REI Co-op  Sahara Shade Long-Sleeve T-Shirt - Women's

I really like the overall fit and material of this sun shirt. The length is great, providing good coverage and it doesn’t ride up, which I appreciate since I don’t usually tuck my shirts in. The thumb holes are also a nice touch and help keep the sleeves in place and the material is soft and comfortable against my skin. I typically prefer SPF shirts with a hood for extra sun protection, so that’s one feature I wish this had. That said, the lack of a hood actually makes it work really well as a base layer. I’ve found it’s perfect for wearing under another layer and then using on its own when the sun comes out. Overall, it’s a comfortable and versatile piece that works especially well as part of a layering system.

This is a very nice shirt. It’s the newest version of a shirt that was already great. I have owned several of these over the years and say with confidence that they are high quality and very good value for money. I have worn them all over the world, trekking in the Himalayas, trail running in the alps, and running and rafting in the Grand Canyon. I am very careful to always cover up as much as possible when out in the sun, even more so when it’s blazing hot and the sun is at its max, and these shirts do a fabulous job of both sun protection and keeping me cool. I also wear this shirt on cool, rainy days, or early morning runs. When I get sweaty, it does a good job of wicking away the moisture. I’m not sure when they started adding the thumb loops to this shirt, but I appreciate it. It helps keep the sleeve in place and gives added protection for my wrists. The sizing is relaxed but not so much to be sloppy.

I use this shirt for gardening, running, yoga - basically anytime I need something to sweat in with long sleeves comfortably. The fabric is soft and stretchy, exactly what I would expect for a top that breathes and moves with me. Even though I am a curvy woman, the top doesn't ride up or get stuck anywhere with movement - something I generally experience and find very frustrating. I've washed it several times now, and it comes out without shrinking or stretching or unsightly stains from areas of body odor or bug spray. Overall, I highly recommend this top for activities that require movement or if you're looking for something that's comfortable and moves with you.

This Sahara Shade Long Sleeve Shirt is fairly basic, comfortable, and built to last. The bright coral color is not one that I would normally gravitate to but it grew on me. It is the kind of color that makes most complections glow and is noticeable. Even my husband, who notices very little, commented on liking the shirt on me. This color is great for road running because of the visibility. I do wish it had some reflective striping if it were meant for this activity. I avoid wearing this color while gardening, hiking, climbing etc. as it will attract hornets/wasps/bees. The thumb holes are perfect! I love a good thumb hole and especially ones designed this well. The bottom hem could benefit from being longer and having a rounded shape or lower in the back/higher in the front. As is it is loose, boxy and short which does not lend itself well to gym/yoga use because it rides up. The fabric is soft and stretchy. It wicks moisture fast and evaporates fast. It does show sweat readily under the arms, on the back, and under the breasts and becomes more apparent if a pack is worn. It does not breathe well and does not work well as a base layer. Overall fit is nice, flattering, and true to size. I have personally been trying to stick to more natural fabrics and was not thrilled that this one is made out of polyester & spandex. The fabric is Bluesign approved which is nice. However it is still basically a type of plastic. It has washed well and dries fast. No piling has been noted. While it has UPF features and thumb holes this shirt is still pretty basic and needs some curating on the design based on its intended use. I feel like the Sahara Shade Hoodie is a better option though I feel like there needs to be more neutral colors available.

Tested this shirt the day after purchase and it performed wonderfully. Started the hike with this shirt as first layer, with a lightweight REI fleece as over layer. Temp was 50F, and was neither cold nor too warm with this combination. As the temps climbed (as did we), removed the fleece and wore only this shirt. It wicked away sweat, and remained pretty much dry the whole 4.5 mile hike, then dried quickly at hike’s end. SPF rating for this shirt is 50+, and provided ample protection from the very bright sun that day. At approx 1/2 the price of other brands, this is a great deal for the money.

Rei The shirt was great! Loved the hidden thumb loop. Makes the shirt look a little leas athletic, so can pass as a regular shirt. Fit is loosing fitting. I’m a small with broad shoulders, and a S fit well! SPF was great, wasn’t itchy.

The fabric is lightweight, super soft, and breathable and the UPF protection and quick-dry features are perfect for upcoming warmer weather. Huge pluses are that it’s not see-through (I’m wearing a black bra underneath in my photo), and the shoulder seams and sleeve length fit just right on me (5’6”). And the fun color means I’ll be wearing it all spring and summer as I train for my next half.

This top runs very large. I take a medium reg/petite. This shirt is about 2 sizes larger looks kind of like a tent shirt. Also, the collar doesn't lay flat, it rippled. The material is too thin to take a chance on ironing the collar. The color however is beautiful.

I received this product from REI for free in exchange for an honest review. The top is nice: soft and comfortable fabric, well made and it kept its shape after washing. Love the color. The sizing is more than generous.