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Best Fishing Shirts
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Not surprisingly, the first thing we took a serious look at was how comfortable the best fishing shirts were overall. We looked at how much room they had in the shoulders, the arms and the torso area, and whether or not they were designed to move with you as you reel and cast while fishing. After all, the last thing you need is to have the shoulder area of your shirt stop you from giving a full cast of your line or not let you have full control of movement while reeling in that six-pound bass.
Thankfully, the shirts listed above, with a few minor exceptions all allow for free range of movement while maintaining a great deal of comfort. If you want to be 100% certain that this shirt will be comfortable as you will be wearing it for quite some time while out in the middle of a lake or in the middle of the ocean, is to check the customer reviews. By checking the customer reviews you will get an inside look at how comfortable the shirt was for other customers who put it to the test. This way you know exactly what to expect before you purchase.
Fit
Along with wearing comfort, fit is another factor that is essential to a quality fishing shirt. It really depends on your preference, but most anglers would rather have a shirt that either fits them well or is a little on the bigger size to allow for movement, stretching and potential shrinkage after a few good piles of washing. While some of these shirts, such as the Hanes and the Picisfun Performance shirt do run a little on the small size, most are either true to fit, or slightly larger.
When looking at a particular shirt make sure to check the sizing chart that is provided by the supplier as every shirt is made differently so you may be a different size than you are normally. By checking the size chart you will make sure you end up with a comfortable and fitted shirt to keep you relaxed and protected throughout your whole fishing trip.
Protection
When you’re out on the waves or on the lake, you want to be concentrating on catching the next big fish, not on burning your skin. That is why the fishing shirt is one of the most important but neglected fishing accessories, as it can be the determining factor of enjoying a weekend fishing or in bed with a nasty sunburn. Most fishermen don’t really think for too long about sun protection. They simply throw on a fishing shirt that offers great protection from the sun, a few dollops of sunscreen and fish the day away. However, not all fishing shirts share the same protection when it comes to the sun. While it’s true that material covering your skin will protect you from some of the sun rays, a simple fabric won’t protect you from all the rays, including the harmful UV rays.
With a few exceptions, however, these shirts have been treated using various methods to help boost the sun protection that they offer. While it’s certainly not foolproof, and additional precautions against the sun should be taken, these shirts can certainly be a great place to start.
Materials
If you want to find a fishing shirt that fits well, is comfortable, allows for a wide range of motion, and offers superior protection from the elements, you really have to look long and hard at the material that is used in its making. There are examples of both synthetic blends and natural blends on this list and each has their great points. Natural fibers such as cotton provide great breathability and are comfortable against the skin, but they can take quite a while to dry after a splash from a big fish. Synthetics, like polyester, will most likely dry quickly and offer a lightweight durable material, but they don’t always move as naturally as a cotton shirt would.
Top Ten Fishing Shirts
1. Hook and Tackle Gulfstream
If you’re serious about fishing, and you want to make sure that you stay out to catch as many as you can, you’ll need a fishing shirt that can last through the long hall. While it may not look like much, this shirt from Hook and Tackle is well known among anglers of the east coast for standing up to the worst that the sea has to offer and come back for more.
Read moreComfort
The overall cut, material, and sizing of this shirt, along with a moisture removing mesh lining make this shirt easy to wear no matter what the weather is like on your fishing trip. The relatively lightweight material fits easily under a coat or functions quite well on its own depending on your needs. Whether your fishing trip takes you to a balmy sea or rough winter waters, this shirt will keep you fairly comfortable.
Overall Fit
This shirt offers the standard ranges of sizes from small to extra-large and has been known to run a little bit on the larger side about a quarter of the time. As such, be sure to consider which size to buy very carefully when ordering.
Sun Protection
While it doesn’t provide any rated SPF or UPF protection like many of the shirts listed here, the shirt does offer some protection to the torso and upper arms due to the material used.
Material
Made of 100% Poplin styled cotton material, this shirt is designed to be breathable, lightweight, relatively easy to care for, and comfortable to wear. It should be noted, however, that this shirt appears to wrinkle quite easily, so if you’re worried about looking your best for your dawn fishing trip, a quick ironing session may be necessary.
2. Aftco Jigfish Performance
During our research, the name of AFTCO kept surfacing time and time again, and with good reason. These shirts are extremely durable, comfortable, and offer some great overall protection while you’re waiting for the hook to set.
Read moreComfort
This is perhaps one of the most comfortable fishing shirts available, both for men and women. The combination of the long sleeves, lightweight breathable material, and the relatively close fit make it so comfortable, you almost forget you have it on.
Overall Fit
While the overall fit is very nice, and this shirt has been shown to be true to size an astounding 90% of the time, the sizes that it comes in is somewhat limited in scope. So while the average person will do quite well, those who are either petite or fall into the big or tall category might want to look elsewhere for their fishing shirt.
Sun Protection
In addition to being comfortable, this fishing shirt offers some fantastic protection from the sun, blocking nearly 98% of the sun’s rays from reaching your skin and causing a problem. While we suggest using sunscreen for your face, neck, and hands, if you’re wearing this shirt, your torso and arms will be well protected.
Material
Made of lightweight polyester material; this shirt not only dries relatively quickly but also is easy to care for and offers enough stretch to make casting a breeze. In addition to superior sun protection, this shirt also helps to wick moisture away from your skin and keep you relatively comfortable when the occasional wind blows past your fishing boat.
3. Columbia Plus Tamiami II
When it comes to being versatile and durable, the Columbia line of fishing shirts is some of the best in the industry. While this choice isn’t our first on the list, it is certainly a great option no matter what type of fishing you enjoy.
Read moreComfort
This shirt is cut to easily move with you as you enjoy an active lifestyle out on the water. Both the torso area and the sleeves are roomy and allow for a wide range of motion without significant binding or constriction.
Overall Fit
The shirt is expected to fit well about 70% of the time, with it running a little bit large a minority of the time. It also comes in the standard sizes, so if you run a bit larger or smaller than normal, that is certainly something to take into consideration.
Sun Protection
This shirt offers UPF 40 sun protection in addition to what is provided by the long sleeves and overall material.
Material
The shirt is made with a full polyester blend that allows for great breathability and flexibility and durability. In addition to great sun protection, this shirt has also been treated with an anti-microbial solution to provide protection from bacterial growth. Add to that the strategic venting and roll up sleeves, this shirt is a great and comfortable addition to any fishing trip.
4. Baleaf
This shirt from Baleaf is highly rated by previous customers and for good reason. This shirt is affordable and offers great protection from the sun, it also feels lightweight for a comfortable feel so if you are in the market for a new fishing shirt, a couple of these may do the trick.
Read moreComfort
This shirt is quite comfortable and one notable feature is it does not have a tag on the collar to reduce irritation from the tag rubbing against your neck. It also feels lightweight to give you a comfortable feel and does not weigh you down throughout the day.
Overall Fit
This shirt comes in a variety of sizes ranging from small - XXX-Large, so no matter your size you will find a great fit waiting for you with this shirt.
Sun Protection
This shirt offers a great amount of protection from the sun as the fabric will give you UPF 50+ protection from the sun, which is like you were wearing a good amount of some powerful sunscreen. The long sleeves also give you complete upper body protection from the sun.
Material
This shirt is made from polyester to ensure a lightweight feel and that it is comfortable against your skin while wearing.
5. Southern Fin Performance
Whether you’re a man or a woman, fishing is all about having a great time with good friends and catching the next big one. The last thing you need is for your clothes to get in the way. Thankfully, this unisex shirt from Southern Fin helps to keep your mind off your body and on the task at hand – not letting that big one get away.
Read moreComfort
This shirt is a relaxed fit, and relatively loose, so you don’t have to worry about being restrained by ill-fitting sleeves or collars. Plus, it’s soft and relatively lightweight.
Overall Fit
While the overall looseness of the shirt is a welcomed change from many of the performance fishing shirts available, these shirts do tend to run a bit large at times, so consider ordering a size down when buying online.
Sun Protection
Not surprisingly, this fishing shirt offers a great deal of sun protection between the long sleeves and the UPF 50 protection makes it nearly impervious to the sun’s rays.
Material
This shirt is made from a tightly woven microfiber material that allows for a great range of motion and overall breathability, even as it keeps the sun’s rays from harming your skin. The only overall complaint we saw in our research was that the stitching along the hemlines could be a bit sturdier.
6. Piscifun Performance UPF Shirt
If your next fishing trip has you trolling the waves in the blazing sun, you’ll want to have this shirt. Designed to keep you cool and protected in the hot sun during a long day of fishing, you’ll be surprised at how quickly this shirt becomes one of your favorites.
Read moreComfort
The 100% polyester blend of this shirt allows for maximum breathability and movement while you’re angling for the next big catch. The longer sleeves coupled with the zippered mock turtleneck allows you to easily adjust if you get too warm or cold while out on the water. It is also very soft and comfortable to the touch, both inside and out.
Overall Fit
While the shirt is true to size the majority of the time, this performance shirt is a little limited when it comes to sizing overall. It runs from medium to XX-large, so people with smaller frames may need to consider other options.
Sun Protection
If you’re worried about the effects of the sun on your body while fishing, this shirt will help to take some of that worry away. In addition to the long sleeves and more expansive coverage, it also offers a UPF protection of 30.
Material
Made from 100% polyester, this shirt is designed for maximum airflow so you keep cool while fishing in the sun, and still offers a layer of protection for when the sun goes behind a cloud or two. In addition to superior SPF 30 protection, this shirt is designed in such a way to prevent overheating and move moisture away from your body without being clingy or too loose.
7. Columbia Bahama II
This is another great fishing shirt from Columbia. Columbia has really put the time and effort to develop a great and protective fishing shirt with this Bahama II. It will protect you from the suns UV rays and also give you the breathability to keep you ventilated while spending a day out on the lake.
Read moreComfort
The Bahama II fits comfortably and feels loose while you are wearing it. It has built-in vents within the shirt to allow fresh air to cycle throughout the shirt to keep you fresh and cool. This shirt is also quick to dry to ensure that if you get wet from a splashing fish or find yourself in some nasty weather, your shirt will dry quickly so you are not uncomfortable for the rest of the day.
Overall Fit
This shirt comes in a variety of sizes from X-small - XX-large so you will have no problem finding the perfect fit and size for you. You may want to get a size up as the sizes tend to run a bit small, but to make sure check the sizing chart provided by Columbia before you purchase.
Sun Protection
The Bahama II has UPF protection of 30 against the sun, which is like you are wearing a good layer of sunscreen. The shirt is also a long sleeve to offer more body protection from the sun and reduce the chance of getting a sunburn.
Material
This shirt is made from nylon and UPF fabric to ensure it fits great, protects you from the harmful UV rays, and is quick dry to ensure if you do get wet, you will dry quickly and stay comfortable.
8. Hanes Cool Dri
Hanes is well known for creating activewear that is both affordable and comfortable. While this shirt may not be designed specifically for fishing, it still serves quite well for those who want a more affordable choice.
Read moreComfort
Made of 100% polyester material that is designed to stretch and move with you, this shirt can easily handle most everything that a fishing trip can throw at you. Add to that the unique Cool-Dri material and even in the heat of a summer day on the lake, this shirt will help keep you dry and comfortable. The only significant complaint that we found was that the arms and shoulders are sometimes a bit restrictive on the smaller sizes.
Overall Fit
This shirt actually fits true to size about 80% of the time and features a wide array of sizes, ranging from small to triple extra-large so chances are you’ll find one that fits you, your friend, or even your significant other.
Sun Protection
Surprisingly for the cost, this shirt features one of the best UPF protection ratings from the sun that we’ve seen in some time. It has a rating of over 50, so even on a long hot day, your torso and arms won’t be burned by the sun. Just be sure to take care of your face, neck, and hands as well!
Material
This shirt is made from 100% polyester material that easily stretches and conforms to the shape that you need while fishing.
9. Izod Saltwater Easy Care
Fishing on the high seas can present its own set of challenges, especially for your clothes. The salty air and water can do a real number on even the best fishing shirt imaginable. Thankfully, there are shirts out there like the Izod Men’s Saltwater Easy Care Short Sleeve Shirt. Not only is it durable enough to withstand the sea and all your fishing adventures.
Read moreComfort
Made with a blend of synthetic and natural materials, this shirt is designed to move easily with you as you cast, cut line, set bait, and lean over the boat to scoop in the catch with your trusty net. The shirt is well proportioned and loose fitting, and featuring a wide back ventilation area for added comfort.
Overall Fit
This shirt is available in sizes between small and xx-large, so chances are you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs adequately. In addition, the shirt has been shown to be true to size 78% of the time but does run a little bit on the small side, so be sure to consider that when ordering.
Sun Protection
One drawback of this shirt is that beyond the limited coverage it provides it does little to protect the wearer from the rays of the sun. Therefore, sunscreen is a good thing to have on hand while fishing with this particular shirt.
Material
Unlike other choices on this list that are primarily natural or synthetic materials, this shirt combines the two in somewhat equal measure for great results. This shirt features the natural breathability and lightweight nature of cotton with the flexibility and fit of polyester material.
10. Columbia Sportswear Offshore
If you enjoy fishing during the summer months, keeping cool, comfortable and protected while you’re out on the water is the name of the game. Thankfully, this shirt from Columbia helps you do just that.
Read moreComfort
Columbia as a clothing company is well known for producing quality products, and it’s no wonder it has managed to snap up quite a few entries on this list. This shirt is fairly roomy, allowing for a wide range of movement through the chest, shoulders and mid-section area, making it a great choice for fishing.
Overall Fit
Lightweight and flexible by design, this shirt comes in a wide range of sizes, from extra small to double extra-large and fits true to size about ¾ of the time, so chances are you’ll find a decent fit.
Sun Protection
While it’s always a good idea to use sunscreen while you’re out on the water, this shirt does offer protection up to UPF 40 as well. Having that additional protection from the sun can be a welcomed thing indeed.
Material
This shirt is made from 100% polyester, which is not only a breeze to clean but is also extremely quick drying. So don’t worry if that big catch splashes some lake water your direction. Chances are you’ll be dry in no time flat.
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