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Summer means it’s time to say sayonara to the gym and take your workouts to the great outdoors! But before you head out, you need to know what to wear to keep cool.
We’ve rounded up the most protective, comfortable, and stylish gear from sweat-wicking tops and shorts to towels that cool you down and lip balms that provide plenty of SPF coverage.
We’ve got everything you need to avoid sunburns, overheating or other situations that take away from you getting your workout on under the sun.
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1. SPF Sun Protective Clothing
Sunscreen is a must, but your workout apparel can provide an extra level of protection as well.
This Baleaf UPF Sun Protection Jacket is SPF 50+ and amazing for when you are working out when you are out in the sun.
The sun-protective fabric is performance-fitted, super sleek, and even fights odors (yes please!) for hard workouts in hot weather.
P.S. here is another SPF long sleeve without a hood that you may want to add to your collection as well – SPF hiking wear!
2. Baseball Hat
Keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face with the Baseball Cap with UPF 50+.
This will be your go-to accessory; it’s lightweight, breathable, and perfect for swinging your ponytail through and hitting the trail.
Combined with the wide and long visor design, your head, face, nose, and front neck will all be covered as well. A great choice for regular daily use and outdoor activities like walking, fishing, running, trail hiking, tennis, baseball and so much more!
3. All-Natural Sunscreen
Good, healthy sunscreen is difficult to find and so many are harsh on the skin. This all-natural sunscreen from Coola is unbelievable!
It’s eco-friendly and made with all certified organic ingredients. It has no sulfates, phthalates, or parabens (aka all the confusing, long words you do not want on your body)!
Spritz it on before your outdoor workout and you’ll be completely protected.
4. Active Swimsuit
Those itsy bitsy bikinis may be cute, but they’re definitely not practical for the summer athlete.
For paddleboarding, surfing, and swimming, a comfortable swimsuit you can actually move in is a must.
I took the time to test and review the bestselling bathing suits for women over 50, so you don’t have to! You’ll find an awesome selection of swimsuits designed for the active woman; made of ultra-resilient, breathable, and stretch fabric.
5. Blister-Free Socks
The answer for saving your feet during a sweaty outdoor workout? Behold, Rockay Anti-Blister Running Socks.
You’ll feel like you are walking on cushiony, clouds. They have breathable ventilation and moisture-wicking features to help with sweat, and a comfortable, fitted cushion to prevent blisters.
Plus, they won’t slip around in your shoe; these babies stay put!
6. SPF Chapstick
When we think of sunblock, it’s easy to forget about our lips! SPF chapstick is a summer workout essential though, for protection from uncomfortable sunburn and to keep our lips looking young and feeling hydrated.
Our fave is Supergoop! Lip Balm, is a three-in-one balm that hydrates, protects, and repairs. The formulation is also free of synthetic dyes, fragrances, parabens, or sulfate. A big thumbs up!
While high SPF lip balms can look pasty, this one has a nice pink hue, a lip-smacking flavor, and a silky-smooth texture.
7. High-Tech Water Bottle
A trusty water bottle is essential for the running around that a busy summer brings. We love the Thermos Connected Hydration Bottle.
With a leakproof lid and a one-handed push-button operation, a swig from this bottle won’t disrupt your workout.
Even better? You can connect it wirelessly to your phone to monitor your hydration progress and set goals for yourself throughout the day!
Related: How To Make Fruit And Herb Infused Water
8. No-Slip Sunglasses
No squinting into the sun on your long-distance runs! Maui Jim sunglasses are polarized, glare-proactive, lightweight, and perfect for a no-slip fit.
They’re a bit pricy, but they truly last forever—the brand boasts an amazing return policy whereby you can send them in for free repairs at no cost whenever necessary.
9. Cooling Towel
One of the best ways to cool yourself down during or after a long workout is to place a cold towel on your neck or temple. These locations are great for cooling down your body because the blood vessels are close to the surface of your skin.
The Perfect Fitness Perfect Cooling Towel is so simple to use; you wet the towel with cold water and wring it out. The towel remains cool for hours but retains water so it stays dry to the touch.
Perfect for cooling down your body temperature so you can work out without overheating in the summer sun.
10. Quick-Dry Athletic Shorts
Breathable activewear is key on hot summer days. And these breathable athletic shorts from CRZ yoga with target mesh ventilation are the perfect summer solution.
I love the silky light fabric and the no-slip waistband, that I may or may not have them in a total of 3 colors (white, black, and this beautiful red/ orangey color). Plus, they’re water repellent to ward off moisture from sweat or rain!
