Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD
I haven’t slathered any sunscreen on my arms, neck or torso for several years. There’s lots of reasons for this, some good, some questionable – but mostly because there’s no need. When I’m on my boat on a sunny summer day, I’m wearing a long sleeve, hooded shirt made of “performance fabric.”
This is a light weight, tight-weave fabric that wicks perspiration off my skin as quickly as it forms, sucks the moisture into the spaces between the threads in the cloth by capillary action and when it evaporates it makes the shirt feel cool on my skin since the evaporation process is nature’s air conditioning. The shirt offers as much sun protection as an SPF 50 sunscreen lotion and you never have to reapply it periodically as is needed with lotions.
Much of the summer, I’ve been sliding into my Infinity Hoodie made by Gill Fishing. It’s not the only long sleeve hoodie I own, but I’ve been using it more than the others just because I like it. The cloth doesn’t have the slick, almost nylon or satin-like feel that others in my collection have. It’s comfortable and has a cottony feel to it.
I chose the hooded version of this shirt for additional sun protection on my ears and the side of my face. Again, it has nothing to do with keeping warm. The accompanying photo was taken on a 90-degree day. When the hood isn’t up, it still covers more of my neck than the crew-neck version this shirt would offer.
The fabric is made of 90% recycled polyester fibers and 10% Spandex to give it enough stretch that it will never bind. There’s no special laundering required. I just toss it in with my other stinky fishing clothes for a regular wash and dry cycle.
I’m wearing the Mid Blue Melange color but you can see the other options and other Gill Fishing products at www.gillfishing.com. It’s available at many retailers both online and off including Amazon. If you purchase at the Gill Fishing website use the coupon code, CAPTMIKE10 at checkout for a 10% discount.
FISHING TOYS 