Sunday Afternoons Providea UV Protection and Comfort with their Classic Island Breeze Shirt (continued)
 

Sun Protection: Yes, harmful ultraviolet rays can penetrate normal clothes even though normal long sleeve protection is better than none at all. That’s why the Sunday Afternoons Island Breeze is such a good shirt to wear while fishing. The shirt has a rating of UPF 40+. The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating system measures the UV protection provided by fabric, similar to SPF rating system for sunblock. The Sunday Afternoons Island Breeze delivers excellent protection by UPF standards and blocks 97.5 percent of the sun’s UV rays or more. The only other rating that’s higher is UPF 50+ which would make such a garment the best for UV protection. Though offered by other manufacturers, Sunday Afternoon, does not yet offer this degree of protection available in their product.

Sleeve tabs for short sleeve convenience

On the water the Island Breeze UPF 40+ provided plenty of UV protection. Not one time did I get sunburn when wearing just the shirt alone fishing from sunrise to sunset in 100+ degree conditions. Wearing the light-colored and loose clothing also kept the UV rays and heat off of my skin.

A closer look at the under-arm vent

Durability: This is a very well made shirt that is sewn together well and makes use of top notch materials. Mine has survived countless washings and not once have I had any issues with the durability of the Island Breeze shirt. One thing that people might be curious about is the longevity UV protection. Is the UV layer permanent or will it wash off after a few cycles in the washing machine? I spoke to Robbin Lacy, Vice President of Sunday Afternoons and here’s what he had to say, “The Island Breeze shirt has a mechanical construction and permanent UV finish that lends to the 40+ UPF rating. This rating is good for the life of the garment and will never wash off.”

Striper fishing with the Sunday Afternoon shirt in the heat of the Summer

Washing: When I first received the Island Breeze, the first thing Robbin told me was that if you wash the shirt the night after your fishing trip and hang it, it’ll be dry by morning and ready for you to wear again. That’s exactly what I experienced in Mexico, where laundry service was available daily but wasn’t quick enough for me to use again the next morning. So I proceeded to hand wash the Island Breeze at night and hang dry it. By morning shirt was completely dry and ready for another day on the water.

A worms eye view of the back vent

And if you wanted to toss it in the washer with your other clothes, go right ahead. Just make sure you follow the washing and drying instructions on the tag. The Island Breeze shirt is wrinkle-free but if need be you can touch it up with an iron at the right settings. The micro-polyester fabric that Sunday Afternoons uses is also anti-microbial, meaning that the material will kill or inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoan, as well as destroying viruses. In plain English for anglers, it will keep your shirt odor-free even if you sweat like a dog in the Summer heat.

Field testing in Lake El Novillo, Mexico when the early Spring months reach well into the 100 degree F

Price and Applications: Sixty dollars ($60) is a great price for a comfortable shirt that is built of quality material and offers excellent UV protection. The Island Breeze Shirt is an excellent choice for any angler fishing once a month or even a few times per week. Wear it and fish for bass, the flats, coastal, or offshore this shirt can handle it without any problems, protecting you against the harmful sun rays by blocking 97.5 percent of UV radiation. Wear it, wash it that same night, and wear it again the next day. Great for those who are traveling light and don’t have quick access to a washer/dryer.