Keeping Cool - What to Look for in a Fishing Shirt

If you are like us, not many things beat a day of fishing. Fishing is an experience often taught and shared across generations. It’s an activity that builds stronger bonds between friends and family. It is where fishing know-how is passed down. But how many grandparents and parents teach their kids about fishing attire? Rarely, and for good reason. They are focused on sharing knowledge of how to actually catch fish. However, the clothes you wear fishing is important. In fact, you could argue fishing apparel is just as important as having the right pole, reel, and fishing lures. 

So if you are looking for guidance on the best fishing shirts you are in the right place! We cover what to look for in a fishing shirt, covering fabric choice, moisture-wicking technologies, and overall comfort. While we can give you basic advise and offer recommendations on what to look for, the perfect fishing shirt is completely subjective. In turn, use this information as a starting point to discover your personal preference. 

 

How the Right Fishing Attire Enhances Your Fishing Experience 

Imagine sitting in the sunshine all day, fishing line in the water, the sounds of nature around you…but you are drenched in sweat, uncomfortable, and want to go home. Or, you wake up before dawn, put your boat into the water and sit there for a while, but it’s freezing. All you can think about is the warm comfort of your bed. 

Proper fishing attire could make these and every scenario more enjoyable. It can help you focus more on catching fish and basking in the experience and less on how hot, cold, or uncomfortable you are. Good fishing shirts will regulate your body temperature, keeping you comfortable (warm or cool). They will also offer protection from wind chills and/or harmful UV rays. 

 

Fabric Choice: Lightweight, Breathable, and Quick-Drying 

When you have a big fish on the line, you have to move quickly and reel it in before it snaps the line and swims away. You need a fishing shirt that moves with your body. In other words, you want a lightweight, flexible fabric that doesn’t restrict your movement. 

You also want shirt fabric that is quick-drying (for any in-the-water mishaps or splashing). This will help your shirt dry faster so you aren’t sitting in soaking wet clothes all day.

Our Recommendation: look for lightweight, breathable materials that allow you to feel the warmth or coolness of the outside world without getting too hot or cold. Polyester or nylon are two optimal fishing shirt fabrics. Both of these materials enable air circulation, keep moisture off your skin, and dry quickly. These fabrics keep you comfortable, relaxed, and dry even in humid, sweltering conditions. 

 

How Moisture-Wicking Technology Works and Its Benefits 

Moisture-wicking technology was perfected a decade ago, and it has become extremely popular in athletic clothing. This is because it is very useful for water sports or sporting activities where you sweat. 

What is it? In a nutshell, this fabric is made of fabric that has tiny holes known as capillaries or micropores. These tiny holes allow the fabric to capture and trap moisture, pulling it away from your body and redirecting it to the fabric’s surface to dry. The fabric drys quicker, so there’s no heaviness or wetness left in the fabric for a long period. 

Some of the benefits of wearing fishing shirts with moisture-wicking technology include: 

• Breathable fabrics allows air circulation and proper ventilation 
• Comfortable material helps regulate body temperature, keeping you cozy in whatever weather you fish 
• Moves sweat from your skin to prevent heaviness, wetness, and uncomfortable fabric “clinginess” 
• Zero chafing or general discomfort from having moist material on your skin, such as with other materials
• Quick stain release for low-maintenance washing in case you get your favorite shirt dirty

 

Your Fishing Shirt—Ventilation, Airflow, Comfort, and Fit 

Mesh panels, durable but comfortable back yokes, and plenty of pockets? They are all components of a good fishing shirt. They also help determine how your shirt fits and how functional it is. 

The ideal fishing shirt should be slightly fitted, sitting comfortably against your skin but allowing for a full range of motion. The fabric and cut are just as important as picking the right size so it fits correctly. The right fishing shirt will fit you like a comfy glove without constricting you.

As eluded to above, ventilation and airflow are must-haves. Shirts that excel at these will keep you cool, relaxed, and cozy, regardless of the weather. 

 

Additional Features to Look For in a Great Fishing Shirt

Functionality 

Would it be helpful to put a lure into your shirt pocket for safekeeping? Do you want a place to carry your small fishing knife if you have to cut the line? Pockets, loops, etc. are essential on a good fishing shirt because you never know what gadgets you may need to stow away to make your fishing easier. 

Look for a fishing shirt with features that help you keep track of small fishing gear and tools to enhance your fishing experience. 

UV Protection

Fishing is a blast, but being out unprotected all day has its consequences. You don’t want to come home looking as red as a lobster. It is not super attractive, and sun burns  and damage can lead to scarier consequences. 

So alongside sunscreen, opt for a fishing shirt or sun shield hoodie with adequate UV protection. UPF, known as the Ultraviolet Protection Factor, shields your skin from the sunshine. Paired with breathable, moisture-wicking technology you can shield your skin and stay comfortable. And when paired with sunscreen on exposed areas of skin, you can return home cool and comfortable instead of red and irritated (or worse). 

Embrace the tranquility of the open water, without the burn. Check out our Sun Shield Hoodie with UPF 50+ sun protection.

 

Long-Sleeve vs. Short-Sleeve: The Right Design for Your Needs 

Long-sleeve? Short sleeve? The choice is yours. The length of your fishing shirt’s sleeves boils down to personal preference. It’s also important to remember a simple concept of “right shirt, right environment”. In other words, you should also consider what weather and conditions you will encounter. 

There are both long-sleeve and short-sleeve options. Some are ideal for colder weather. Others t-shirts are designed for fishing in high heat and humidity. 

Long-sleeve fishing shirts will provide better sun protection (especially with sun protection fabric). Short-sleeve fishing shirts offer more freedom of movement, especially when you have to get up and go because a fish took the bait. The right option depends on your needs and preferences.

As an alternative, you can dress in layers or take both long and short sleeve shirts with you. These lightweight shirts compress nicely in a bag. There really is no harm in being prepared and having some options.  

 

Making the Best Shirt Choice for Your Fishing Adventures 

Fishing is an experience that should be fun. Time on the water should be a time to relax and not worry about how the sun is burning your skin or how uncomfortable you are. That’s why your fishing shirt is important. Picking apparel with the right material, weight, fit, and functionality can help you enjoy your fishing adventure more. And that is what it’s all about, right?

The best fishing shirt for you depends on the weather conditions and your personal preferences. o why choose only one? No one says you can’t have a closet filled with great fishing shirts, particularly ones that are lightweight, breathable, offer good ventilation with moisture-wicking technology, and boast long sleeves or short sleeves and UV protection. 

Looking for a selection of the best fishing shirts and casual apparel? Check out our lineup of products at Beats Workin’. We have a fun range of t-shirts, hats, and accessories to make your fishing experience a blast.