FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Every sun shirt is made from fabric rated UPF 50+, the highest rating on the scale. It blocks about 98% of UVA and UVB rays, and, unlike sunscreen, the protection works the same when the fabric is wet, does not wash off and never needs reapplying. UPF only covers the skin under the fabric, so keep using sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for the rest. Our guide What does UPF 50+ mean? goes into the detail.

A lightweight 100% polyester performance knit that is rated UPF 50+, wicks moisture, dries quickly and has an odour-resistant finish. It is soft against the skin, does not cling when wet, and is the same fabric family used in serious fishing and paddling shirts.

Mostly the name. All three describe a lightweight, quick-dry, UPF-rated shirt worn for sun protection; “rash guard” comes from surfing and usually means a snugger fit, while “performance shirt” is the fishing and boating term for the relaxed cut we make. Our shirts sit in that relaxed, breathable category. See Sun shirt vs rash guard for a fuller comparison.

No. The design is set into the fabric itself rather than sitting on top as a layer, so there is nothing to crack, peel or feel stiff, and the shirt stays as breathable where the design is as everywhere else. Washed as recommended below, the colours stay bright for years of sun and salt.

Not at the moment. Adult sizes run from XS to 3XL, and an adult XS fits many older kids and teens. Check the measurements on the size guide.

Measure across your chest under the arms and around your waist, then compare with the size guide, which lists chest, waist and arm length for every size. Long-sleeve, short-sleeve and hooded shirts have a relaxed unisex cut; the women’s crop tops run snug. If you are between sizes and like room to move, go up. Still unsure? Email info@keywestsunshirts.com with your measurements and we will recommend a size.

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, then hang to dry or tumble dry low. Do not bleach, dry clean, use fabric softener, or iron over the design. That keeps the fabric’s sun protection, wicking and colours working as they should.

Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover), plus any other methods shown at checkout. Payment is taken through a secure checkout; your card details are never stored on our servers.

Only before it goes into production. Every item is printed to order and production can start as soon as the same day, so email info@keywestsunshirts.com with your order number as soon as possible and we will tell you whether it can still be changed. Once production has started, the order falls under our returns policy instead.

No, you can check out as a guest. Creating an account lets you see your order history, track orders and reorder faster, and you can create one at checkout with a single tick.

Sales tax is added where the law requires it, based on your shipping address, and is shown at checkout before you pay.

We are based in Key West, Florida, but we sell online only. There is no walk-in store.

Allow 5–7 business days for your order to be printed, then 3–5 business days for standard delivery, about 8–12 business days in total. Each product page shows an estimated delivery date based on these times. Faster options, when we offer them, appear at checkout. Full details are on the shipping page.

Free standard shipping on retail orders over $75 shipped within the US. Below that, the rate is calculated from your order and address and shown at checkout before you pay.

No. We sell and ship within the United States only.

You will get a shipping email with a tracking link as soon as your parcel leaves. Tracking can take up to 24 hours to show movement; if it has not updated for 5 business days, email us and we will chase the carrier.

Check with household members, neighbours and your building’s mail area, and allow one more business day, since carriers sometimes scan parcels as delivered slightly early. If it still has not turned up, email info@keywestsunshirts.com with your order number and we will open a trace with the carrier.

You can return any item within 30 days of delivery for a refund or exchange, as long as it is unworn, unwashed and in its original packaging. Email us first with your order number so we can approve the return and send instructions. Return postage is your responsibility unless the item is faulty or incorrect. Refunds go back to your original payment method within 10 business days of our receiving the item. The returns page has the step-by-step process.

Tell us the size or design you would like instead when you request the return. Because every item is printed to order, an exchange is a new print: once your return arrives and passes inspection, we start your replacement, and it ships after the usual 5–7 business days of production. Any price difference is charged or refunded.

Email info@keywestsunshirts.com within 30 days with your order number and a photo. We will send you a prepaid return label, and once the item is back with us we send a replacement or a full refund including your original shipping, at our expense.

Yes. Retailers, charter operators, resorts and clubs can stock our designs. See the wholesale page for minimums and how to apply.

We do not offer custom designs on single retail orders. Our collection of Key West–inspired designs is updated regularly. For custom-printed sun shirts in wholesale quantities (crews, teams, events, resorts), our sister company Shrimp Road Surf Co. handles custom work.

Customer reviews are collected independently after purchase. You can read them on Trustpilot and Google; the live rating is also shown on every product page.

Email info@keywestsunshirts.com or use the contact form. We reply within two business days, Monday to Friday.