Best Shirt For Hot Weather
There is nothing worse than overheating when you’re out trying to enjoy yourself. Whether you’re on a summer hike or your daily run, getting too hot is seriously overrated.
When being active in the heat, it’s always a good idea to stay covered up to avoid any sun damage. Long sleeves, collars, and hats are usually the order of the day, but it can be a little too warm if you’re not wearing the right gear. Enter the best shirt for hot weather.
At A Glance: Our Top 3 Shirts For Hot Weather
- Best On A Budget Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle UPF 50 Long Sleeve Fishing ShirtJump To Review
- Best Allrounder Simms Double Haul Long Sleeve ShirtJump To Review
- Best Of The Best Simms Solarflex UPF 50+ ShirtJump To Review
Some shirts are designed to protect you from the heat and keep you as cool as possible at the same time and these are the shirts we are going to discuss today. Wearing one of these shirts of hot weather can be the difference between enjoying a sunny stroll through the mountains or getting home drenched with sweat and needing a cold shower. Here are some of the best shirts for hot weather on the market.
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Best Shirt For Hot Weather
Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle UPF 50 Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt
The first shirt for hot weather we are going to look at is the Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle UPF 50 Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt.
Fishermen spend more time in the sun than anyone in the world. It’s 6 am to 6 pm in the sun without any shade, usually in places like the Bahamas where the heat is intense, and this is what this shirt is made for.
This hot weather shirt comes in a long-sleeve T-shirt style which ensures your arms are fully covered to protect them from the sun. It’s made to be UPF 50+ rated which ensures that no harmful UV rays get to your skin.
The shirt is made from 100% polyester which is both durable and comfortable. It’s soft against your skin and the loose fit ensures you get solid ventilation when out in the sun.
This hot weather shirt is both breathable and actively wicks moisture. This means it lets the heat out to keep you cool and removes sweat from your body to keep you even cooler.
Another great thing about this hot weather shirt is that it’s very affordable, comes in a huge range of colors and sizes. The only drawback is the lack of pockets and that there is no hood/collar for extra coverage.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Great coverage from the sun
- Wicks sweat well
- Keeps you super cool in the sun
- Breathable & quick drying
- Durable and well made
Cons
- No hood or collar for sun protection
- No pockets
Product Information
- Type: Long Sleeve T-shirt
- Material: Polyester
- Sizes: XS - 6XL
- UPF Rating: 50
Simms Double Haul Long Sleeve Shirt
Another excellent shirt for hot weather that has also been designed to keep flats fishermen cool in the hottest weather is the Simms Double Haul Long Sleeve Shirt.
One thing I love about this shirt is that it’s formal meaning you can wear it anywhere. Whether you’re going for a hike or walking for 30 mins in the heat before going to an important lunch, the shirt works.
This shirt for hot weather is made from 4-way stretch 115 gsm 100% polyester. It’s very well put together, has a great fit, is super comfy, and will last for years.
It’s also packed with technology to keep you cool and protect you from the sun. It’s rated at UPF 30+ for sun protection and offers great coverage with long sleeves and a collar.
The fabric is also breathable to let heat out and wicks sweat away from your body, keeping you cool no matter where you are.
There and some handy extras too including pockets for any gear and an in-built sunglasses chamois for keeping your sunglasses clean.
The one drawback is the higher price but it’s worth it for the quality.
Pros
- Three pockets for your gear
- Solid UPF 30+ sun protection
- Collar for neck protection
- Breathable and wicks sweat
- Does a good job of keeping you cool
- Comfortable soft fabric
- Sunglasses chamois
Cons
- A little expensive
Product Information
- Type: Long Sleeve Shirt
- Material: 115 gsm 100% polyester
- Sizes: S - 3XL
- UPF Rating: 30
Simms Solarflex UPF 50+ Shirt
The best shirt for hot weather in my opinion is the Simms Solarflex UPF 50+ Shirt. I’ve worn this shirt and it keeps me cooler than any other one I’ve tried, and there are a lot of them.
This shirt for hot weather is really a long-sleeved hoodie that is built for being out in the sun. It’s durably made from 100% polyester that features UPF 50+ sun protection, plus with the long sleeves and the hood, you can really cover up when you need to.
It’s been designed with breathability and moisture-wicking technology that enures heat and sweat leave your body, ensuring you stay cool in the sun.
The shirt also comes with built-in anti-odor technology to keep you smelling fresh after a long day in the sun.
To top it all off, the fabric is extremely comfortable against your skin, the fit is excellent plus it comes in a huge range of sizes and colors to suit your needs.
The only negative is the lack of pockets and that it’s a tad pricey but it’s worth it!
Pros
- Comes with a hood for protection
- Blocks all harmful UV rays
- Soft fabric against your skin
- Wicks moisture & dries quickly
- Anti-odor so it stays fresh
- Breathable and keeps you cool
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- A little expensive
- No pockets
Product Information
- Type: Long Sleeve Hoodie
- Material: Polyester
- Sizes: S - XXL
- UPF Rating: 50+
Columbia Men's Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt
The Columbia Men’s Bahama II Long-Sleeve Shirt is another great affordable shirt for hot weather that’s also formal. You can wear this shirt out to dinner or to a business meeting if you want to.
It’s made from 100% nylon which is both durable and pretty good at handling the heat.
At the back of the shirt are vents that keep it breathable and you cool. The fabric is also moisture-wicking to remove sweat and ensure you’re cool and not overheating in the sun.
The material also comes with Columbia’s Omni-Shade technology which provides UPF 50 protection from all the harmful UV rays plus you have great coverage with the sleeve and collar.
Another good thing about the shirt is that it’s light, comfy, and comes in a good range of sizes and colors. One thing to bear in mind is that it’s a little warmer than some of the others featured as nylon isn’t as good as polyester when it comes to keeping you cool.
Pros
- Blocks all harmful UV rays
- Relaxed open fit that's cooling
- Durable and well made
- Wicks moisture and breaths well
- Comfortable to wear
- Huge range of sizes
- Quite affordable
Cons
- Sizes run a bit large
- Warmer than others
Product Information
- Type: Long Sleeve Shirt
- Material: Nylon
- Sizes: S - 5XL
- UPF Rating: 30
Willit Men's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie
The Willit Men’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie is a great affordable option if you’re looking for a shirt for hot weather.
It’s durably made from polyester which is soft and comfy against your skin. It’s also designed with flat seams to ensure zero chafe while you’re out exercising.
The fabric is designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking to ensure you stay cool in the heat. It’s also super quick to dry and it comes with UPF 50+ sun protection.
The shirt is made with a hood to protect your neck from the sun and there are thumbholes that allow you to keep the sleeves in place too.
There are a few issues with the fit on these shirts though. Some find the sleeves oddly long and others find the sizing hard to get right.
Pros
- Excellent protection from the sun
- Keeps you nice and cool
- Breathable and wicks sweat
- Hoodie for extra sun protection
- Comfortable and no-chafe
- Lightweight and soft
Cons
- Strange fit for some
- Sizes are a little off
Product Information
- Type: Long Sleeve Hoodie
- Material: Polyester
- Sizes: S - 3XL
- UPF Rating: 50+
Under Armour Men's Tech 2.0 Long Sleeve T-Shirt
The Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Long Sleeve T-Shirt for hot weather is made to work out in and not overheat while you’re doing so.
Putting on this shirt for hot weather is like being wrapped up in a soft bath of feathers. The fabric is super comfy against your skin and it doesn’t chafe no matter how active you’re being.
The polyester is infused with breathability, wicks sweat, dries quickly, and protects you from the sun ensuring you stay cool and not sunburnt when out in the heat.
It has a simple design, pretty much just a long-sleeved T-shirt, and the great fit make it comfortable to wear. It is missing a collar/hood for extra sun protection though.
Pros
- Durable and comfortable
- Breathes well and wicks moisture
- Good at keeping you cool
- Super quick-drying
- Great fit & affordable
Cons
- No hood or collar for extra sun protection
Product Information
- Type: Long Sleeve T-shirt
- Material: Polyester
- Sizes: XS - 3XL
- UPF Rating: 50+
Pros
- The collar protects your neck from the sun
- Formal for all occasions
- Pockets for any gear
- Breathable and dries fast
- Wicks sweat to keep you cool
- Very affordable & durable
Cons
- A little thick compared to others
Product Information
- Type: Short Sleeved Shirt
- Material: Nylon
- Sizes: XXS - 6XL
- UPF Rating: 50+
Hanes Sport Cool Dri Performance Tee
If you’re looking for a T-shirt to keep you cool in hot weather then the Hanes Sport Cool Dri Performance Tee is one to take a look at.
The T-shirt is made from 100% polyester making it quite durable and it features flat seams that ensure zero chafe while you’re being active in the sun.
It’s a very soft t-shirt with a good fit and is super comfy. The fabric features Cool DRI technology that lets the fabric breathe to remove heat from your body. It also wicks moisture, removing any sweat build-up too.
It does offer great sun protection too, UPF 50+ but, of course, the lack of sleeves might be an issue for some.
If you want a T-shirt for hot weather and the gym, then this is a great affordable option.
Pros
- Quick-drying and wicks sweat
- Good sun protection
- Light, soft, and comfy
- Flat seams for zero chafing
- Great range of colors and sizes
- Super affordable
Cons
- Limited coverage being a T-shirt
- Inconsistent sizing
Product Information
- Type: T-shirt
- Material: Polyester
- Sizes: S - 3XL
- UPF Rating: 50+
What To Look For In The Best Shirts For Hot Weather
What material is it made from?
A good shirt for hot weather will always be made from lightweight and breathable material that doesn’t cause you any discomfort like chafing.
As you might have noticed, all the shirts featured in the article are made from synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester. These materials are excellent at breathing and wicking away moisture which allows air to circulate through the shirt and keep you cool and dry.
These materials are also nice and light you can be active in hot weather plus the dry fast so you never have to feel like you’re wearing a wet shirt while out in the heat. These materials are also super soft on your skin, so they’re very comfy to wear too.
How’s the UPF sun protection?
The most dangerous part of being out in hot weather is being exposed to harmful rays from the sun. This means you have to consider the UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of the shirt you’re wearing to ensure that you don’t get prolonged exposure to the sun. Getting sunburned increases the risk of skin cancer and ensuring you don’t get burned in your shirt has to be a top priority.
You’ll notice that every single shirt for hot weather featured above is made with either a UPF rating of 30 or 50+. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises wearing UPF 30 clothing or higher so all the shirts above will protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Naturally, UPF 50+ shirts are better as they let just 2% of UV rays through. Remember though, the shirt also needs to provide good coverage too.
To sleeve or not to sleeve?
It’s not easy to choose between having a shirt for hot weather with sleeves or without sleeves? It’s a little counter-intuitive wearing long sleeves in the heat as one naturally leans towards wearing less clothing in order to stay cool. But, you also have to ensure you have enough coverage for sun protection.
Long sleeves are ideal if you spend loads of time out in the sun, and they especially work when you have a quality shirt for hot weather that actually keeps cool, unlike a sweaty cotton shirt. Long sleeves also protect your arms from other things like bushes or blowing sands that sting.
Some people simply hate long sleeves and therefore wearing them isn’t an option. But, if you don’t mind wearing them, we highly recommend it plus you can always roll them up for a bit of a breeze if needs be.
What style is best for the heat & you?
You’ll notice that all the shirts for hot weather featured above are either button-down shirts or in a T-shirt design, with both long & short-sleeved options.
The first thing to consider when it comes to style is your comfort depending on what you’re using the shirt for. Are you going trail running every day? Or doing long multi-day hikes? Or maybe going fishing all day?
Would pockets help while you’re out? Should the shirt have a loose fit? Will a collar or hood be useful for sun protection?
Personally, having worn one of these shirts every day for the last 3 years while walking around the flats of Seychelles, I prefer a loose-fitting long-sleeved T-shirt style with a hood. The loose fit ensures air can move, the sleeves keep my arms protected, and when the sun gets too much, pulling the hood up is a great option to have. But I do miss having pockets.
If you’re not spending too much time out in the sun or need some pockets, picking a buttoned-down shirt might suit you better.
What color is best for the heat?
I think we all know that darker colors absorb more heat. The difference between wearing a white t-shirt or a black one in the sun is huge. It’s best to pick lighter colors for this reason, like sky blue, as white does get a tad dirty a bit too quickly.
Cooling Technology
The hot weather shirt you choose should be breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and all the ones featured come with this kind of tech. You can even find some with anti-odor technology built-in which will keep you smelling fresh.
Our Favorite Shirts For Hot Weather
The best shirt for hot weather, if you’re on a budget, is the Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle UPF 50 Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt. This shirt is soft, comfy, durable and it keeps you cool too. It’s moisture-wicking, breathable, provides UPF 50+ sun protection, plus it has long sleeves for extra sun protection.
- OMNI-SHADE: Be safe and protected. Omni-Shade blocks UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. The tight weave construction with UV absorbent yarns block the full spectrum of harmful UV rays.
- OMNI-WICK: The ultimate moisture management technology for the outdoors. Omni-Wick quickly moves moisture from the skin into the fabric where it spreads across the surface to quickly evaporate—keeping you cool and your clothing dry.
The all-around best shirt for hot weather is the Simms Double Haul Long Sleeve Shirt. Being a button-down shirt with a collar, it’s great for any occasion, even a business meeting. The shirt is also breathable, wicks sweat, and is UPF 30+ so it will protect you from the sun and keep you cool while being active in hot weather.
- MEN’S DOUBLE HAUL SHIRT: The Double Haul Long Sleeve is a 4-way stretch button-down that wicks, breathes and protects. UPF 30 sun protection shields you from harmful rays when you're on the water.
- UPF 30+ SUN PROTECTION: This long sleeve shirt is engineered with fabric that has a 30 UPF sun protection rating. This fishing shirt allows only 1/30th of the sun's UV rays to pass through reducing your skin's UV radiation exposure.
The best shirt for hot weather featured is the Simms Solarflex UPF 50+ Shirt, in my opinion. This shirt is made with soft polyester that keeps you cool by being breathable and moisture-wicking. It’s also UPF 50+ and comes with long sleeves plus a hood for excellent sun protection. To top it all off, it’s also made with anti-odor technology to keep you smelling fresh.
- MEN’S SOLARFLEX FISHING SHIRT: When the sweltering sun threatens to end a long afternoon of tossing carefree casts, cover yourself with the Simms SolarFlex UPF 50+ Shirt. This premium sun protection hoodie features a flat-seam finish for a plush, next-to-skin feel, and it weighs only 8 oz. This lightweight and breathable shirt is perfect for all your outdoor adventures, including fishing, hiking, and camping.
- UPF 50+ SUN PROTECTION: Engineered with fabric that has a UPF 50+ rating, this long sleeve fishing shirt provides superior sun protection, blocking 98% of the sun's harmful UV rays. The integrated hood offers additional coverage for your neck and head, ensuring complete protection during sunny days on the water.
