If you are on the water a lot like I am you get to know pretty quickly what you like to wear out there and what you don’t. My summer SUP clothing needs to be comfortable, breathable, protective and light.
Paddling in a bathing suit is great but there are many times of the year when that is not possible as the weather and water are not quite warm enough. Then during the height of the summer when it is really hot sun protection becomes number one priority.
With all that in mind I have finally found my absolute favorite sunshirt! I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that the Wild Rye Sawyer Sunshirt is the top that every female paddle boarder needs. Let me know explain why..
UPF-50 SUN PROTECTION
When on the water for more than an hour in the sun I love wearing a UV protected sun shirt. I really don’t like slathering on sunscreen constantly and it is so easy to get burned from the hot sun reflecting off the water.
The Sawyer Sunshirt is UPF-50 protected. Why is this a good thing?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation clothing that is rated UPF 50+ means that the fabric blocks at least 98% of the suns UVA and UVB rays.
Therefore a sunshirt that is rated UPF-50 will protect the skin from burning and from damage.
BREATHABLE & QUICK DRYING
I love how lightweight this top is yet it still feels durable and strong. It is so soft that it almost feels silky on the skin and I particularly like that it doesn’t feel clingy.
Even on the hottest day this top will be breathable and feel great when moving. It dries extremely fast. After using the Sawyer sunshirt I washed it on a normal cycle with cold water in my washing machine and hung it to dry.
I couldn’t believe how quickly it dried! Less than an hour and this top was almost completely dry. If you don’t even want to wait that long you can also put it on a tumble dry cycle.
So you can imagine when wearing it out in the sun when you are hot and sweaty it never feels sticky or gross because:
✅ 1. It is highly breathable and
✅ 2. It dries super quickly
I tend to have very sensitive skin and am conscious about the products I use and clothing I wear. The fact that this top is so soft and breathable keeps my skin looking and feeling good.
100% RECYCLED POLYESTER
Also worth nothing the Sawyer Sunshirt is made from 100% recycled Polyester material.
Why is recycled polyester a good thing?
Polyester is often used in active wear because of its moisture wicking abilities, breathability and durability.
However as companies become more responsible and environmentally aware of the footprint they are leaving on our world other options may be presented such as recycled polyester.
Compared to conventional polyester recycled polyester has a lower carbon footprint because of its use of post-consumer plastic waste.
It still requires energy and resources to make but recycled polyester can be recycled over and over again extending its lifecycle.
For this reason when you choose to use a product that is made with recycled polyester you contribute to a more responsible and environmentally friendly clothing industry.
Supporting companies like Wild Rye that choose to use more environmentally friendly clothing materials is a conscious choice we can all make to help contribute to a greener planet!
COOLING FEATURES
The fact that recycled polyester is breathable and quick-drying helps to regulate your temperature when moving and sweating. These natural cooling features are what help to keep you from feeling too sticky and hot when doing activities.
There’s nothing worse than a top that clings to your skin and makes you feel clammy and gross while sweating or when under the hot sun. I didn’t get that feeling at all with this sunshirt.
It consistently felt soft, dry and airy on my skin.
GREAT FIT – MADE FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN
The Sawyer sunshirt was an immediate perfect fit for me. I usually wear a typical size 4 and at 5’8″ tall I am wearing a size small in these photos.
Key features that I really like are the thumbholes that cover right to my knuckles, the hood and the fact that the hood has a ponytail hole. With these features the top is very adaptable for many different types of activities.
DESIGNED TO ELEVATE AND INSPIRE CONFIDENCE
Wild Rye is run by a group of talented, creative and adventurous women who want to inspire confidence in other women to get outside, play more and live an active lifestyle all while looking and feeling your best.
Their apparel is a reflection of who they are, what they stand for and how they show up in this world.
The advantage of purchasing apparel that was designed by women who actually live the outdoor lifestyle is that they know exactly how they want an item feel, perform and fit on a woman’s body.
Wild Rye’s Product Promise
“We never compromise on fit, performance, or style. In other words, we create clothes that make women feel comfortable & confident in all of their pursuits.”
DEVELOPED & RIGOROUSLY TESTED IN THE MOUNTAINS OF SUN VALLEY, IDAHO.
WHICH ACTIVITIES IS THE SAWYER SUNSHIRT BEST SUITED FOR?
I’ll mainly be using this top while out on the water or hiking but it can truly be used for just about any outdoor activity.
Whether you’re into cycling, hiking, boating, kayaking, surfing, paddling, skiing or just need a cover up while at the beach, this top is super versatile.
Also worth noting the Sawyer Sunshirt is extremely lightweight and easy to store into a dry bag or backpack when not in use. It literally takes up very little space and weighs almost nothing. (Actual weight is 4.9 oz.)
LIFETIME WARRANTY
Lifetime warranty? Heck yes!! The Sawyer sunshirt comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. I love when a company has the confidence to stand behind their product.
What is not covered under this warranty? Basically all the regular wear and tear that you would expect not to be covered.
On the Wild Rye website it says: Damage due to wear and tear such as abrasion, rips, tears, stains, furry friends, UV degradation, misuse or neglect is NOT covered under our warranty policy.
MORE REVIEWS
I love this sunshirt, I know I’ll be using it all summer long. However what do others have to say about it? Don’t just take my word, check out other reviews by active users and those who have tried the Sawyer sunshirt as well. 
BOTTOM LINE
There truly isn’t much I don’t like about this sunshirt, I have the pink but would love to get it in other colors as well. The light weight and breathable fabric feels great on and stays comfortable and dry while I am paddleboarding.
With the UPF-50 rating I’ll be getting a TON of use out of this top. I would highly recommend for just about any outdoor activity.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST DEAL
Go straight to the official Wild Rye website for the best deal on the Sawyer Sunshirt. They offer free shipping on orders over $100.
*TIP: Sign up for their newsletter to get 10% off your first purchase!
STAY TUNED
I’m excited to also review the Wild Rye Parker Action Dress as well, so check back for that review which is coming very soon!
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