Hiking is among the best outdoor activities for weekends and holidays for women. It’s a common sport that many people can get into and it gives you some time away from the busy world and your busy daily life.
Like other sports, you need proper clothes for hiking like a lightweight, long-sleeve shirt.
In this post, we will provide you with a complete guide to choosing the best lightweight long sleeve hiking shirt for women.
Here are the best lightweight long sleeve hiking shirts for women (2025 Update):
- Best Overall (T-Shirts): BALEAF Women's Long Sleeve UV Shirts
- Best for Summer (T-Shirts): Willit Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection T-Shirt
- Durable (T-Shirts): CQC Women's Outdoor Long Sleeve T-Shirt
- Best Overall (Button-Down Shirts): Little Donkey Andy Women's UPF 50+ UV Protection Shirt
- Best for Short-Armed Ladies (Button-Down Shirts): Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt 1lb
- Best for Spring (Button-Down Shirts): BALEAF Women's Hiking Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt
- Best for Small-Framed Women (Hoodies): Naviskin Women's Long Sleeve Shirt
- Best for Cold Days (Hoodies): Safort Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie
- Best for Sunny Days (Hoodies): FIRST WAY Women's Hiking Top
| 9 Best Lightweight Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts for Women | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | BALEAF Women's Long Sleeve UV Shirts
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Best for Summer | Willit Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection T-Shirt
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Durable | CQC Women's Outdoor Long Sleeve T-Shirt
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Best Overall | Little Donkey Andy Women's UPF 50+ UV Protection Shirt
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Best for Short-Armed Ladies | Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt 1lb
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Best for Spring | BALEAF Women's Hiking Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt
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Best for Small-Framed Women | Naviskin Women's Long Sleeve Shirt
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Best for Cold Days | Safort Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie
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Best for Sunny Days | FIRST WAY Women's Hiking Top
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T-Shirts
This style of women’s long-sleeve hiking shirt is a common choice during warm-weather hikes for some good reasons:
- Usually made of moisture-wicking material for air ventilation
- Sun protection
- Soft, comfortable, and skin-friendly
- No limited in movements
- Able to be used as a base layer
- Easy to style
- The most inexpensive option
From those points, it is perfect for those female hikers in a tight budget, or who appreciate the comfortable feeling, or want to layer it with other hiking garments.
But take note that this style commonly has the thinnest fabric, meaning for the least sun protection. If you intend to wear it alone without layering, make sure your hiking destination has lots of shade.
Best Overall (T-Shirts): BALEAF Women's Long Sleeve UV Shirts
- Lightweight, elastic, perspiration-resistant, and durable - 90% Polyester / 10% Spandex
- High visibility in low-light conditions - reflective logo and tapes
- Comfortable - no tag in the collar
- Less heat protection – thin fabric
Polyester-spandex blends are popular in activewear because polyester is durable while spandex is stretchy and retains its shape phenomenally well. They’re also lightweight and resistant to perspiration.
Such impressive benefits can be found in this t-shirt from BALEAF.
An interesting thing is its high visibility in low-light conditions as featuring a reflective logo and tapes. Ah, no tag in the collar – a big bonus as it’s more comfortable.
| BALEAF Women's Long Sleeve UV Shirts Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | 90% Polyester / 10% Spandex |
UV Protection Rating | 50+ |
Highlight Features | Polyester-spandex blends; reflective logo and tapes; no tag in the collar |
After testing and analyzing, BALEAF Women's Long Sleeve UV Shirt is the best-overall option for some good reasons.
Best for Summer (T-Shirts): Willit Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection T-Shirt
- Moisture-wicking, wind and water resistance, and ease of cleaning – made of 100% polyester
- Comfortable and chafing-free - no tag collar and flatlock seams
- Tends to stick to perspiring skin
When it comes to the best summer material, polyester is a sure choice for its phenomenal capabilities of moisture-wicking, wind and water resistance, and ease of cleaning.
That’s the reason why we find this long-sleeve t-shirt which is made of 100% polyester plus UPF 50+ rated is unbeatable for summer hiking trips.
Regardless, we do appreciate the way it is designed to minimized chafing to your skin, such as no tag collar and flatlock seams.
| Willit Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection T-Shirt Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | 100% Polyester UPF50+ |
UV Protection Rating | UPF 50+ |
Highlight Features | made of 100% polyester; no tag collar and flatlock seams |
Best for summer months, the Willit Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection T-Shirt is sure a good try for those who appreciate a comfortable, breathable, and rapid-dry t-shirt at a great price.
Durable (T-Shirts): CQC Women's Outdoor Long Sleeve T-Shirt
- Extra flexibility & durability - 4-way stretch construction
- Higher comfort levels - no tag collar and flat-seam construction in addition to raglan sleeves
- Sleeves are a bit too long
- Sizes run on the large sides
Similar to the previous t-shirt, this one from CQC is entirely crafted from polyester. But aside from rapid-dry and moisture-wicking properties, the difference, in this case, is its 4-way stretch construction for extra flexibility during movement plus superior durability.
Besides, it is designed with raglan sleeves, combined with no tag collar and flat-seam construction for higher comfort levels.
| CQC Women's Outdoor Long Sleeve T-Shirt Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | 100% Polyester |
UV Protection Rating | UPF 50+ |
Highlight Features | 4-way stretch construction; raglan sleeves |
If you’re in need of the most durable yet lightweight long-sleeve hiking shirts, this is perfect.
Button-Down Shirts
Another popular style when it comes to summer long-sleeve hiking shirts is button-down shirts. Same as the t-shirt, it helps wick moisture, protects you from the sun, UV rays, and other outdoor impacts, however, the levels, in this case, are a bit higher.
In comparison, button-down shirts are commonly made thicker and stiffer fabric, equivalent for higher protection, and their price range is a bit higher.
Because of thicker, stiffer fabric, this hiking shirt style is generally less comfortable (but not irritating) and flexible.
Some even restrict your movements, especially when you want to reach something.
That said, it still allows you to style in different ways – layer with a t-shirt inside, button-up, button-down, roll sleeves up or unroll.
In conclusion, this is a great selection for you if you want extra protection against sun, UV rays, and other impacts.
Best Overall (Button-Down Shirts): Little Donkey Andy Women's UPF 50+ UV Protection Shirt
- Pack small & comfortable feeling touch - ultralight matting and jacquard fabric
- Ultra-breathable - mesh-lined vents at the back
- Extra convenient - sunglasses hanger loop
- The buttonholes have loose threads
Start off with the #1 Bestseller option on Amazon – the Little Donkey Andy Women's Shirt, which is appreciated for its ultralight matting and jacquard fabric.
While being made of 100% polyester, the highlight points of this fabric are its next-to-skin touch and small silhouette for packing. It also has mesh-lined vents at the back for higher breathability levels.
The added sunglasses hanger loop is a great plus.
| Little Donkey Andy Women's UPF 50+ UV Protection Shirt Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | 100% Polyester |
UV Protection Rating | 50+ |
Sleeve Length | 22 ¼ - 25 3/4 inches |
Highlight Features | ultralight matting and jacquard fabric; mesh-lined vents at the back; sunglasses hanger loop |
Standing out for the highest overall scoring, it’s no strange when Little Donkey Andy Women's Shirt brings home our Editor’s Choice Award in this category.
Best for Short-Armed Ladies (Button-Down Shirts): Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt 1lb
- Excellent moisture management - Omni-Wick Ripstop 100% polyester
- Perfect for short-armed women - shorter sleeve design
- Wide price ranges to choose from
- Not the most durable
- Size goes small
Hate the sticky feel when your skin is perspiring? This solves nicely that issue!
It’s crafted from Omni-Wick Ripstop 100% polyester therein Omni-Wick is a new yet well-known tech in moisture management. It helps sweat evaporate faster to leave your skin bone dry and always cool.
Besides, the shorter sleeve design makes it a flawless choice for short-armed women.
| Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt 1lb Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Omni-Wick Ripstop 100% polyester |
UV Protection Rating | UPF 40 |
Sleeve Length | 26” |
Highlight Features | Omni-Wick Ripstop 100% polyester; shorter sleeve design |
Finding the best button-down shirts to fit your short arms? Look no further.
Best for Spring (Button-Down Shirts): BALEAF Women's Hiking Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt
- Lightweight, and durable – 100% nylon shell
- Breathable – 100% polyester mesh lining
- Offer a flattering fit – ergonomic cuts
- The pockets ride so high up on the chest
- Arms are too short
For half the price of other sun protection shirts, this is a great option for people at a tight budget.
With no compromise of fabric quality or stitch strength, it is durable, breathable, lightweight yet offers very good sun protection. The cut is not boxy, so it has a flattering fit.
| BALEAF Women's Hiking Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Mesh Lining: 100% Polyester Shell: 100% Nylon |
UV Protection Rating | UPF 50+ |
Highlight Features | |
If you want a well vented, relaxed fitting shirt to hike in spring, we highly recommend this.
Hoodies
In the past, hoodies are a common choice for cool-weather hikes as they’re usually made from insulating materials with a thicker texture, and the hood provides extra warmth plus protection to your head.
But nowadays, there are lots of variations in fabric, resulting in thinner, cooler, and more suitable options that you can wear in the summer.
These new kinds of hoodies usually feature medium thickness – an average of the button-down shirts and t-shirts, meaning that it still gives you comfort feeling touch and flexibility, but is protective enough to wear alone for little shady hiking destinations.
Similar to the price range, it’s between the two above or even the same as the t-shirts.
Best for Small-Framed Women (Hoodies): Naviskin Women's Long Sleeve Shirt
- Able to work as a fingerless glove – thumb holes
- Keep hair from sticking to your perspiring neck - hair hole in the hoodie back
- Higher visibility in low light conditions - reflective elements
- A bit pricey
While being protective and comfortable, this hoodie works as a fingerless glove as well. But the best part is its hair hole in the hoodie back for those days you forget to bring hair ties or want to keep it from sticking to your perspiring neck.
Some reflective elements are added for higher visibility in low light conditions – a big bonus.
The fit is perfect for those who have a small-framed and like things a bit loose but not baggy so if you want it to be a bit fitted, go one size down.
| Naviskin Women's Long Sleeve Shirt Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | 100% Polyester |
UV Protection Rating | UPF 50+ |
Highlight Features | hair hole in the hoodie back; reflective elements; thumb holes |
This long-sleeve hoodie will be appealing to those ladies with a small torso and who like things a bit loose.
Best for Cold Days (Hoodies): Safort Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie
- Extra insulation – made from thicker fabric
- Great coverage – bigger hood design
- Sleeves are a bit too long
Using thicker fabric for extra insulation, the Safort Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie can be used on those cool summer nights.
However, it doesn’t cause you to be overheated during the day, all thanks to the decent moisture-wicking capabilities.
We also like it for the good next-to-skin feeling, good sun protection, and the hood providing great coverage. It fits true to size and sits very comfortably.
| Safort Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Gray: 90% Polyester+10% Spandex. Black: 100% Polyester |
UV Protection Rating | UPF 50+ |
Sleeve Length | 29.6 – 31.9 inches |
Highlight Features | bigger hood design; thicker fabric texture |
The Safort Women's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie is our favorite pick for cold weather conditions.
Best for Sunny Days (Hoodies): FIRST WAY Women's Hiking Top
- Good balance between extra sun guards on the neck and better ventilation - pull-on half zipper closure style and semi-turtleneck design
- Chafing prevention - a small piece of cloth wrapped around the zipper top
- Prone to get discolor
- The hood design could be better
Want to keep your neck from the burning sun but still need extra breathability during a break? This is a sweet solution for you.
It features pull-on half zipper closure style and semi-turtleneck design so you can zip up for extra sun guards, and zip down after the hike. There’s a small piece of cloth wrapped around the zipper top for chafing prevention.
| FIRST WAY Women's Hiking Top Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | 100% Polyester |
UV Protection Rating | UPF 50+ |
Sleeve Length | 29.9 – 32.3 inches |
Highlight Features | pull-on half zipper closure style and semi-turtleneck design |
For those who are seeking the best long-sleeve hoodies for sunny days, this is a shining contender.
How To Choose The Best Lightweight Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt for Women?
Sun & Bug Protection
Compared with short-sleeve shirts, long-sleeve shirts already offer more protection against bugs. However, it would be even better if you can find a long-sleeve hiking shirt with a bug repellent.
Materials
When it comes to materials for a hiking shirt, you face two options: polyester/nylon and merino wool.
Each of them brings about different advantages and disadvantages.
The ultimate choice comes down to your own preference, but you need to understand them thoroughly to be able to decide.
Merino wool | Polyester/nylon | |
Comfort | Feels soft, causes no itching Should choose fiber <18.5 microns | Feels synthetic, less comfortable |
Wicking moisture | Absorb 33% moisture | Absorb 0.4% moisture, dry faster |
Weight | Heavier due to high density of the fabric | Lighter, thinner |
Durability | Tend to tear around exposed areas | Much more durable, last for ages |
Cost | More costly (about twice the price) | More affordable |
Breathability | Mostly more breathable | Generally less breathable, except when used for mid-layer garments |
Color
The choice of color depends on whether you’re hiking in hot or cold weather. As light colors reflect sun rays, they are suitable for keeping you cool in the summer.
Meanwhile, dark colors absorb sun rays, they will keep you warm in the winter.
Seam Construction
It’s best to choose a shirt with flat sewn seams or you may suffer from blisters and chafing.
You should pay attention to the shoulders and arms of the shirt as these areas are moved the most and have skin-to-skin contact.
Odor Resistance
For odor resistance, we recommend picking fabrics with antimicrobial treatment. That way microorganisms cannot live or grow on your shirt, which helps you avoid odor.
Which Brands Make The Best Lightweight Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt for Women?
BALEAF
Founded in 2015, this brand specializes in making clothing products for a workout as well as other physical activities. Through advanced technology, it provides you with lightweight and functional outfits in your hikes.
Little Donkey Andy
This is one of the major brands in manufacturing outdoor clothing with its own Research and Development department. Here, with a wide range of products, you will surely find the right shirt for yourself.
Columbia
Over the past 80 years, Columbia built a good reputation for its industry-leading technology. The brand offers you only the best products that have been under strict testing.
Naviskin
This brand’s products are a full package of superior quality, technical innovation, and reasonable pricing. Not just that, you will also get great durability and style.
FAQs
Are long sleeve hiking shirts good for summer?
Yes, they are. They protect your arms from sun rays and keep you cool in the hot summer. You can also choose button-up long sleeves just in case you want to roll them up.
Long vs. short sleeve hiking shirts?
For the most part, long sleeve hiking shirts are better than short ones, here’s how they compare.
Long sleeves: good for hot/very hot, or cold days. Avoid sunburn, keep arms cool in the summer and warm in the winter, protect arms from scratches and ticks on hikes.
Short sleeves: only suitable for early mornings, before sunrise in the summer.
What material is lightest?
In terms of hiking shirts, polyester or nylon is the lightest material.
Does the weight of hiking shirts matter?
Yes, it does. A lightweight shirt will help you move more easily and comfortably as it doesn’t put significant additional weight on your body. This is especially helpful when you go on a long hike and get more tired on the way.
Are lightweight long sleeve hiking shirts durable?
This depends on the material of the shirt. While a high-quality polyester shirt can last for years, a merino wool one is easier to tear around exposed areas.
Conclusion
This is the end of our comprehensive guide to the best lightweight long-sleeve hiking short for women and we hope it will help you choose the perfect fit for yourself and your hikes.
