What is UPF Clothing and Why Every Angler Needs It

If you spend time on the water, at the beach, on the trails, or just soaking up the sun, you’ve probably seen "UPF" on shirts and hoodies. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, why should you care?

At Reel Fishy Apparel, we’re all about combining protection, comfort, and coastal style for everyone who loves the outdoors. That’s why UPF gear is at the core of our mission. It’s an essential part of a smart toolkit for any adventure.

What Does UPF Mean?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It’s a measure of how much UV radiation (both UVA and UVB rays) a fabric can block from reaching your skin.

• A UPF 50 shirt blocks an impressive 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
• In comparison, a standard cotton T-shirt offers minimal protection, with a UPF of just 5–15.

That’s a critical difference, especially when you're outside for hours and the sun’s intensity is amplified by reflection off the water or snow.

Why You Need UPF Clothing for Your Next Adventure

1. Serious Sun Protection

UPF 50 clothing gives your skin a powerful first line of defense against harmful UV rays. It's a clean, mess-free alternative to constant sunscreen reapplication, whether you're casting lines or hiking a mountain trail.

2. Breathable & Lightweight

Our UPF hoodies and shirts are made with moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics designed to keep you cool and dry, even on the hottest days. They're built for performance, comfort, and function.

3. More Reliable than Sunscreen Alone

Sunscreen wears off, sweats off, and washes off. Your UPF shirt doesn’t. It’s a consistent, reliable layer of protection that lasts all day long, from sunrise to sunset.

4. Long-Term Skin Health

Over time, constant sun exposure can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. UPF clothing helps you stay protected so you can focus on what you love to do—whether that's fishing, snorkeling, or just relaxing at the beach.

What Makes a Good UPF Shirt?

Not all UPF shirts are created equal. When choosing one, look for features that make a real difference when you’re out in the sun:

• UPF 50+ Rating: This is the gold standard for sun protection.
• Breathable, Quick-Dry Fabric: Keeps you comfortable in peak heat and humidity.
• Lightweight Comfort: Designed for all-day wear without feeling heavy or restrictive.
• Full Coverage: Look for long sleeves, a hood, and even thumbholes (like those on our Women’s Performance UPF 50 Hoodie) to protect often-forgotten areas like your hands and wrists.

Our Top UPF Gear Picks

Here are a few of our customer favorites, designed for life on the water and beyond:

Women’s Performance UPF 50 Hoodies

Lightweight, breathable, and designed for full-body sun protection. The built-in thumbholes keep the sleeves in place and provide added coverage for your hands—a must-have for long days outdoors.

Men’s Performance UPF 50 Long Sleeve Shirts

Made for anglers and outdoor adventurers alike, this shirt is lightweight, breathable, and built to handle sun-soaked days with serious UPF 50 protection. It’s available in a variety of coastal designs.

Youth UPF Sun Shirts

Because little explorers need protection too. Our youth shirts offer the same great quality and UPF 50+ protection in smaller sizes, featuring a variety of designs for the next generation of outdoor adventurers.

👉 Shop All Our UPF Fishing Shirts

The Final Cast

Fishing, boating, hiking, and beach days are all better when you’re not getting burned. UPF clothing isn't just a choice—it's an essential part of staying safe and comfortable outdoors. Our gear is built to protect your skin and keep you comfortable so you can focus on your next adventure.

Stay cool. Stay protected. Stay Reel Fishy.