raincoats to cover for all weather and occasions!
Morning Run/Workout
I love a cool morning when you know the heat will come out in full force later in the day. Wearing long sleeves for a morning workout will help warm up your muscles and prevent injury.
SHOP MY FAVORITE LONG SLEEVE TOPS FOR SUMMER!
Long Sleeve Summer Outfit Ideas
You’re such a beauty! I love this outfit – it looks perfect for the Summer. I’m pretty sure our UK Summer is no where near as hot as yours, I’m a little but envious!
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Harriet | A UK Fashion & Lifestyle Blog
Thank you! No I couldn’t wear this in the UK, I spent a summer in London and was so cold the whole two months!! It’s much different than the 100+ degrees we have here in Texas!
Love this article! All the outfits look so beautiful. I wish to add them in my wardrobe. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Thank you so much!