Fishing shirts can be a decent option for swimming, but they aren’t specifically designed for it. I remember the first time I found myself wading into the water after a long day of fishing – I was still wearing my fishing shirt, and while it did the job, there were some things to consider. Here’s the lowdown on how fishing shirts perform for swimming:
Pros of Using Fishing Shirts for Swimming
Fishing shirts have several features that can make them suitable for a quick dip in the water:
1. Quick-Drying Fabric
Fishing shirts are typically made from quick-drying materials like polyester or nylon. These fabrics shed water relatively fast and dry much quicker than cotton. After a swim, you won’t be soaking wet for too long, which is a big plus if you need to dry off quickly or keep fishing after a swim.
2. Lightweight and Comfortable
Fishing shirts are lightweight and breathable, which makes them comfortable to swim in. They don’t feel heavy when wet, unlike some other materials. This is great if you’re in and out of the water, say, when fishing on a riverbank or beach.
3. UPF Sun Protection
Most fishing shirts come with built-in UPF protection, often UPF 30 or higher. This means you’re not only protecting yourself from UV rays while out in the boat or on the shore but also when you’re in the water, where the sun can be even more intense due to reflection off the surface.
4. Durability
Fishing shirts are designed to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor activities, including exposure to saltwater, sun, and rough handling. This durability makes them a better option than many other types of shirts that could degrade or wear out faster from regular exposure to water.
Cons of Using Fishing Shirts for Swimming
While fishing shirts can work for swimming, they aren’t always the ideal choice:
1. Lack of Stretch
Most fishing shirts are made of polyester or nylon, which may not provide the same level of stretch as a swim shirt or rash guard. This can restrict movement a bit when swimming. If you plan to swim a lot, a fabric with more stretch, like a blend containing spandex, might be more comfortable.
2. Potential for Drag
Fishing shirts are generally looser than swimwear or rash guards, which means they can create more drag in the water. This isn’t a huge issue if you’re just taking a casual dip, but it can be cumbersome if you’re doing more active swimming or need to move quickly in the water.
3. Not Chlorine-Resistant
While most fishing shirts handle saltwater well, they aren’t typically made to withstand prolonged exposure to chlorinated water, like in a swimming pool. Chlorine can wear down the fabric over time, causing it to lose its shape and color faster than intended.
Summary: Are Fishing Shirts Good for Swimming?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick-drying and lightweight | Limited stretch compared to swim shirts |
| UPF sun protection for both land and water | Potential for drag due to a looser fit |
| Durable and resistant to outdoor conditions | Not specifically designed for chlorine |
When to Use a Fishing Shirt for Swimming
- Casual Swimming and Wading: Fishing shirts are fine for casual dips, wading, or when you unexpectedly end up in the water.
- Fishing Trips Near Water: If you’re fishing from a kayak or near a river and want to cool off quickly, they work well.
- Snorkeling or Light Swimming: They provide sun protection and quick-drying benefits when snorkeling or swimming lightly, especially in sunny, shallow waters.
When Not to Use a Fishing Shirt for Swimming
- Active Swimming or Watersports: For more active swimming, like laps or competitive swimming, opt for a swim shirt or rash guard that offers more stretch and a tighter fit.
- Chlorinated Pools: Prolonged exposure to chlorine will degrade fishing shirts faster. For pool use, go for materials specifically designed to handle chlorine.
Conclusion
Fishing shirts can be a versatile piece of gear, and while they aren’t specifically designed for swimming, they can certainly serve that purpose in a pinch. They offer benefits like quick-drying properties, sun protection, and lightweight comfort, which are great for a casual swim. However, if you’re looking for something more tailored to swimming, especially for activities that require more range of motion or involve chlorinated water, you might want to consider swim-specific apparel.