UV Fishing Shirts and the Rise of Sun Protection on the Water

UV fishing shirts are more than just another piece of clothing; they're essential equipment for anyone who spends serious time on the water. These specialized garments are engineered with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) to block the sun's damaging rays, a feature born from the tough, real-world demands of anglers battling relentless sun and saltwater spray.

Forged in the Sun: The Legacy of Saltwater Sportfishing

Long before modern performance apparel existed, saltwater sportfishing was a different beast entirely. It was a raw, grueling test of an angler's will. Think about sportfishing legends like Ed and Frank Murray—they didn’t have access to high-tech, moisture-wicking fabrics. Their fight wasn't just with giant marlin and tuna; it was an all-out war against the elements: crushing heat, blinding glare, and hour after hour of direct, punishing sun during legendary saltwater sportfishing tournaments.

Picture it: a multi-day tournament out on the open ocean. The only "protection" is a basic cotton t-shirt, which is soaked with sweat and salt spray within minutes, clinging to your skin like a wet rag. These shirts offered next to no defense against the sun's invisible assault, leaving fishermen sunburnt, dehydrated, and utterly spent. The Murray Brothers knew this reality all too well, constantly pushing the limits of their bodies and their gear in the competitive arena of big-game fishing.

From Cotton to Performance

The move away from cotton to modern UV fishing shirts wasn't some fashion statement. It was a critical evolution driven by pure necessity. For pioneers like the Murrays, every second on the water during a tournament mattered. The ability to stay focused and physically sharp from dawn till dusk was often the deciding factor between winning a major title and heading home with nothing.

The problems with traditional clothing were painfully obvious:

• Barely Any Sun Protection: A standard cotton t-shirt, especially when wet, can have a UPF rating as low as 3. That's hardly a shield against damaging UV radiation.
• Terrible Moisture Management: Cotton is like a sponge. It soaks up moisture and holds onto it, leading to chafing, discomfort, and a heavy, waterlogged feeling that just drains your energy.
• Not Built to Last: The harsh saltwater environment, combined with the constant motion of fighting a fish, would shred regular shirts in no time.

This firsthand experience, forged in the crucible of competitive angling, created a demand for something far better. It drove home the need for apparel that acted less like clothing and more like a piece of essential equipment.

"For the serious angler, gear isn't just about comfort—it's about endurance. The ability to stay protected from the sun directly translates to more time and better performance on the water, where tournaments are won and lost."

The Angler’s Armor

The evolution of the fishing shirt was sparked by a simple but powerful idea: a shirt should work for the angler, not against them. It had to be a shield against the sun, a tool for managing heat and moisture, and tough enough to handle the abuse of the sport. The challenges that Ed and Frank Murray and their peers faced laid the foundation for every innovation that followed.

They understood that true performance gear had to offer real, tangible benefits. It needed to keep an angler cool, dry, and protected from UV exposure, effectively extending their endurance on the water. This deep, practical knowledge, gained over countless hours under the tropical sun, is what shaped the design philosophy behind today's high-performance UV fishing shirts.

Ultimately, this isn't just the history of a garment. It's a recognition that the best gear is always born from hard-won experience. It shows how the intense demands of legendary fishermen transformed a simple shirt into a vital tool, allowing the next generation of anglers to fish longer, safer, and more effectively than ever before. The legacy of the Murray Brothers is woven right into the fabric of modern fishing apparel.

How UV Fishing Shirts Actually Work

When sportfishing legends like the Murray Brothers were out on the water day after day, the sun was a relentless opponent. That experience highlighted a desperate need for better protection. Modern UV fishing shirts are the answer, but they’re far more than just long-sleeved tops. They're technical gear, engineered from the thread up to create a powerful barrier between your skin and the sun's damaging ultraviolet radiation.

Think of the rating on a UV fishing shirt in the same way you think about the SPF number on sunscreen. This rating is called the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), and it tells you exactly how much of the sun's UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) can actually get through the fabric to your skin.

A higher UPF number means better protection. It’s that simple.

For example, a shirt with a UPF 50+ rating—the gold standard—allows only 1/50th (or about 2%) of the sun’s UV rays to penetrate it. This means the fabric is blocking a massive 98% of harmful radiation. Compare that to a standard white cotton t-shirt, which might only provide a UPF of 5, a number that gets even worse the moment it gets wet.

The Science Woven Into the Fabric

So, how does a simple shirt provide this much defense? It’s not magic; it's a smart combination of material science and thoughtful design. Several key factors work together to create that formidable shield.

The secret to a high UPF rating comes down to three main things:

• Fabric Weave and Density: At the most basic level, it’s about how tightly the fibers are woven or knitted. A dense construction creates tiny gaps between the threads, making it physically harder for UV rays to find a path to your skin.
• Material Composition: The type of fiber matters a lot. Synthetics like polyester and nylon are naturally more effective at absorbing and scattering UV radiation compared to natural fibers like cotton.
• Specialized Treatments: Many high-performance fabrics are also treated with UV-inhibiting dyes or chemicals that are exceptional at absorbing ultraviolet light, giving the shirt an extra boost of protection.

These elements combine to create gear that provides consistent, reliable sun protection that won't sweat off, wash away, or need to be reapplied during a long day on the water. For a deeper look, you can explore more about how UPF fishing shirts function and why they are essential for anglers.

A high-performance UV fishing shirt is like wearing your own portable shade. It physically blocks the sun so you don't have to rely only on sunscreen, which can easily be forgotten or sweated off in the heat of the action.

Why Your Regular Shirt Just Doesn't Cut It

Once you understand what goes into a UPF rating, it becomes pretty obvious why grabbing an old cotton shirt for a day of fishing is a bad idea. The loose weave of most cotton fabrics lets a significant amount of UV radiation pass right through, giving you a false sense of security.

Worse yet, when that same shirt gets wet from sweat, spray, or a rogue wave, the fibers swell and stretch. The gaps between them widen, and its already low protective value plummets.

This is a critical point for any angler spending hours on the water. A purpose-built UV fishing shirt is designed to maintain its protective integrity under the exact conditions you'll face. The synthetic fibers don't absorb water the way cotton does, so the fabric’s structure—and its UPF rating—remains stable and effective all day long.

To put this in perspective, let's compare them side-by-side.

UPF Rating Vs Sun Exposure Protection

Fabric Type	UPF Rating	UV Radiation Blocked	Effective Protection Level
Standard White Cotton T-Shirt	UPF 5-7	~80%	Minimal (significantly less when wet)
Dark-Colored Cotton T-Shirt	UPF 10-15	~90%	Fair (but can get extremely hot)
Lightweight Polyester Shirt	UPF 15-25	93.3% - 95.9%	Good
UPF 50+ Fishing Shirt	UPF 50+	98% or more	Excellent (maintains rating when wet)

The difference is stark. A dedicated UPF shirt isn't just clothing; it's an indispensable piece of safety equipment that helps you stay out longer and fish harder, without paying the price later.

More Than Just a Shirt: The Fabric and Construction That Give Anglers an Edge

Beyond the UPF rating, what really separates a high-performance UV fishing shirt from the rest of the pack is the fabric itself and how it's all put together. For guys like the Murray Brothers, who lived and breathed the saltwater sportfishing lifestyle, their gear wasn't just clothing—it was essential equipment. It had to be a second skin, capable of handling sweat, drying in a flash after a rogue wave, and moving with the explosive energy needed to boat a trophy fish.

This is where the real magic happens, in the material science. You won't find the best shirts made from cotton. Instead, they rely on advanced synthetic fabrics, with polyester being the undisputed king. Unlike cotton, which soaks up moisture like a sponge and just holds it there, polyester is hydrophobic. That’s a fancy way of saying it actively pushes sweat and water away from your skin and out to the fabric's surface, where the sun and air can get to work evaporating it.

This one property is an absolute game-changer on the water. It’s the engine that drives moisture-wicking, the very thing that keeps you from feeling clammy, sticky, and weighed down when the bite is on. A dry angler is a comfortable angler, and a comfortable angler stays focused and fishes harder, longer.

The Anatomy of a High-Performance Fabric

Think of modern performance fabrics as engineered systems, all designed for one purpose: to keep you comfortable and fishing effectively. The secret is how different properties work in concert. A shirt that wicks moisture but takes forever to dry is only doing half the job. Same goes for a quick-drying shirt that doesn't breathe—you might as well be wearing a plastic bag in the humidity.

The best UV fishing shirts nail the balance of three critical features:

• Moisture-Wicking: This is the process of actively pulling perspiration away from your body to keep your skin dry.
• Quick-Drying: Once that moisture hits the fabric's surface, it has to evaporate fast. This stops the shirt from getting saturated, heavy, and cold.
• Breathability: This allows air to move freely through the fabric, helping to regulate your body temperature by letting excess heat escape.

When these elements come together, they create a personal microclimate that helps you stay cool, dry, and comfortable, even when the action gets intense.

Here's a simple way to think about it: A top-tier performance shirt manages moisture like a high-tech irrigation system, moving it efficiently away from where it's not wanted. A cotton shirt? It's more like a swamp—it just collects water and holds onto it.

It's no accident that polyester and its blends dominate this space. The North American fishing clothing market was valued at a whopping USD 688.86 million in 2024, with shirts making up 45.50% of that. And within that category, polyester-based garments lead by a massive margin, holding 57.83% of the market. Why? Because they deliver on their promises: they’re lightweight, they dry fast, and they don’t shrink. You can see more on these trends in the North American fishing apparel market report.

Construction Details That Make All the Difference

The fabric is the foundation, but the way a shirt is assembled is what turns it from just "good" into something truly great. These small construction details are what separate a real piece of performance gear from a basic athletic shirt. Anglers who spend their lives on the water, like Ed and Frank Murray did, learn pretty quickly that these "small" details are anything but.

Flatlock Seams: Have you ever worn a shirt where the seams just dig into your skin? Traditional seams have raised edges that rub and chafe, especially with the repetitive motion of casting all day. Flatlock seams, on the other hand, are stitched completely flat. This creates a smooth, seamless feel that moves with you and prevents irritation, even after hours on the water.

Strategic Venting: In the heat of battle, even the most breathable fabric can use a little help. That's why many top-tier shirts incorporate mesh panels or vents in key hotspots like the back and underarms. These act like exhaust ports, dumping excess heat and promoting airflow right where you need it most.

Lightweight Knits and Stretch: A fishing shirt should never hold you back. The best ones are made from lightweight, flexible knits, often with a little spandex woven in for good measure. This ensures you have a full range of motion whether you're making a long cast, reaching for the gaff, or scrambling around the deck. For more on this, check out our guide on the essentials of performance fishing clothing.

When it's all said and done, every single thread and stitch in a well-made UV fishing shirt serves a purpose. It’s a piece of engineered equipment, designed to boost your endurance and comfort, giving you the edge you need to stay out there from sunrise to sunset.

Choosing the Right Shirt for Your Next Fishing Adventure

Picking the perfect UV fishing shirt isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. It’s about matching your gear to your mission. The shirt that keeps you comfortable on a calm, humid day chasing bass on a freshwater lake is probably not the right tool for a grueling, multi-day sportfishing tournament under the relentless tropical sun. You have to tailor your choice to where you're going and what you're doing to stay protected, focused, and comfortable on the water.

This simple decision tree lays out the core features you need to think about—moisture-wicking, quick-drying capabilities, and breathability—when you're gearing up.

For any serious angler, these three features aren't just bullet points on a tag; they work together as a system to keep you from getting beat down by the elements.

Saltwater Tournament vs. Recreational Freshwater Angling

The demands of a high-stakes saltwater tournament and a casual weekend trip couldn't be more different. For a tournament pro, a UV fishing shirt is less a piece of clothing and more a critical piece of equipment. It directly impacts their performance and endurance.

For the tournament angler, every feature is dialed up to eleven:

• Maximum Coverage is Non-Negotiable: Long sleeves are the standard, period. Hoods or integrated neck gaiters are also huge, giving you that extra layer of defense against sun that bounces off the water from every single angle.
• Durability and Stain Resistance: Your gear has to stand up to salt spray, fish slime, and the general abuse of a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Fabrics treated for stain resistance are key to looking professional and staying clean.
• Anti-Odor Properties: After a few long, hot days on the water, you'll be glad you have a shirt with an antimicrobial treatment. It makes a world of difference in keeping your gear fresh and bearable.

Now, a recreational angler on a freshwater lake might have different priorities. UPF protection is still crucial, of course, but the intensity is usually lower. In that scenario, a super lightweight, highly breathable shirt to combat the humidity might be the top priority. Features like built-in hoods might be overkill.

The right shirt isn't just about blocking the sun; it's about eliminating distractions. Whether it's chafing, overheating, or feeling weighed down by a wet shirt, every little discomfort pulls your focus away from finding and fighting fish.

Tailoring Your Shirt to the Conditions

Beyond just the type of fishing, the specific environment you're in plays a huge role. Paying attention to these details can make a massive difference in how your day goes.

Long Sleeves and Collar Styles
When it comes to sun safety, long sleeves are always the superior choice. They create a physical barrier you don't have to reapply every few hours. In the same way, a well-designed collar protects the back of your neck—an area that's notoriously easy to burn. Some of the best shirts feature stand-up collars for this exact reason, giving you that crucial coverage without needing a separate gaiter.

Managing Heat with Color
Color is more than just a style choice; it’s a practical tool for managing heat. Lighter colors like white, light gray, or sky blue are fantastic at reflecting sunlight, which helps keep you noticeably cooler. Dark colors, on the other hand, absorb more heat. While it used to be that darker dyes offered slightly higher UPF ratings, modern fabric technology has pretty much closed that gap. That makes light colors the easy go-to for hot, sunny climates.

The gear is always getting better, too. New developments like advanced UV-resistant coatings and smarter, more breathable fabrics are constantly improving comfort and durability. Here in North America, we're also seeing a big shift toward eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester, which combine top-tier performance with sustainability. You can discover more insights about fishing apparel innovations that are shaping the future of how we gear up for a day on the water.

Caring for Your UV Fishing Shirts to Maintain Protection

Think of your UV fishing shirt as a piece of high-performance equipment. Just like your favorite rod or reel, it needs a little TLC to keep working its best. The shirt's UPF rating isn't something that lasts forever on its own—harsh detergents, high heat, and rough washing can slowly break down the very fibers that protect you out on the water.

Over time, this wear and tear can seriously compromise both the sun-blocking power and the moisture-wicking performance you rely on.

Imagine the fabric is a tightly woven net, built to catch and block UV rays. When you hit it with harsh chemicals or blast it with heat, you start to damage that net, creating bigger "holes" for the sun to get through. A few simple steps in your laundry routine can make all the difference, ensuring your investment keeps you protected season after season.

Washing Your Performance Apparel

The secret to making these shirts last is simple: treat them gently. Aggressive wash cycles and harsh chemicals are the worst enemies of technical fabrics. But before you do anything, always check the care label inside the garment. The manufacturer’s instructions are your best starting point.

Here’s a simple routine for the best results:

• Turn It Inside Out: This little trick protects the outer surface from getting snagged or pilling and lets the detergent get to work on the side that was against your skin.
• Wash with Similar Items: Don't throw your lightweight performance shirts in with heavy jeans, abrasive towels, or anything with zippers that could tear the delicate fabric.
• Use a Gentle Cycle with Cold Water: Hot water is a no-go. It can damage the synthetic fibers and weaken any special UV-protective treatments in the fabric.
• Choose a Mild Detergent: Look for a detergent made for performance wear or just a gentle, dye-free option. Strong soaps can leave behind a residue that clogs the fabric's pores, killing its breathability.

What to Avoid at All Costs

Knowing what not to do is just as important. Some common laundry habits will actively ruin your performance gear.

The number one rule for caring for technical fishing apparel is to never use fabric softener or dryer sheets. These products coat the fibers with a waxy film to make them feel soft. That same coating clogs up the micro-channels in the fabric, completely destroying its ability to wick moisture away from your skin.

You'll also want to steer clear of bleach. It's far too harsh and can break down the fabric fibers, causing the shirt's UPF rating to plummet. If you're dealing with a tough stain from bait or lunch, grab a spot treatment designed for synthetic materials instead.

Following these simple guidelines will go a long way in extending the life of your UV fishing shirts. Your gear will keep you just as protected and comfortable on your hundredth trip as it did on your first.

Gear Up with a Legendary Brand You Can Trust

Choosing the right UV fishing shirt is about more than just fabric specs; it's about trusting the gear that has your back when you're miles offshore. The lessons Ed and Frank Murray learned weren't just about fighting giant fish—they were about battling the relentless sun and salt. Their decades battling marlin and tuna in grueling tournaments forged an unshakeable belief: your apparel is as critical as your rod and reel.

It’s a piece of equipment that simply has to perform. That core philosophy is woven into every stitch of a Murray Brothers shirt. When you pull one on, you’re not just buying a piece of clothing; you’re tapping into a legacy of on-the-water expertise. Every design comes from a real-world understanding of what a serious angler needs to stay focused, comfortable, and protected when it matters most.

Performance Rooted in Tradition

In the demanding world of big-game fishing, the Murray Brothers' name has always meant one thing: reliability. That heritage is the foundation of our entire apparel line. We translate that hard-won tradition into modern gear by focusing on what actually works on the water, not just what looks good on a hanger.

This commitment shows up in a few key ways:

• Premium Materials: We start with fabrics that deliver exceptional UPF 50+ protection, wick sweat away from your skin, and dry in a flash. No compromises.
• Angler-Approved Designs: Our shirts are cut to give you a full range of motion. Nothing should hold you back when you’re making a cast or leaning into a big fish.
• Durability for the Elements: We build our gear to withstand the harsh realities of saltwater, sun, and constant use. It’s made to last season after season.

This dedication to quality is why so many anglers, from weekend warriors to tournament pros, trust the Murray Brothers' name. To see how that experience stacks up, check out our thoughts on some of the top fishing apparel brands in the industry.

A Commitment to Anglers

As more people discover the thrill of sportfishing, the demand for reliable gear just keeps growing. The global fishing clothing market was valued at around USD 1.07 billion in 2025 and is expected to nearly double by 2035. Shirts are the biggest piece of that pie, making up 32% of the market, which tells you just how critical high-quality, protective apparel has become. If you want to dive deeper, you can learn more about the global fishing clothing market growth.

At Murray Brothers, our commitment goes beyond the product. We believe in providing a customer experience that’s built on trust and old-school service.

We stand behind every piece of gear we sell with policies designed for real anglers. You'll get hassle-free returns if something isn’t quite right and free shipping on all orders over $100. When you gear up with us, you're not just getting ready for your next trip—you're joining a tradition of legendary performance and unwavering quality.

Frequently Asked Questions About UV Fishing Shirts

It’s natural to have questions when you’re looking at performance fishing gear. Sorting through the tech specs and trying to figure out what you really need for a long day on the water can be a lot. We get it. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from anglers, with answers backed by a lifetime of experience.

The whole point of these shirts is to create a physical shield against the sun. That's a lesson sportfishing pioneers like Ed and Frank Murray learned firsthand, especially during those long, grueling saltwater tournaments where staying protected was the only way to stay in the game.

Do Darker Colors Offer Better UV Protection?

There’s an old rule of thumb that darker colors block more sun, and back in the day, that was often true. Darker dyes would absorb more UV radiation, giving them a slight edge.

But modern fabric technology has pretty much leveled the playing field. Today, a high-quality, light-colored shirt from a brand that knows what they're doing can easily achieve a UPF 50+ rating. This is done through tight weaves and special treatments that reflect or block UV rays. So now, choosing between a light or dark shirt is less about safety and more about personal preference for staying cool.

Can You Get Sunburned Through a UV Shirt?

With a properly rated UPF 50+ shirt, you’re blocking over 98% of the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. That makes getting a sunburn through the actual fabric incredibly unlikely.

However, that protection isn't invincible forever. If a shirt is really old, has been stretched out, or the fabric has become thin from wear and tear, its protective qualities can diminish. That’s why it’s so important to invest in quality gear from the start and know when it’s time to retire an old favorite.

Remember, a UV fishing shirt is your first line of defense. The Murray Brothers' legacy was built on having the best, most reliable equipment, and that includes the apparel that keeps you safe and focused on the water all day long.

Don't forget that a shirt with a hood or a high collar provides crucial coverage for your neck and ears—spots that are easy to miss, even when you're slathering on sunscreen.

---

Ready to gear up with apparel born from a legacy of sportfishing excellence? Explore the battle-tested collection at Murray Brothers Palm Beach and find the legendary performance you demand. Visit us today at https://www.murraybrosretro.com.