How To Choose The Right Fishing Shirt
Fishing shirts are must-haves for anglers. With so many styles and options available, the possibilities can seem endless. To cut through the clutter, we’ve broken down each type of fishing shirt and its benefits so you can pick the right one for your next adventure.
What is UPF & How Does it Work?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and indicates how much UV radiation passes through fabric to reach your skin. Generally, the higher the UPF rating, the less radiation reaches your skin. When it comes to UPF, coverage matters. Long sleeve fishing shirts are optimal because they can absorb and block harmful UV radiation that causes skin cancer and sun damage. A bonus of wearing UPF-rated apparel is that it protects like sunscreen without the need to reapply. For more information on UPF protection, we’ve compiled a detailed breakdown on what to wear for sun protection while fishing.
Moisture Wicking & Stain Resistant Fabrics
Another consideration when choosing a fishing shirt is whether the material is moisture-wicking. Whether it's a sweltering day or you're wet after fighting the fish of a lifetime, the last thing you want to be is uncomfortable, in a shirt that clings to your body and doesn't dry quickly. To avoid that, we offer moisture-wicking, lightweight fishing shirts that will keep anglers dry and comfortable. As a bonus, many feature stain-resistant materials.
Picking the Right Material Matters
Regardless of style, fabric determines quality, durability, and comfort level. The primary materials for AFTCO fishing shirts are polyester, cotton, and fabric blends. Polyester is easy to care for because it’s resistant to fading, wrinkles, and shrinking. It’s also ideal for jackets and outdoor clothing because it’s resistant to heat and ultraviolet radiation. Overall, polyester is a strong fabric choice that can withstand the elements.
Cotton is another excellent fabric that retains its shape over time and is easy to care for since it is machine washable. One of the key benefits of cotton is its softness and breathability, which makes it ideal for fishing shirts. Cotton also ensures clothing doesn't stick or cling to you, a key feature for comfort.
Many AFTCO fishing shirts also feature a blended fabric. We mainly use a 60/40 cotton and polyester blend fabric because it combines comfort and high-quality performance. Our bestselling styles, like the Samurai and Air-O Mesh, are made from durable polyester spandex fabric with stretch, designed for unrestricted movement. Using blended fabrics ensures anglers stay comfortable and fully protected from the elements.
What Type of Fishing Shirt Should You Choose?
Having the proper fishing clothing is essential. We have designed a fishing shirt to meet each angler’s needs on or off the water. From performance fishing styles to casual lifestyle pieces, there is an AFTCO fishing shirt for every occasion.
Performance Fishing Shirts
With long days in the sun, it’s crucial to stay covered up to prevent skin cancer. A performance fishing shirt is a great option because it contains additional UPF-rated treatments. They also typically have moisture-wicking and stain-resistant properties.
Adapt Performance
The Adapt collection is built for changing conditions. It has all the essentials in one: UPF 50 sun protection, a SpeedVent™ active hood designed to stay in place, and DWR to shed slime and grime. The standout feature of Adapt is its Phase Change technology, which automatically adjusts to changes in an angler's body temperature. It's available with a mask for added protection or without. Adapt is a must when overcast mornings give way to sunny afternoons.
Samurai Performance
Our best-selling Samurai lineup is a top performer with everything anglers need to endure a full day on the water. Quick dry and stain-resistant fabric helps keep stains and water at bay, while the antimicrobial treatment eliminates odors. The Samurai Performance Hoodie Shirt is well known for its UPF 50 sun protection, defending anglers from the sun’s harmful rays without constant sunscreen application.
Air-O Mesh Performance
Another excellent fishing shirt collection is the Air-O Mesh Performance. The Air-O mesh styles have features like UPF 40 sun protection, quick dry moisture-wicking fabric, stain release, and thumb loops to keep the sleeves in place. From hoods and quarter-zips to polos and button-downs, this collection is made to move with you from days on the water to everywhere in between.
Vented Fishing Shirts
Our vented fishing shirts have back ventilation to promote breathability and airflow. The Palomar collection comes in a short-sleeve and a long-sleeve style. With UPF 50 sun protection, DWR stain resistance, and a hidden lens cleaner at the hem, anglers are well equipped to take on hot and humid days in total comfort.
Another vented fishing shirt option is the Sirius. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester with DWR stain resistance, UPF 50 sun protection, and has a hidden lens cleaner for glasses and sunglasses at the hem. From the boardroom to chasing bass, these button-down fishing shirts are multi-faceted and built to last.
Lifestyle Shirts: Fishing Polos & Fishing T-Shirts
These lifestyle shirts are for anglers who want to stay comfortable on the water, at the office, or their local watering hole. AFTCO's fishing polos and t-shirts come in various styles and colors to suit each angler. For example, the Air-O Mesh Polo is a staple. It dries fast, offers UPF 50 sun protection, and has a DWR stain-resistant finish. It's a perfect blend of performance and comfort.
The Cypress Printed Polo is another favorite. Customer Mark Holliday said, “These are the shirts of the year from AFTCO. All are made from a very lightweight tech material that’s slightly stretchy, so super comfortable in the heat and doesn’t stick to the skin.”
When anglers are off the clock, our most casual shirts are our fishing t-shirts featuring killer designs of top species like bass, bluefin, and redfish. From business casual to dockside casual, our lifestyle shirts are built to last and designed to keep you comfortable.
Key Tips for Sun Protection
Choosing the right fishing shirt for performance and comfort on the water is essential, but not more crucial than sun protection. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, by the age of 70, at least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, and skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis each year in the U.S. Although these statistics are concerning, small habits like the ones listed below go a long way in helping prevent skin cancer in anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Limiting sun exposure during peak UV hours (10 am – 2 pm)
- Regularly applying sunscreen
- Wearing protective clothing like a UPF long-sleeve shirt, a hooded or masked fishing shirt, and fishing pants
- Protecting eyes and face with a hat and sunglasses
- Spending time in the shade
The CDC has additional tips for preventing skin cancer. Having the right fishing shirts makes all the difference because when anglers look and feel good, they fish better. Beyond fishing shirts for men, AFTCO has youth and women’s UV protective fishing shirts so the whole crew can stay protected on the water.
Author's Profile: Dave Rush
Dave Rush is a veteran outdoor writer and photographer who has worked in the fishing industry since 2009. As Editor in Chief of Best On Tour, he brings over a decade of experience and a deep passion for telling the stories behind the sport.
