Best Fishing Shirts
Brian Fishing is an excellent sport to take up this summer as there is nothing quite like relaxing on a lake waiting for a fish to strike your line. Now, if you are an avid fisherman than you most likely have an arsenal of gear to help you catch a variety of fish. But one piece of gear that you may not have thought of is a quality fishing shirt. A fishing shirt not only gives you a sense of style while you're casting out on the lake but it also protects you from the UV rays of the sun that is beaming down on you and also provides you with proper ventilation so you do not overheat and feel comfortable while out on your boat. If you are in the market for a fishing shirt, then the guide below is for you.
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Very roomy, comfortable to wear
Polyester material, easy to clean
Great brand
Top Ten Fishing Shirts
1. Hook and Tackle Gulfstream
Comfortable to wear
Natural cotton material
Straightforward design
Limited sizes available
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
Superior sun protection
Long sleeves for added protection
Comfortable, stretchy material
Limited sizes available
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
Very roomy, comfortable to wear
Polyester material, easy to clean
Great brand
Not as feature rich as other choices
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
Lightweight feel
Great sun protection
Comfortable feel
Sizing runs small
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
Unisex design
Great sun protection
Very comfortable to wear
Seams need to be more secure
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
Great sun protection
Designed for breathability
Great range of movement
Can run a bit small
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
Great brand
Long sleeve for more protection
Quick-dry
The shirt can seem heavy
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
Affordable
Comfortable to wear
Great Protection from the sun
Can be a little restrictive in the smaller sizes
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
Very durable
Comfort to wear
Simple design
No real extra protection from the sun
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
Vented for great air flow and ventilation
Quick drying
Very comfortable, great overall fit
Longer sleeves may be more suitable for some situations
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.
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.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Fit Comfort Protection Materials
When looking for a fishing shirt, always see that it is breathable as most of the time you will be sitting out in the open sun. So not only do you want to be protected from the sun but also want the shirt to breathe so you keep your body cool and do not overheat.
One of the most important factors to consider is that the shirt you decide to go ahead with will protect you from the sun and UV rays. Fishing requires a lot of time spent out on a body of water under the scorching sun, so you want an article of clothing that will reduce the chances for sunburn and dehydration.
Other Factors to Consider
Features
A fishing shirt really is designed in most cases to help you fish. After all, that’s why you came out to this lake, right? A quality fishing shirt will not only be comfortable to wear, easy to own and care for, but also feature such things as ventilation flaps, places to store lures or hooks, and even loops for your extra rod. They truly are made for a fisherman who is going to be out in the sun for long periods of time, doing what they love, catching fish and enjoying a sport. While these features and others like them aren’t a requirement, having them sure makes it easier to concentrate on your next cast.
Style
Although you might think the outside temperature could be a determining factor on which kind you get, it is not as big of a factor as you might think. Whether you go with long sleeve or short sleeve really depends upon the type of fish you tend to catch, as well as what you are most comfortable with. Some fishermen like to have a long sleeve shirt where they can roll up the sleeves while they are fishing. Others like to protect their skin from the sun, and would rather have a long sleeve shirt than put on suntan lotion. Others prefer to get a tan while out, so the short sleeves are a better option. No matter which one you choose, it really comes down to the type of fish you catch, as well as your preference for skin protection.
Along the back of any fishing shirt, there should be a vent. The size of the vent will vary greatly between shirts, so make sure you have one which will meet your needs. If you tend to sweat more while you are out fishing, you will want a vent which is bigger to allow more breathability. If you tend to be in colder climates, you will want a vent which is a little bit smaller, so you can keep your body warmer by not allowing cooler air to come in contact with your body.
Advanced Features
A couple of factors to take into consideration with how the shirt is laid out is knowing if your shirt has a loop on it to carry your rod, as well as if there is adequate room for a logo. Having the loop for a rod makes carrying the rod much easier, and helps free up your hands to carry other items you will have on your trip, like a cooler or large bag. The loop also gives you the extra support when reeling in a large fish, as it allows you to use your body weight for extra support and makes sure that fish is not going anywhere. Although not necessary, it does provide a small convenience, and even if you don’t plan on using it now, it’s always nice to have as an option.
Talking about options, you want to ensure there is enough room on the upper left area of the shirt for a logo. Although you may not ever think you will put a logo on your shirt, you never know where life will lead you, and having the adequate space for a logo to be embroidered onto your shirt is a consideration to make. You will notice with some shirts that they have some pockets along the shirt, which are nice to have, but too many pockets can make it cumbersome. If there is a pocket where the logo would go, then you may consider looking for a different shirt.
Color
Another small detail to consider, which ends up not being very small at all, is the color and design of your shirt. The darker your shirt is, the more sun it will absorb, and the hotter you will become while out on the water. Especially since the sun bounces off of the water, you will be getting sun rays from all angles while out on the water. If you don’t mind the extra rays, then the color of your shirt is not as important. However, if you want to minimize the effect the rays will have, you will want to choose a lighter color shirt. You will also see a variety of shirts that have different designs on them, and this is completely a personal preference on if you want a straight color shirt or if you want a design on the fishing shirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What is the difference between UPF and SPF?
While it may seem that these two acronyms are really about the same thing, they really are somewhat different, both in usage and scope. SPF, which is often seen on the sides of sun lotion bottles, stands for Sun Protection Factor. This factor is a measure of the amount of time that it takes for the skin to redden while it is being protected. The higher the SPF number, the longer it takes.
UPF, however, is a measure of how long it takes UV rays- which are some of the most damaging- to penetrate through a piece of fabric and reach the skin. Similar to SPF, the higher the UPF rating means that there is more protection between you and the UV rays. This is why you want the best fishing shirt to protect you from as much UV rays as possible and that is why looking at getting a fishing shirt is so important, especially if you will be fishing in hotter climates.
q: Is it better to wear long sleeves or short sleeves?
In truth, this question is really about preferences. Some people prefer to wear long sleeves to help them block out the sun’s harmful rays, while others prefer to have the feel of the wind and water on their forearms. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to both choices.
First, longer sleeves do offer you more protection from the sun, and they help to regulate your body temperature more easily, provided that the material is lightweight in nature. As you probably noted, most of the shirts presented here are made with either a lighter cotton fabric or a polyester blend, both of which are great for transferring heat away from your body. However, long sleeves can, and often do get in the way, especially if you’re rapidly casting out and reeling a line back in.
Short sleeves, while they allow for more overall movement, won’t offer you the protection that longer sleeves will. However, you’re less likely to get a hook caught in a short sleeve.
q: How often will you wear it?
Fishing shirts are like any other piece of clothing. They will wear out over time and with frequent use. If you plan on using your fishing shirt only for the annual family fishing trip then you really don’t have to worry too much about its construction or durability. However, if you plan on fishing regularly, finding a shirt that will not only keep its shape and size but also become more comfortable with time is something to strive for.
Thankfully, you won’t have to look too far in the case of many of the shirts on this list. The materials used to make them are not only quality blends of fabrics, but also are designed to resist shrinkage and overall shape deformation.
q: If I buy a more expensive fishing shirt, will that ensure I get all the features I want?
When looking at investing in a fishing shirt, do not think the more expensive the fishing shirt the more durable or better quality it will be as that just is not the case. The best thing to do when looking for a durable and stylish fishing shirt to last you years to come is to look at the material and also the reviews to see how the fishing shirt has held up for other consumers that have put them to the test. Do not solely be swayed by price as you may end up with an expensive fishing shirt that will not hold up, make an educated purchase and do the research before buying.
q: Do I really need a fishing shirt?
When deciding if you need a fishing shirt or not, and think that you can just wear a normal t-shirt or dress shirt, keep in mind that these will do the job somewhat but when looking at providing breathability and sun protection, these shirts are not made for this. Fishing shirts are made for this purpose, they look like they are just like any other shirt but the way they are constructed provides sun protection, breathability, and a number of pockets. All these features will not only provide protection while basking in the sun but also help with storage as when it comes to fishing, there is a lot of accessories.
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