How to Choose a UV Fishing Shirt
A good sun shirt is the piece of gear you wear the most on the water. Here's what actually matters when you're choosing one, and how our three lines compare.
1. Start with the UPF rating
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how much of the sun's UV radiation gets through a fabric. Under the US labeling standard, UPF 15 to 24 is rated good, 25 to 39 very good, and 40 to 50+ excellent.
UPF 50+ is the top of the scale: the fabric blocks at least 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Every Hookster UV shirt is rated UPF 50+.
Unlike sunscreen, a UPF shirt doesn't sweat off, rub off or need reapplying, so you only need sunscreen on the skin it leaves uncovered.
2. Decide between a hood and a crew neck
A hood covers your neck, ears and the back of your head, the spots that burn first on the water, and it folds down when you don't need it. If you spend long days in full sun, a hooded shirt is the better pick.
A crew neck is lighter and simpler, a good choice for shore days, short trips and everyday wear.
3. Look at the stretch and the fabric
Four-way stretch gives in every direction, so nothing pulls when you cast, paddle or reach overhead. Two-way stretch gives in one direction and holds a more structured shape, which helps a shirt keep its fit when it's soaked.
Quick-drying, breathable fabric matters as much as the rating. You'll be wet from spray, sweat or a swim, and a shirt that dries fast stays comfortable all day.
4. Get the fit right
Sun shirts are made to be worn loose enough for air to move. Ours have a relaxed fit and run true to size. If you're between sizes, or you want to layer, size up. Every product page has a size chart with exact measurements.
5. Which Hookster line is right for you?
Inshore: for everyday water
Our original shirts. Lightweight and quick-drying with four-way stretch, in hooded and crew-neck styles. Made in the USA. Sizes S to 2XL.
Open Water: for long days offshore
Performance Plus fabric, 100% polyester with structured two-way stretch, heavier than a typical sun shirt so it holds its shape and stays opaque when wet. Sizes S to 2XL.
Salt Line: for all-day comfort
Our softest fabric yet: a 175 GSM knit of 90% polyester and 10% spandex with four-way stretch and built-in thumb loops. The print is dyed into the fabric, so it never cracks, peels or fades. Sizes S to 3XL.
6. Take care of it
Machine wash cold with like colors and tumble dry low. Don't use bleach, and don't iron directly over printed areas.
On our Open Water and Salt Line fabrics the sun protection is part of the fabric itself, so it won't wash out. Inshore shirts are screen printed, so following the care instructions keeps them at their best.
Questions about fit or fabric? Email us at info@hookster.com. We're a family owned business in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and you can read our story here.