If you want to get into fishing, not every shirt can be worn when out on the water. You need a garment that is well ventilated to keep you cool under the sun and well insulated to keep you warm if it gets cold. The shirt should also protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
However, these garments are made using different materials and have different levels of sun protection. To help you pick the most ideal one, the review below looks at 10 of the best fishing shirts to buy in the market.
10 Best Fishing Shirts – Review
1. Hanes Men’s Cool Dri T-Shirt – Best Overall Fishing Shirt
No products found.
- Material: Polyester
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Hane’s Cool Dri unit takes the top spot because it comes as a pair of T-shirts, which means you get more value for your money.
Additionally, the T-shirts are made using a lightweight 4 oz. of 100% polyester, with an interlock jersey knit design that is very effective at wicking moisture. This ensures you remain cool and dry inside.
The units also come in a plain color, making them perfect for printing or sublimation. This enables you to customize them to your liking.
Other features include a narrow-ribbed collar for perfect fitting and stretchiness, a rating of UPF 50+ for the best UV protection, double-needle stitching on the neck, sleeves and bottom hem for added durability and FreshIQ technology for odor prevention.
However, the pieces don’t have utility pockets for convenient storage.
Pros:
- 2-piece set
- Lightweight 100% polyester material
- Interlock jersey knit design
- Stretchy and fitting collar
- UPF 50+ UV rating
Cons:
- Lacks utility pockets
2. Vapor Apparel Men’s Long Sleeve T-Shirt – Most Affordable Fishing Shirt
No products found.
- Material: Polyester
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+
If you are a bit short on cash, Vapor Apparel’s long-sleeve T-shirt is the most affordable piece to buy. Despite this, it offers permanent UPF 50+ UV protection and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation due to its effectiveness at UV protection.
The T-shirt also features pure-tech moisture-wicking technology, which quickly dries your sweat, while anti-odor technology prevents it from smelling even as you sweat.
Other features are fitting shoulders that give a good shape, a comfortable crew neck with durable high-quality stitching, a proper sleeve length that goes all the way to the wrist, a lightweight and breathable design and 28 color options that include multiple camouflaged patterns.
On the downside, you don’t get utility pockets and vents for enhanced aeration.
Pros:
- Affordable
- UPF 50+ UV protection rating
- Pure-tech moisture-wicking technology
- Fitting shoulders and comfortable crew neck
Cons:
- No utility pockets
- No vents
3. Columbia Men’s PFG Tamiami II – Best Short Sleeve Fishing Shirt
No products found.
- Material: Polyester
- Sun Protection: UPF 40
Not all fishing shirts are long-sleeved. If you are looking for a short-sleeved type, Columbia’s piece is the best option to consider. It is made of 100% polyester that is machine washable for easy maintenance.
It also has an Omni-shade design that consists of tight-weave construction with UV absorbent yarns. This helps to block harmful UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburns and skin damage. However, the shirt is rated UPF 40, which is not as good as UPF 50+.
You also get 2 self-draining pockets to keep utilities, a rod holder for convenience, a mesh-lined vented back for comfortable use, Omni-wick technology for quick-drying performance and 24 color options to choose from.
Pros:
- Unique short sleeve design
- Machine washable polyester fabric
- 2 self-draining pockets
- Rod holder
- Omni-wick quick-drying technology
Cons:
- Low UPF 40 UV rating
4. Denali Performance Apparel Men’s Teaser T-Shirt – Best Microfiber Fishing Shirt
No products found.
- Material: Microfiber
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Denali’s T-shirt is made using 100% microfiber, which makes it extremely soft and comfortable. This fabric is engineered with a Zyptron stain release system, which ensures the T-shirt remains fresh and clean after washing.
WiKZ technology is also incorporated into the fabric and this helps to quickly evaporate the moisture from sweat. This results in a cooling effect, making it ideal for warm or hot weather.
The T-shirt’s antimicrobial design keeps bacteria and odors at bay while the unique double-needle stitching enhances its durability.
Other features include a tagless neck for itch-free use, a UV rating of UPF 50+ that blocks up to 97.5% of the sun’s harmful rays and multiple color options to choose from. However, you don’t get pockets for convenience.
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable microfiber construction
- Zyptron stain release system
- Quick-drying technology
- Bacteria and odor resistant
- Tagless itch-free neck
Cons:
- No pockets
5. Baleaf Men’s Long Sleeve Shirt – Best Vented Fishing Shirt
No products found.
- Material: Nylon, Polyester
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+
With its wide opening, Baleaf’s shirt has the best ventilation system. This is because the opening is placed across the sweat-prone back area and has a mesh lining that allows a fresh breeze to flow in and out. As a result, you get enhanced moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities.
At the front, 2 hook and loop pockets are included for storing utilities while a rod holder allows you to conveniently hold your fishing rod hands-free. You also get a sunglass hanger loop and 2 utility loops.
The shirt’s sleeves can be rolled up then held in place by a button label in case it gets too hot. Other features include a lightweight nylon shell fabric, a UV rating of UPF 50+ for maximum protection and collar buttons to reduce chafing.
On the downside, the piece only has 3 color options (blue, khaki and white), which are quite less.
Pros:
- Wide back-area vent opening
- 2 hook and loop pockets
- Rod holder, sunglass hanger loop and 2 utility loops
- Lightweight nylon fabric
- Collar buttons for reduced chafing
Cons:
- Few color options
6. Southern Fin Apparel Fishing T-Shirt – Best Unisex Fishing Shirt
No products found.
- Material: Microfiber
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Southern Fin Apparel’s fishing T-shirt is very versatile because it can be worn by either men or women. It is made using 100% microfiber and has Dri-Fit wicking technology that ensures you remain cool and dry on the inside.
The T-shirt has UPF 50+ UV protection, which blocks up to 97.5% of the sun’s harmful rays from getting to your skin. This is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation due and its long sleeves make it more protective because your arms are fully covered.
Other features include 10 color-and-pattern options and multiple size options that range from X-small to XXX-large. That said, the various print designs available for the piece are printed via dye sublimation. This ensures you get a non-fading design.
However, no vents and pockets are built-in for aeration and convenient storage respectively.
Pros:
- Unisex design
- Soft 100% microfiber construction
- Dri-Fit wicking technology
- UPF 50+ UV protection
- Multiple color and size options
Cons:
- No vents and pockets
7. Huk Subphantis Vented Shirt – Best Stain-Resistant Fishing Shirt
No products found.
- Material: Polyester, Spandex
- Sun Protection: UPF 30+
This fishing shirt is characterized by a stain-resistant treatment on the fabric, which prevents dirt or splash from the fishing reel and other particles from sticking to it for easier cleaning.
The fabric also features an anti-microbial treatment that inhibits the growth of micro-organisms. This prevents odor from forming.
Apart from that, the garment is built using hydrophobic material that is 90% polyester and 10% spandex. This property ensures sweat is quickly transported to drier areas away from the skin so that it can evaporate more efficiently, leaving you warm when fishing in cold conditions.
More features include a side mesh insert for proper aeration, raglan sleeves that make it easier to move arms in a full range of motion, 15 color options, and multiple sizes to fit most body size.
However, the piece has a sun protection rating of UPF 30+, which is not as effective as UPF 50+.
Pros:
- Stain-resistant fabric
- Anti-microbial Treatment
- Hydrophobic material for easy sweat transportation
- Side mesh insert
- Raglan sleeves for easy arm movement
Cons:
- Low sun protection rating
8. Baleaf Men’s Fishing T-Shirt – Comfortable Fishing Shirt
No products found.
- Material: Polyester
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Baleaf’s fishing T-shirt for men has several features that enhance its comfortability. For starters, it has flatlock seamlines and a tagless collar, which reduces chafing.
It also has a moisture-wicking, highly breathable polyester fabric that keeps you cool and dry inside for additional comfort.
Apart from that, the unit has raglan sleeves that make it easy to move your arms in a full range of motion.
The garment is machine washable and can be tumble dried for easy cleaning after calling it a day on the water.
You also get maximum sun protection with a rating of UPF 50+, multiple sizes with a fitting design that is not too tight, long sleeves that go all the way to the wrist for maximum coverage and multiple color options to choose from.
However, you don’t get utility pockets or other convenient features such as rod holders.
Pros:
- Flatlock seamlines and a tagless collar
- Moisture-wicking polyester fabric
- Flexible raglan sleeves
- Easy to clean
- UPF 50+ sun protection
Cons:
- Lacks pockets and rod holders
9. Naviskin Men’s Long Sleeve Shirt – Fishing Shirt with Utility Pockets
No products found.
- Material: Nylon
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Naviskin’s long sleeve shirt features 2 convenient utility pockets for keeping small tools within close reach. These have hook and loop secure closures, which make it easy to access and lock in these tools.
Apart from that, the T-shirt has a relaxed fit design that makes it very comfortable. Additionally, it is built using moisture-wicking nylon material that keeps you dry and comfortable inside. This material is also lightweight and highly breathable.
The garment is fitted with two mesh-lined vents at the center back, which maintain a constant circulation of cool air. This ensures you remain cool and dry inside when fishing in hot weather.
More features include roll-up sleeves with exterior tab holders at the upper arm for easy conversion to a short sleeve, high sun protection of UPF 50+, a tool holder, a rod holder loop, a utility loop, 5 size options and 6 color options to choose from, which are not as many.
Pros:
- Two utility pockets
- Relaxed comfortable design
- Moisture-wicking nylon fabric
- Two vents for aeration
- Roll-up sleeves with exterior tab holders
Cons:
- Few color options
10. Columbia Men’s PFG Terminal Tackle – Fishing Shirt with Raglan Sleeves
No products found.
- Material: Polyester
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Lastly, Columbia’s Terminal Tackle T-shirt is characterized by raglan sleeves, which give maximum flexibility by allowing you to move your hand in a full range of motion. This makes it easier to use when fishing.
The garment is made using 100% polyester that is machine washable for easy cleaning. This fabric is interlock-knit with Omni-wick technology that moves sweat away from the body for quick evaporation.
Other features include a UPF 50+ rating for maximum sun protection, a comfortable crew neck, a relaxed fit for comfortable use, multiple size options and multiple colors to choose from.
However, you don’t get pockets and vents for convenient storage and proper aeration.
Pros:
- Flexible raglan sleeves
- Easy to clean
- Omni-wick technology
- UPF 50+ sun protection
Cons:
- No pockets and vents
How to Buy the Best Fishing Shirts
1. Fit
Ideally, a fishing shirt should have a relaxed comfortable fit that is neither too loose nor too tight. This means you should check for a small extra room on the shoulders, torso, and arms.
That said, you need to consider the garment’s sizing and since this is not standardized across different brands, use the product’s size guide to get its measurements for the different sections.
With that in mind, the best shirts should have multiple size options so that multiple persons can get a relaxed, fitting size.
2. Color and Design
A fishing shirt’s color and design are usually selected based on personal preference. There are various color options, with some like Vapor Apparel’s long-sleeve T-shirt having a camouflaged finish. This makes it ideal for fishing and hunting.
As for the design, there are shirts with collars and storage pockets while others are T-shirts with a crew neck. Some, like Columbia’s Tamiami II, are short-sleeved, which gives another option to choose from. Generally, these short-sleeved pieces are best for hot weather use.
However, selection should be based on personal preference.
3. Sun Protection
Sun protection is measured in UPF, which stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This means that the garment protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. However, there are different levels of protection and this is shown in the UPF rating.
For instance, with a rating of 15-24, you get up to 95.9% UV blocking while with a 25-39 rating, up to 97.4% of UV is blocked. However, the best rating is UPF 40-50+ because it gives you excellent protection with up to 98% UV radiation blocking.
This 50+ rating can be found in most of the products above.
4. Material
Another important differentiating factor is the material used to make the shirt. There are 4 main materials, which are:
Polyester
Polyester is a lightweight synthetic fabric that is highly breathable, fast-drying and repels water easily. This makes it ideal for hot weather. In some cases, it can be suitable for cold weather use because its quick-drying property ensures you remain comfortably dry on the inside.
Microfiber
Microfiber is also synthetic and has all the benefits of polyester. However, it is a super-soft version of polyester, which makes it very comfortable.
On the downside, it is not as abrasion-resistant as nylon. For this, be sure to check out Denali’s or Southern Fin Apparel’s T-shirt.
Nylon
Nylon shirts, such as Naviskin’s piece, have the benefit of being highly resistant to abrasion. This is because the fabric features strong woven strands. However, they might not be as soft as the microfiber type.
Cotton
Fishing shirts made of cotton are best suited for cold weather conditions. This is because the material is not very good at moisture wicking or cooling. On the bright side, it is easy to wash and is very comfortable to the skin.
5. Breathability
While some fabrics are more breathable than others, stuffiness is still expected if there are no vents to maximize airflow.
For instance, Baleaf’s shirt has a wide opening at the back with a mesh lining that lets in cool air to keep you comfortably cool and dry. This is highly recommended, especially during hot weather.
6. Comfort
Comfort is very important to consider. However, this is determined by many factors such as the shirt’s material, fit and breathability, just to name a few. All these are described above.
7. Odor Prevention
Bad smell is usually caused by bacteria, which thrive as a result of sweating and the splashing of sea or lake water on the shirt. Fish odor can also be very disgusting.
To prevent all this, look for anti-microbial fabric treatment, which kills bacteria on the fabric to prevent odor formation. For this, check out Hane’s Cool Dri, Denali’s Teaser and Huk Subphantis’ T-shirts, just to name a few.
ConclusionÂ
As you can see above, fishing T-shirts come in a wide variety of colors, designs, and sizes.
However, we recommend Hane’s Cool Dri as the overall best fishing shirt because it comes as a 2-piece set, offers maximum UV protection (UPF 50+) with long sleeves for maximum coverage and has an anti-microbial treatment for odor prevention.
If you prefer a short-sleeved shirt, be sure to check out Columbia’s Tamiami II. If you are on a tight budget though, Vapor Apparel’s T-shirt is the best option to consider.
Always remember that your outfit (vest shirt and fishing shoes) arevery vital if you want to be safe and comfortable even your shoes matter.
