Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose a Fishing Shirts
Comfort
The scorching sun and heat in the daytime, and sometimes cooling at night are what anglers deal with. In all cases, shirt should breathe well and remove moisture from the body, and not absorb it. After all, there not so many anglers who will enjoy the pleasure of stewing in their own sweat or wearing sticky clothes on themselves. When it gets colder, the same perspiration, which was released during short physical activity, for example, fishing large fish, can very quickly cool down, and lead to hypothermia, fraught with serious diseases. Also it is necessary to take care of the protection of the forearms – after all, they occupy one of the key roles in the heat exchange of the human body. And if the summer night still allows you not to worry much about this, then it’s better to cover them from the direct sunlight on a hot day. So, the best choice is a long sleeve shirt. Shirt should not be tight and not restrict the movements.
Overall Fit
When choosing a shirt, you should always take into account the fact that the marking on the items does not always coincide with the actual size. There are several basic parameters of men’s shirts: height, sleeve length and collar size. Foreign producers take into account, as a rule, only the last two indicators.
If you choose shirt with buttons and collar it should be loose. It will be easier for angler to do anything while fishing. The movements shouldn’t be restricted, the arms have to be movable while you casting or reeling. Do not forget that the length of the shirt should be right. It shouldn’t be too long as you have to tuck in all the time what definitely not very comfortable.
Materials
Cotton
Nowadays most men’s shirts are made of cotton. It is more resistant fabric than any other. This material is easy to wash and does not require any additional care. In addition, cotton is characterized by an ideal combination of price and quality. For modern men’s shirts can be used as pure 100% cotton, and with various synthetic impurities. As for impurities, polyester or lycra can be used. Shirts with the addition of polyester are more practical; they do not crumple and do not shrink after washing. Adding Lycra increases the elasticity of the shirt, so it is used to create tight-fitting models.
- Advantages
- minimal risk of skin irritation;
- hygroscopicity;
- the material is breathable, therefore suitable for use in hot weather;
- pleasant material for the body;
- simplicity of care;
- resistance to high temperatures.
- Disadvantages
- the fabric quickly gets dirty, since the dirt goes deep into the fibers;
- the material easily creases;
- exposure to chemicals.
Polyester
Polyester is considered to be one of the most popular synthetic fabrics. Polyester fiber is resistant to stretching, friction and other physical effects. Shirts made of polyester, are almost always warm and dry. 100% synthetics will not be affected by larvae of moths or other insects.
- Advantages
- High degree of protection from adverse weather conditions (low temperatures, wind, ultraviolet rays);
- Wear resistance;
- Easy care;
- Protection from damage and molds;
- Good water repellent properties;
- Does not absorb odors.
- Disadvantages
- High density. Shirts made of pure polyester are not very comfortable to wear in the heat;
- Electrification. Synthetics accumulate static electricity, because of this, dust particles can stick to shirt;
- Fiber can cause allergies.
Nylon
It is absolutely smooth, pleasant to the skin, with a light shine fabric, reminiscent of natural silk, but costs cheaper.
- Advantages
- lightweight;
- wear-resistant – does not abrade, does not shed, does not lose its properties under heavy use;
- elastic – it is repeatedly stretched, thus well preserves the initial form.
- Disadvantages
- Strongly electrified, which is completely bad for health;
- People with sensitive skin can have allergiesl
- Does not let the air in, creating a greenhouse effect on the skin;
- Poorly absorbs moisture.
Sun Protection
UPF and SPF
Clothing can protect you from ultraviolet rays. It depends on the presence of certain threads, the weight of the fabric and the color.
SPF (Stands for the Sun Protection) is a sunscreen factor, usually associated with the sunscreen. It measures the time for which the skin gets sunburn. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) – is a protection from ultraviolet radiation. This is the amount of ultraviolet that penetrates through the fabric and reaches the skin. For example, a fabric with a value of UPF 50 – will miss only 1/50 of ultraviolet rays. Thus, the fabric reduces the effect of ultraviolet rays on your skin (naturally, on those areas that are covered with fabric). Dark colors and complex weaving of the fabric let in less ultraviolet. Nylon and polyester are much better than cotton protect from ultraviolet (since they reflect ultraviolet).
All fabrics that pass less than 2% are labeled with UPF 50+. The count starts from 15, because those fabrics that miss more of the ultraviolet are not considered protective. So, a white cotton T-shirt would have UPF 5. The label of shirt may include the information about how many washings can “sustain” UPF – after more frequent wash the rate will decrease.
Natural fabrics pass more UV rays than synthetic fabrics. Thus, nylon and polyester shirts will provide the best protection against ultraviolet radiation. Light colors reflect sunlight and prevent heat stroke, but do not protect from ultraviolet radiation. Shirts made of cotton or viscose should be selected of dark colors – the darker, the better. Optimal colors for protection from ultraviolet are dark blue and deep red.
Long or Short Sleeves
The choice of sleeve’s type depends on weather conditions and also type of fishing. As most of your time you deal with water and the arms are rather active, it’s convenient to choose short sleeve shirt. There are models of shirts that have option to roll the long sleeve and put it on the button. Moreover, it’s important to protect the skin of the arms against damaging ultraviolet so long sleeve is a must. Choosing long sleeves also help when you deal with big sharp fishes so it will protect your arms.
Conclusion
At different times of the year it is very important for a fisherman not to get wet, stay warm or protect himself from scorching sun rays. Suitable clothing will help achieve these properties, providing comfort and convenience when fishing. Shirts for fishing are not just textile clothes for daily use. Qualitative shirts for fishing are distinguished by unpretentiousness in wearing and care. The special color design has a positive effect on wear, giving this clothing convenience and practicality. A comfortable cut with a minimum number of seams has a key meaning. With its help, the risk of rubbing the skin, the uncomfortable sensations are significantly reduced, which is especially important in the hot season. Modern fishing shirts will prevent the accumulation of natural evaporation of the body, provide “breathing” to the skin, as well as protect from the scorching sun, wind, etc. To acquire such shirt is important to every fisherman, who cares about comfort and own health.