I Tested the Best Shirts for Water Activities: Here’s What I Discovered!

I’ve always loved spending time near the water – whether it’s lounging on the beach, boating on a lake, or swimming in a pool. But one thing that has always been a struggle for me is finding the perfect shirt to wear while enjoying these activities. That’s why I was excited to discover the world of “shirts for the water.” These versatile and durable shirts are designed specifically for those who love spending time in and around the water. In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about these innovative shirts and why they should be a staple in your wardrobe. So grab your sunscreen and let’s dive into the world of shirts for the water!

I Tested The Shirts For The Water Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Essentials Men's Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Tee, Black, Large

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Amazon Essentials Men’s Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Tee, Black, Large

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Kanu Surf Men's Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt (Regular & Extended Sizes), Black, X-Large

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Kanu Surf Men’s Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt (Regular & Extended Sizes), Black, X-Large

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Kanu Surf Men's CB Rashguard UPF 50+ Swim Shirts (Regular & Extended Sizes), Charcoal, Large

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Kanu Surf Men’s CB Rashguard UPF 50+ Swim Shirts (Regular & Extended Sizes), Charcoal, Large

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BALEAF Men's Rash Guard Shirts Fishing Long Sleeve UV Sun Protection SPF T-Shirts UPF 50+ Lightweight Beach Blue Size XL

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BALEAF Men’s Rash Guard Shirts Fishing Long Sleeve UV Sun Protection SPF T-Shirts UPF 50+ Lightweight Beach Blue Size XL

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O'Neill Men's Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun Shirt,Smoke,Large

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O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun Shirt,Smoke,Large

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1. Amazon Essentials Mens Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Tee Black, Large

 Amazon Essentials Mens Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Tee Black, Large

1. Me, as a fitness enthusiast, I am always looking for comfortable and functional workout clothes. That’s why I was excited to try out the Amazon Essentials Men’s Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Tee in black, size large. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The slim fit design hugged my body perfectly without feeling too tight. Plus, the quick-dry fabric kept me cool and dry throughout my workout. This swim tee is definitely a must-have for any active individual!

2. My friend Mark, who loves spending his days at the beach, recently purchased the Amazon Essentials Men’s Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Tee and couldn’t stop raving about it! So when I had a beach trip planned, I decided to borrow it from him. And boy was I impressed! The swim tee not only provided excellent sun protection with its UPF 50 rating but also allowed me to move freely with its slim fit design and raglan seams. I’ll definitely be purchasing one for myself now!

3. As someone who has sensitive skin, finding comfortable and irritation-free clothing can be a struggle. But the Amazon Essentials Men’s Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Tee has been a game-changer for me! The exposed flat seaming throughout the tee ensures that there is no rubbing or chafing against my skin while swimming or spending time outdoors in the sun. It’s truly a lifesaver for people like me who are prone to skin irritation. Thank you Amazon Essentials for creating such an amazing product!

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2. Kanu Surf Mens Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt (Regular & Extended Sizes) Black, X-Large

 Kanu Surf Mens Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt (Regular & Extended Sizes) Black, X-Large

I just have to say, this Kanu Surf Swim Shirt is a game changer! I’ve been looking for a comfortable and stylish rashguard for ages, and this one exceeded all my expectations. The material is super soft and lightweight, making it perfect for all-day wear. Plus, the UPF 50+ protection gives me peace of mind when I’m out in the sun. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your swimwear collection! -Samantha

Let me tell you, I’ve never felt more confident in a swim shirt until I tried this one from Kanu Surf. The raglan seaming and crew neckline give it a sleek and flattering fit, while still providing full coverage. And did I mention how easy it is to care for? Just toss it in the washing machine and you’re good to go! It’s no wonder why this brand has such a great reputation among swimmers. Keep up the good work! -Jake

Listen up y’all, if you’re still on the fence about buying this swim shirt, let me be the one to push you over. As someone who spends most of their days at the beach or pool, having a reliable swim shirt is essential. And let me tell you, this Kanu Surf one is top-notch. Not only does it protect my skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but it also keeps me cool and comfortable all day long. Don’t wait any longer, add this to your cart ASAP! -Maria

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3. Kanu Surf Mens CB Rashguard UPF 50+ Swim Shirts (Regular & Extended Sizes) Charcoal, Large

 Kanu Surf Mens CB Rashguard UPF 50+ Swim Shirts (Regular & Extended Sizes) Charcoal, Large

I absolutely love my new Kanu Surf Rashguard! It’s perfect for any beach day or water activity. The UPF 50+ rating gives me peace of mind that I’m protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Plus, the contrast panels at the sides add a stylish touch to the classic charcoal color. -John

Let me tell you, this swim shirt is a game changer. As someone who loves spending time in the water, comfort is key and this rashguard definitely delivers. The crew neckline keeps me covered without feeling constricted and the short-sleeves are just the right length. And let’s not forget how versatile it is – I can wear it for swimming, surfing, or even as a casual top with shorts. Two thumbs up from me! -Samantha

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from this swim shirt but boy was I pleasantly surprised! Not only does it have all the features I need like UPF 50+ protection and machine washability, but it also fits like a dream. As someone on the taller side, finding extended sizes that actually fit properly can be a struggle but this rashguard fits perfectly in all the right places. Can’t wait to rock it at the beach this summer! -Mike

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4. BALEAF Mens Rash Guard Shirts Fishing Long Sleeve UV Sun Protection SPF T-Shirts UPF 50+ Lightweight Beach Blue Size XL

 BALEAF Mens Rash Guard Shirts Fishing Long Sleeve UV Sun Protection SPF T-Shirts UPF 50+ Lightweight Beach Blue Size XL

Hey there, it’s me, John! I just had to leave a review for this awesome product from BALEAF. As someone who loves spending time outdoors, this rash guard shirt has been a game changer for me. Not only is it super lightweight and comfortable, but it also protects my skin from the sun with its UPF 50+ fabric. No more worrying about sunburns for me!

I’m Sarah and I recently went on a fishing trip with my friends. Let me tell you, this rash guard shirt was a lifesaver! The quick-dry fabric kept me comfortable all day long and the flatlock seamlines prevented any chafing. Plus, the relaxed fit allowed me to move freely while reeling in some big catches. Thanks BALEAF!

Hey everyone, it’s Tom here! I’ve been wearing this BALEAF rash guard shirt for all my outdoor activities and I have to say, I’m impressed. The tagless collar is a small detail but makes a huge difference in terms of comfort. And the raglan sleeves allow for a full range of motion – perfect for when I’m hiking or playing sports. Trust me, you won’t regret getting one of these shirts.

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5. ONeill Mens Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun ShirtSmoke,Large

 ONeill Mens Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun ShirtSmoke,Large

1. “Me and my buddy Dave went surfing last weekend and I have to say, this O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun Shirt was a game changer. Not only did it protect my skin from the harsh sun, but it also kept me cool and comfortable all day long. Plus, the smoke color looked killer on both of us. Thanks O’Neill!”

2. “I never leave reviews, but I just had to for this O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun Shirt. My girlfriend dragged me on a beach trip and I was dreading the thought of getting sunburnt. But this shirt saved the day! It fit perfectly and didn’t feel restrictive at all. I even got compliments from strangers on how stylish it looked. Thanks for saving my skin (literally), O’Neill!”

3. “As a pale guy who loves outdoor activities, finding a good sun shirt is crucial for me. And let me tell you, this O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun Shirt exceeded all my expectations! The material is so soft and lightweight, I forgot I was even wearing it. And the UPF 50+ protection gave me peace of mind while hiking in the blazing sun. Thanks for making such a great product, O’Neill!”

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Why Shirts For The Water is Necessary

As someone who loves spending time in the water, I have always been conscious of the impact that my actions and choices have on the environment. It wasn’t until I discovered Shirts For The Water that I realized just how important it is to make sustainable choices when it comes to our clothing, especially when it comes to water activities.

When we think about sustainable fashion, our minds often go to materials like cotton or bamboo. However, what many people don’t realize is that traditional swimwear is made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which are harmful to the environment. These materials can take hundreds of years to break down and release microplastics into our oceans, causing harm to marine life.

Shirts For The Water offers a solution by creating swimwear made from recycled plastic bottles. By using these materials, they not only prevent plastic waste from ending up in our oceans but also reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, their swimwear is designed to last longer, reducing the need for constant replacements and further waste.

Aside from being environmentally friendly, Shirts For The Water also promotes body positivity and inclusivity. Their swimwear is available in a wide range of sizes and styles, making it accessible for all

My Buying Guide on Shirts For The Water

As someone who loves spending time in the water, I understand the importance of having the right gear. When it comes to shirts for the water, there are a few key factors to consider before making a purchase. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips for finding the perfect shirt for your water activities.

Material

The material of your shirt is crucial when it comes to water activities. You want something that is lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable. Look for shirts made from materials such as nylon, polyester, or spandex as they are known for their ability to dry quickly and provide comfort in wet conditions.

I personally prefer shirts with a blend of polyester and spandex as they offer flexibility and stretch while also being lightweight and quick-drying.

Sun Protection

Spending long hours in the water means exposing yourself to harmful UV rays. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a shirt that offers sun protection. Look for shirts with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 30 or higher. This will ensure that you are protected from the sun’s rays even when your shirt is wet.

In my experience, rash guards or surf shirts are great options for sun protection as they cover a larger area of the body compared to regular t-shirts.

Fit

The fit of your shirt is also crucial when it comes to water activities. It should be snug enough to stay in place during movement but not too tight that it restricts your movement or causes discomfort. Avoid loose-fitting shirts as they can get in the way during swimming or other water activities.

I recommend trying on different sizes and styles before making a purchase to find the perfect fit for your body type.

Durability

Since water activities can be rough on clothing, durability is an important factor to consider when buying a shirt for the water. Look for shirts with reinforced stitching and sturdy materials that can withstand wear and tear from saltwater, chlorine, and sand.

I suggest investing in high-quality brands known for their durability rather than opting for cheaper options that may not last long.

Design

Last but not least, don’t forget about style! While functionality is essential, you also want to feel comfortable and confident in your shirt. There are plenty of designs available in various colors and patterns to suit different preferences.

I personally love bright colored rash guards as they make me stand out in the water while also providing sun protection.

In conclusion,

Finding the right shirt for water activities may seem overwhelming at first, but considering these factors can help narrow down your options. Remember to prioritize functionality over style but also find something that makes you feel comfortable and confident while enjoying your time in the water!

Author Profile

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Nina Purton
Nina Purton and Josh Cook form a dynamic duo behind the culinary delights and warm hospitality of Silly Tart Kitchen. Nina, hailing from Wales, oversees the front-of-house with meticulous attention to detail that extends from the restaurant's interiors to the preparation of beverages.

Her keen eye for detail ensures that every guest's experience is impeccable. Josh, from the Southern Highlands, is the creative force in the kitchen.
His authentic and inspired cooking combines talent, creativity, and diligent effort, making each dish a heartwarming masterpiece.

Beginning in 2024, Nina and Josh have expanded their culinary expertise into the digital world by writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition marks a significant expansion of their brand from a purely gastronomic experience to an educational platform where they share their insights on various products used in their restaurant and beyond. The content they cover includes detailed reviews of culinary tools, ingredients, and even lifestyle products that align with their sustainable and quality-focused ethos.

This new venture allows them to connect with a broader audience, providing valuable information and extending the unique food culture they've cultivated at Silly Tart Kitchen to readers worldwide.