UV Protection Technology in Modern Fishing Apparel

Modern UV protection fishing apparel works through tightly woven synthetic fabrics engineered to block 98-99% of harmful ultraviolet radiation, preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage that afflicts anglers who spend hundreds of hours on reflective water surfaces each season. Unlike traditional cotton shirts that provide minimal sun defense, advanced UPF 50+ fishing shirts use specialized polyester blends with molecular structures that absorb and reflect UV rays before they penetrate to your skin, offering protection equivalent to SPF 50 sunscreen that never washes off or needs reapplication.

For anglers facing cumulative UV exposure that exceeds office workers by 300-500% annually, understanding the technology behind sun protective clothing isn't just about comfort—it's about preventing the skin cancers, premature aging, and eye damage that dermatologists increasingly link to outdoor recreation without proper defense.

Key Takeaways

• UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings measure fabric's ability to block UV radiation, with UPF 50+ blocking 98% of harmful rays compared to untreated fabric
• Fabric construction matters more than color: tightly woven synthetic fibers provide superior protection versus loose-weave natural materials regardless of shade
• Water reflection doubles UV exposure for anglers, making specialized fishing apparel essential even on overcast days when UV radiation remains at 70-80% of peak levels
• Quality sun shirts maintain their protective rating through 100+ wash cycles while inferior products degrade to UPF 30-40 after minimal use
• Moisture-wicking technology works synergistically with UV protection, as wet fabric loses 50% of its protective capability unless engineered specifically for aquatic environments

Understanding UPF Technology: The Science Behind Sun Protection

UPF ratings represent the fraction of UV radiation that penetrates fabric and reaches skin. A UPF 50 rating means only 1/50th of UV radiation passes through—blocking 98% of harmful rays. This measurement system, developed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, provides more accurate protection assessment than traditional SPF ratings used for sunscreens.

The technology relies on three primary mechanisms working simultaneously. First, fabric density creates a physical barrier through tightly woven fibers that prevent UV photons from passing through the material. Second, synthetic fiber composition—particularly polyester and nylon molecules—naturally absorbs ultraviolet wavelengths in the UVA and UVB spectrum. Third, chemical treatments applied during manufacturing enhance this absorption capacity, creating multi-layered defense against solar radiation.

Modern sun protection fishing apparel employs microfiber polyester blends measuring 4-5 ounces per square yard, achieving thread counts exceeding 200 per square inch. This construction density blocks UV penetration while maintaining breathability through engineered ventilation systems that channel airflow without compromising protective coverage.

The molecular structure of advanced polyester contains benzene rings that specifically absorb UV wavelengths between 280-400 nanometers—the exact range that causes DNA damage in skin cells. When UV photons strike these molecules, they're converted to harmless heat energy and dissipated through the fabric's ventilation channels, preventing radiation from reaching your skin while simultaneously managing thermal comfort.

UPF 50+ vs UPF 30: Performance Differences That Matter

The jump from UPF 30 to UPF 50+ represents more than a 33% improvement in protection—it reflects fundamentally different construction quality and long-term performance characteristics that separate professional-grade fishing apparel from recreational alternatives.

UPF 30 fabric blocks 96.7% of UV radiation, allowing 1/30th of rays through to skin. While this sounds impressive, that additional 1.3% exposure accumulates dangerously over time for anglers spending 40-60 days per season on the water. A six-hour fishing trip in UPF 30 clothing exposes skin to UV levels equivalent to 12 minutes of direct sun—enough to trigger cellular damage in fair-skinned individuals.

UPF 50+ protection blocks 98% of radiation, permitting only 1/50th penetration. Over that same six-hour trip, skin exposure drops to approximately 7 minutes of direct sun equivalent—a 40% reduction in cumulative UV damage. For anglers fishing 50 days annually, this difference prevents roughly 250 minutes of additional UV exposure per season.

More critically, UPF ratings measure initial performance only. Fabric degradation through washing, stretching, and saltwater exposure affects lower-rated materials more severely. UPF 30 shirts commonly deteriorate to UPF 20-25 after 40-50 wash cycles as fiber density loosens and chemical treatments break down. Quality UPF 50+ construction maintains protective ratings through 100+ washes because the protection derives primarily from fabric architecture rather than temporary chemical coatings.

Testing conducted by textile laboratories demonstrates this performance gap clearly. After 100 standard wash cycles, premium fishing shirts retain 94-96% of original UPF ratings, while budget alternatives decline to 70-85% of initial protection. For a UPF 30 shirt, this means end-of-life performance around UPF 21-25—barely better than a standard cotton t-shirt's UPF 15 rating.

The economic calculation favors higher initial UPF ratings significantly. A UPF 50+ shirt lasting 100+ washes provides consistent protection across 3-4 seasons, while UPF 30 alternatives require replacement every 1-2 seasons to maintain adequate defense. Our comprehensive UPF rated clothing guide explores these durability factors in greater depth.

How Fabric Construction Determines UV Protection

The physical architecture of fishing shirt fabrics controls UV protection more than any other single factor, including color, chemical treatments, or brand marketing claims. Understanding these construction principles helps anglers evaluate quality before purchase.

Thread count directly correlates with UV blocking capacity. Fabrics woven at 180+ threads per square inch create minimal gaps for UV penetration, while looser 120-140 thread count materials allow significant radiation passage. Hold a shirt toward bright light—if you see pinpoints of light through the weave, UV rays are penetrating similarly. Quality sun protection fabrics appear completely opaque when backlit.

Fiber thickness influences protection substantially. Microfiber polyester measuring 0.5-0.8 denier creates denser weave patterns than heavier 1.5-2.0 denier threads, blocking more UV despite using thinner individual fibers. This counterintuitive relationship explains why lightweight fishing shirts often outperform heavier cotton alternatives—engineering trumps mass when UV defense is the priority.

Weave patterns affect both protection and comfort. Plain weaves offer maximum coverage but limited stretch. Twill weaves provide flexibility while maintaining UV blocking through overlapping thread patterns. Advanced synthetic knits combine four-way stretch with protection by using interlocking loops that close gaps during fabric extension—preventing UV penetration even when material stretches across shoulders during casting motions.

Chemical UV absorbers enhance inherent fabric protection by 15-25% in premium fishing apparel. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide particles embedded in fiber coatings create additional absorption barriers without the skin-irritating properties of sunscreen chemicals. These treatments bond at the molecular level during manufacturing, resisting wash degradation unlike topical spray-on UV protectants that disappear after 3-5 launderings.

Moisture Management and UV Protection Synergy

The intersection of moisture-wicking technology and UV protection represents a critical advancement in fishing apparel that many anglers overlook. Wet fabric behaves dramatically differently than dry material when exposed to solar radiation.

Standard cotton absorbs moisture and becomes translucent when saturated, losing 40-60% of its minimal UV protection capability. A dry cotton t-shirt providing UPF 10 protection drops to UPF 4-6 when soaked with sweat or spray—offering virtually no defense against harmful radiation. This explains why anglers wearing cotton shirts still experience severe sunburn despite "covering up."

Advanced polyester fishing shirts employ hollow-core fibers that wick moisture away from skin and spread it across the fabric's exterior surface for rapid evaporation. This process maintains fabric opacity regardless of saturation level, preserving UPF ratings whether the shirt is bone-dry or drenched with perspiration. The hollow fiber structure also enhances UV absorption by increasing the surface area available for photon interaction.

Evaporative cooling works synergistically with UV protection by managing the thermal load from blocked solar radiation. When UV rays strike fabric, absorbed energy converts to heat. Without moisture management, this heat accumulates against skin, causing discomfort and excessive sweating. Wicking fabrics dissipate this thermal energy through evaporation, maintaining comfort while sustaining protection—a dual benefit that distinguishes professional fishing apparel from basic outdoor clothing.

Drying speed correlates directly with sustained protection during active fishing. Shirts that dry within 10-15 minutes after heavy perspiration maintain consistent UPF ratings throughout the day, while slower-drying alternatives spend hours in compromised protective states. For anglers fishing in humid environments or during high-output activities like wade fishing, rapid moisture management determines whether UV protection remains theoretical or practical.

Color, Reflectivity, and UV Defense Myths

Conventional wisdom about dark colors providing superior sun protection contains some truth but oversimplifies the complex physics of UV blocking in engineered fabrics. Understanding these relationships prevents costly purchasing mistakes based on outdated assumptions.

Dark colors do absorb more UV radiation than light shades in identical fabrics—typically 10-15% more for black versus white in the same material. However, this advantage disappears when comparing purpose-built fishing shirts of different colors because fabric construction outweighs color effects by a 5:1 margin. A white UPF 50 shirt blocks significantly more radiation than a black UPF 25 shirt despite the color differential.

The thermal penalty of dark colors in hot fishing conditions often exceeds any marginal UV protection benefit. Black and navy fabrics absorb visible light wavelengths that convert to heat, raising shirt temperatures 15-25°F above light-colored alternatives in direct sunlight. This heat accumulation increases perspiration, reducing fishing endurance and potentially compromising UV protection if moisture saturation occurs in non-technical fabrics.

Light colors excel in fishing environments by reflecting both visible and near-infrared radiation, keeping anglers cooler without sacrificing UV protection when fabric construction meets UPF 50 standards. White, light gray, and pale blue shirts provide optimal thermal comfort while maintaining maximum defense against harmful wavelengths—explaining why they dominate professional fishing tournaments where performance determines equipment choices.

Bright colors like safety yellow and fluorescent orange offer additional visibility benefits for boat fishing without compromising protection. Modern dye technologies maintain color fastness through 100+ wash cycles while preserving fabric architecture, ensuring long-term UV blocking regardless of shade preference.

Water Reflection: The Hidden UV Multiplier

Anglers face unique UV exposure challenges that terrestrial outdoor enthusiasts never encounter. Water surfaces reflect 10-30% of incoming solar radiation back toward boats and wading anglers, effectively doubling UV exposure compared to land-based activities at identical latitudes and times.

This reflective phenomenon intensifies during optimal fishing conditions. Calm water with minimal surface disturbance creates mirror-like reflection, bouncing UV rays upward to strike typically shaded areas under chin, ears, and forearms. Anglers experience simultaneous exposure from above (direct sunlight) and below (reflected radiation), attacking skin from angles that traditional hat-and-sunglasses protection misses entirely.

Cloud cover provides less defense than anglers assume. Overcast conditions reduce UV radiation by only 20-30% rather than the 70-80% reduction in visible light that creates the illusion of safety. Combined with persistent water reflection, cloudy days still deliver 50-60% of clear-sky UV exposure—more than sufficient for significant skin damage during extended fishing sessions. This explains why anglers often suffer worst sunburns on days they felt safe skipping sun protection.

Time-of-day vulnerability extends beyond noon peaks for water-based activities. Early morning and late afternoon low-angle sunlight strikes water at optimal reflection angles, bouncing UV radiation horizontally across boat decks and into wading anglers' faces. This geometric reality means fishing during "safer" morning and evening hours still demands full UV protection that only comprehensive clothing provides.

Saltwater environments intensify these effects through higher reflectivity indexes compared to freshwater. Ocean and coastal anglers face 25-35% more reflected UV than lake fishermen at comparable latitudes, requiring maximum protection even during winter months when UV indices decrease but cumulative exposure remains dangerous.

Long-Term Performance: Protection That Lasts

The durability of UV protection through repeated wearing, washing, and exposure to harsh fishing environments separates professional-grade apparel from disposable alternatives marketed toward casual recreationalists. Understanding these longevity factors reveals the true cost-per-wear value proposition.

Wash cycle endurance determines functional lifespan for fishing shirts experiencing weekly or bi-weekly laundering during active seasons. Premium fabrics maintain UPF 50+ ratings through 100-150 wash cycles because protection stems from permanent fabric architecture rather than temporary chemical treatments. The tight weave, synthetic fiber composition, and bonded UV absorbers resist degradation from detergents, mechanical agitation, and heat exposure that destroy lesser materials.

Mechanical stress from casting, fighting fish, and storage impacts fabric integrity over time. Four-way stretch construction with recovery memory prevents permanent fiber separation that creates UV-penetrable gaps in overstretched materials. Reinforced stress points at shoulders and elbows maintain structural density where motion-induced wear concentrates, ensuring consistent protection at vulnerable areas receiving maximum UV exposure.

Saltwater and chlorine exposure accelerates degradation in fabrics without chemical resistance engineering. Quality fishing apparel incorporates corrosion-resistant fiber coatings that prevent salt crystallization within weave structures—a phenomenon that separates threads and reduces protective density. Chlorine-resistant variants withstand pool and hot tub exposure without the color fading and fiber weakening that ruins standard polyester within 10-20 exposures.

UV radiation itself ironically degrades inferior sun protection fabrics. Prolonged exposure to the same wavelengths the fabric blocks causes photodegradation in unstabilized polymers, weakening fiber bonds and reducing material strength. UV-stabilized polyester resists this self-destructive cycle, maintaining structural integrity through seasons of intense solar exposure that would destroy untreated alternatives.

The investment calculation favors durability significantly. A fishing shirt maintaining full protection for 100+ uses costs $0.40-0.70 per wear over three seasons. Replacement-cycle alternatives requiring repurchase every 40-50 uses cost $0.90-1.50 per wear despite lower initial prices—the classic "boots theory" of economics applied to fishing apparel. Our lifetime warranty reflects confidence in long-term performance that budget brands cannot match.

Integrated Design: Maximizing Coverage

Complete UV protection requires addressing coverage gaps that standard casual shirts leave exposed. Purpose-built fishing apparel incorporates design elements that defend vulnerable areas without compromising mobility or comfort.

Extended collar heights protect posterior neck regions where anglers commonly develop skin cancers from cumulative UV exposure. Standard t-shirt collars leave a 2-3 inch gap between hat coverage and shirt protection, exposing skin that receives reflected radiation from water surfaces throughout every fishing day. Raised collars eliminate this vulnerability while maintaining comfort through soft, non-binding construction.

Integrated face protection through removable gaiters creates seamless defense from crown to chest without the gaps inherent in separate accessories. Hooded fishing shirts with integrated gaiters provide coverage that adjusts quickly as sun angles change throughout the day, protecting cheeks, nose, and ears that receive maximum UV exposure during low-angle morning and evening fishing.

Thumb loops secure sleeves during active casting, preventing the ride-up that exposes forearm and wrist skin to direct sunlight. This simple feature addresses a common protection failure point where sleeve movement during repetitive casting motions creates intermittent UV exposure that accumulates to significant damage over full-day fishing sessions.

Extended torso lengths maintain coverage during dynamic movements that pull standard shirts upward, exposing lower back and sides to solar radiation. Fishing-specific cuts incorporate extra length in back panels while maintaining normal front proportions, ensuring tucked protection stays secure during rod manipulation, net handling, and boat maneuvering.

Flatlock or blind-stitch seam construction eliminates UV-penetrable needle holes that perforate fabric at thread lines. Traditional lockstitch seams create linear gaps where UV radiation penetrates directly to skin, potentially causing stripe-pattern sunburns along shoulder and side seams. Advanced seaming techniques seal these vulnerabilities completely.

Beyond Shirts: Complete Sun Protection Systems

While fishing shirts provide core UV defense, comprehensive protection requires integrated systems addressing all exposed areas vulnerable to cumulative radiation damage. Understanding these complementary technologies maximizes long-term health outcomes.

Legwear with UPF ratings protects lower extremities that receive reflected UV radiation from boat decks and water surfaces. Full-length fishing pants and convertible options with zip-off legs maintain protection flexibility across varying temperature conditions while defending skin that anglers often overlook until sunburn appears.

Headwear integration complements shirt collar protection through overlapping coverage zones. Wide-brimmed fishing hats with UPF-rated fabrics shield faces, ears, and necks from overhead radiation while working synergistically with high collars to eliminate gaps at the neck-shoulder junction where skin cancers frequently develop.

Hand protection through UPF gloves addresses the highest cumulative UV exposure area on most anglers' bodies. Hands receive direct solar radiation plus reflected water exposure throughout every moment of active fishing, making them prime candidates for sun damage, age spots, and eventual skin cancers. Fingerless UPF gloves maintain dexterity while protecting vulnerable dorsal hand surfaces.

Eye protection requires UV-blocking eyewear with complete wraparound coverage that integrates with facial sun protection. While not apparel per se, fishing sunglasses prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and UV-induced eye damage that parallels skin protection requirements. Polarized lenses with UV400 ratings block 100% of harmful wavelengths while reducing water glare that contributes to eye strain.

The systematic approach to total UV defense produces measurably better outcomes than piecemeal protection. Dermatological studies tracking outdoor professionals demonstrate that comprehensive coverage reduces skin cancer incidence by 78% compared to partial protection strategies, making the investment in complete sun protection systems a literal life-saving decision.

Choosing the Right UV Protection for Your Fishing Style

Different fishing environments and techniques demand tailored UV protection strategies that balance coverage, comfort, and performance across varying conditions. Matching apparel technology to specific applications optimizes both protection and fishing effectiveness.

Inshore and flats fishing presents maximum UV exposure through calm water reflection, minimal shade availability, and extended sessions in direct sunlight. This environment demands maximum UPF 50+ coverage with integrated face protection, moisture management capable of handling high humidity, and light colors that reflect thermal radiation while maintaining protection. Consider exploring options in our comprehensive sun protection gear collection designed specifically for these demanding conditions.

Offshore fishing involves similar UV intensity with added challenges from saltwater spray and extended sun exposure during transit and active fishing. Saltwater-resistant fabrics with enhanced corrosion protection maintain performance when conventional materials would degrade rapidly. Quick-drying capabilities become essential when spray and wave action repeatedly wet apparel that must maintain protective qualities while saturated.

Freshwater bass and walleye fishing from boats with partial shade structures allows more flexibility in coverage choices but still requires core UV protection during peak exposure periods. Convertible options with removable sleeves or integrated hoods provide adaptability as shade availability changes throughout the day and season.

Fly fishing in rivers and streams combines direct overhead exposure with reduced water reflection compared to open water. However, wading positions anglers directly in reflection paths from surface flows, maintaining significant UV intensity. Moisture management becomes critical for comfort during high-exertion wading while maintaining protective coverage.

Kayak fishing creates unique challenges through limited shade, proximity to reflective water surfaces, and moisture exposure from paddle splash and sit-on-top designs. Comprehensive coverage with exceptional moisture wicking prevents the protection degradation that occurs when inferior fabrics remain wet throughout extended paddling sessions. Compare different fishing shirt options and technologies to find ideal matches for specialized applications.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Premium vs Budget Sun Protection

The fishing apparel market offers UV protection options spanning $25-150 per shirt, creating confusion about which price points deliver genuine value versus which extract premiums for brand marketing rather than performance advantages.

Budget options typically employ basic polyester fabric with UPF 30-40 ratings achieved primarily through chemical treatments rather than fabric construction. These shirts perform adequately for 20-40 wash cycles before protection deteriorates to marginal levels requiring replacement. Total cost of ownership over three seasons averages $75-120 when accounting for replacement cycles, plus the hidden cost of degraded protection during the final uses before replacement.

Mid-tier alternatives usually feature improved fabric construction achieving UPF 50 ratings with better moisture management and durability extending to 60-80 washes. Three-season ownership costs range from $60-90 with one replacement cycle, offering better value than budget options while still requiring eventual repurchase.

Premium fishing shirts utilize advanced fabric engineering, bonded UV absorbers, and reinforced construction maintaining UPF 50+ ratings through 100-150 washes. Single-purchase longevity across 3-4 seasons creates ownership costs of $40-70 despite higher initial prices—the lowest per-wear cost of any category. Additional value emerges through consistent protection throughout the lifespan rather than degrading performance requiring earlier replacement.

The calculation shifts dramatically when factoring health outcomes. Skin cancer treatment costs average $1,500-5,000 for basic excisions and exceed $50,000 for advanced melanomas requiring systemic treatment. Preventing a single skin cancer through superior UV protection provides return on investment that dwarfs any apparel cost differential. From this perspective, premium protection becomes the only rational choice regardless of fishing budget.

Smart anglers recognize that sun protection represents insurance, not expense. Investing in proven technology backed by durability guarantees eliminates the false economy of repeated budget purchases while providing measurable health protection that compounds over decades of fishing.

Testing and Verification: How to Confirm Real Protection

Marketing claims flood the fishing apparel market, but independent verification ensures UV protection lives up to manufacturer promises. Understanding testing standards and methods empowers informed purchasing decisions.

ASTM D6603 and AATCC 183 standards govern UPF testing in North America, establishing protocols for measuring fabric UV transmission. Legitimate manufacturers publish test results from accredited laboratories rather than internal or unverified claims. Look for specific test protocol references and laboratory certifications when evaluating protection claims.

The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation identifies products meeting rigorous testing requirements including minimum UPF 30 ratings, coverage specifications, and durability standards. This independent certification eliminates manufacturer bias and provides consumer confidence in protection claims.

Visual inspection reveals construction quality affecting long-term UV performance. Hold fabric toward bright light—premium materials appear completely opaque with no light penetration. Check seam construction for flatlock or blind-stitch methods versus traditional lockstitch showing visible needle holes. Examine fabric recovery after stretching—quality materials return immediately to original shape without visible distortion.

Home testing using UV-sensitive paper or beads provides rough performance verification. Place the detection medium under fabric in direct sunlight—minimal or no color change indicates effective UV blocking while rapid color shifts reveal inadequate protection. While not laboratory-precise, this simple test identifies gross protection failures before purchasing.

Washing durability testing involves examining fabric after 25, 50, and 75+ wash cycles for changes in opacity, stretch recovery, and visual deterioration. Fading, pilling, or visible fiber separation indicates protection degradation even if fabric remains wearable. Premium fishing shirts show minimal changes across 100+ washes while budget alternatives display obvious deterioration by 30-40 cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does UPF clothing work differently than sunscreen?

UPF clothing provides physical and chemical UV blocking through fabric barriers that maintain constant protection without reapplication, while sunscreen creates temporary chemical barriers requiring reapplication every 2 hours and after water exposure. Fabric protection lasts all day regardless of sweating, swimming, or physical activity, making it more reliable for extended fishing sessions where sunscreen effectiveness degrades rapidly.

Can I get sunburned through a UPF 50 shirt?

UPF 50 fabric blocks 98% of UV radiation, allowing 2% penetration that typically proves insufficient for sunburn during normal fishing durations. However, extremely fair-skinned individuals on all-day trips in high UV environments might experience minimal tanning, though this represents insignificant damage compared to unprotected exposure. The 2% penetration becomes relevant only during 8+ hour sessions at peak UV times.

Does UPF protection decrease when fabric gets wet?

Quality fishing shirts engineered specifically for aquatic environments maintain UPF ratings when wet through synthetic fiber construction that preserves opacity during saturation. Standard cotton and non-technical fabrics lose 40-60% of protection when wet as fibers separate and become translucent. This critical distinction explains why purpose-built fishing apparel outperforms casual athletic shirts that may claim UV protection when dry.

How long does UPF clothing last before needing replacement?

Premium UPF 50+ fishing shirts maintain protective ratings through 100-150 wash cycles, typically representing 3-4 seasons of regular use before protection degrades meaningfully. Budget alternatives deteriorate after 30-50 washes, requiring replacement every 1-2 seasons. Visible signs of replacement need include fabric pilling, permanent stretching, color fading, and light visible through material when backlit.

Is UPF 30 good enough for fishing or do I need UPF 50+?

UPF 50+ provides meaningfully better protection for anglers facing cumulative UV exposure amplified by water reflection. While UPF 30 blocks 96.7% of radiation, the additional 1.3% exposure accumulates to significant damage over seasons of regular fishing. More critically, UPF 30 fabrics degrade faster, often dropping to UPF 20-25 after moderate use while UPF 50+ maintains ratings through extended lifespans, making higher ratings both safer and more economical long-term.

Do dark colors provide better UV protection than light colors in fishing shirts?

Fabric construction determines protection far more than color—a light-colored UPF 50 shirt blocks significantly more UV than a dark UPF 30 shirt. When comparing identical fabrics, dark colors absorb 10-15% more radiation but create thermal penalties that reduce fishing comfort and increase perspiration. Light colors reflect heat while maintaining protection when fabric meets UPF 50 standards, making them superior choices for hot fishing conditions.

Can washing damage the UV protection in fishing shirts?

Harsh detergents, chlorine bleach, and fabric softeners accelerate protective degradation in lower-quality fishing shirts relying primarily on chemical treatments. Premium apparel using construction-based protection and bonded UV absorbers resists wash damage effectively through 100+ cycles when laundered with mild detergents and air-dried. Following manufacturer care instructions maximizes protection lifespan regardless of quality level.

Will a wet fishing shirt still protect me from UV rays?

Technical fishing shirts specifically engineered for aquatic use maintain UPF ratings when saturated through synthetic hollow-core fibers that preserve opacity and structure regardless of moisture content. Standard cotton or basic polyester shirts lose substantial protection when wet as fabric becomes translucent and fibers separate. This fundamental difference justifies the investment in purpose-built fishing apparel over casual outdoor clothing.