Sun Gear

Premium UPF 50+ sun protection clothing designed by anglers, for anglers. Block 98% of harmful UV rays while staying cool and comfortable on the water.

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Women's HELIOS Hooded Sun Shirt - Hooded - Camo - WindRider

Women's HELIOS Hooded Sun Shirt

$45.00

Complete Guide to Sun Protection Clothing for Fishing & Outdoor Activities

Understanding UPF Ratings: What UPF 50+ Really Means

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how much UV radiation can penetrate fabric. UPF 50+ is the highest rating available, blocking 98% of both UVA and UVB rays. For comparison:

  • UPF 15-24: Good protection (93.3-95.8% UV blocked)
  • UPF 25-39: Very good protection (96.0-97.4% UV blocked)
  • UPF 40-50+: Excellent protection (97.5-98%+ UV blocked)

Our Helios long sleeve fishing shirts feature UPF 50+ protection, providing maximum defense against sun damage during long days on the water.

Why Choose Sun Protective Clothing Over Sunscreen

While sunscreen remains important for exposed skin, sun protective clothing offers several advantages:

  • Consistent Protection: Unlike sunscreen that requires reapplication every 2 hours, UPF clothing provides constant protection all day
  • No Chemicals: Avoid skin irritation and chemical absorption from repeated sunscreen use
  • Cost-Effective: One quality sun shirt lasts years, while sunscreen requires constant replacement
  • Guaranteed Coverage: No missed spots or uneven application
  • Sweat & Water Resistant: Protection stays effective even when wet or sweating

For comprehensive protection, browse our complete sun protection fishing apparel collection.

Fabric Technology: How Sun Shirts Keep You Cool

Modern sun protection clothing uses advanced fabric engineering to provide both UV defense and comfort:

  • Tight Weave Construction: Dense fabric weaving physically blocks UV rays from reaching skin
  • Synthetic Performance Fibers: Polyester and nylon blends wick moisture 10x faster than cotton
  • Lightweight Materials: Thin, breathable fabrics allow airflow while maintaining UV protection
  • Quick-Dry Technology: Moisture evaporates rapidly, creating a natural cooling effect
  • Ventilation Zones: Strategic mesh panels and venting increase breathability

The hooded Helios fishing shirts with gaiter combine maximum coverage with breathable fabric technology for all-day comfort.

Moisture Wicking: Staying Dry Under the Sun

Moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from your skin to the outer surface where it evaporates quickly. This process:

  • Regulates body temperature by preventing sweat buildup
  • Reduces chafing and discomfort from wet clothing
  • Prevents bacterial growth that causes odor
  • Keeps you feeling fresh during extended outdoor activities

All Helios sun protection shirts feature moisture-wicking technology with quick-dry performance.

Fit and Coverage: Choosing the Right Style

Effective sun protection requires adequate coverage combined with comfortable fit:

  • Long Sleeves: Essential for arm protection; look for extended cuffs with thumb holes
  • High Collar: Protects the back of neck, a common sunburn area for anglers
  • Hooded Options: Hooded fishing shirts with built-in gaiters provide head, neck, and face coverage
  • Relaxed vs Athletic Fit: Relaxed fits allow better airflow; athletic fits reduce fabric flapping in wind
  • Extended Length: Longer back hem prevents exposure when bending or reaching

Check our detailed size chart to find your perfect fit.

When to Wear Sun Protection Clothing

UV protection is critical year-round, not just summer. Wear sun protective clothing during:

  • Water Activities: UV reflection off water increases exposure by up to 25%
  • High Altitude: UV intensity increases 10-12% per 1,000 meters elevation
  • Peak Sun Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM when UV rays are strongest
  • Cloudy Days: Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds
  • Winter Activities: Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays

For year-round fishing protection, explore options from basic long sleeve sun shirts to full-coverage hooded designs with gaiters.

Quality Indicators in Sun Protective Clothing

When investing in sun protection gear, look for these quality markers:

  • UPF Certification: Verified UPF 50+ rating from independent testing
  • Quality Zippers: YKK or equivalent for durability
  • Flatlock Seams: Reduce chafing during extended wear
  • Reinforced Stress Points: Enhanced durability at shoulders and elbows
  • Warranty Coverage: Quality brands stand behind their products - all WindRider gear is backed by our industry-leading lifetime warranty

Caring for Your Sun Protection Clothing

Proper care maintains UPF protection and extends garment life:

  • Machine wash cold with mild detergent
  • Avoid bleach and fabric softeners (can degrade UV protection)
  • Line dry or tumble dry low heat
  • Don't iron unless necessary (heat can damage protective fibers)
  • Store in cool, dry location away from direct sunlight

Learn more in our comprehensive UPF rated clothing guide.

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UPF 50+ Protection

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Moisture-Wicking Technology

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Quick-Dry Performance

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Lifetime Warranty

Stay Protected on the Water with Premium UPF 50+ Clothing

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does UPF 50+ mean in sun protection clothing?

UPF 50+ is the highest sun protection rating available for fabric, blocking at least 98% of both UVA and UVB rays. This means only 1/50th of the sun's UV radiation can penetrate the fabric. It's equivalent to SPF 50 sunscreen but provides consistent, all-day protection without needing reapplication.

How is sun protective clothing better than sunscreen?

Sun protective clothing offers several advantages over sunscreen: it provides consistent all-day protection without reapplication, eliminates missed spots or uneven coverage, avoids chemical absorption into skin, remains effective when wet or sweating, and proves more cost-effective over time since quality garments last for years.

Will UPF 50+ clothing keep me cool while fishing?

Yes. Modern UPF 50+ fishing shirts use lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from skin and dry quickly. This creates a natural cooling effect that often makes you feel cooler than wearing no shirt at all. The fabric blocks heat from direct sun exposure while allowing airflow to regulate body temperature.

Do I still need sunscreen when wearing UPF clothing?

Yes, sunscreen is still recommended for areas not covered by clothing, such as hands, face (if not wearing a gaiter), and any exposed skin. However, UPF 50+ clothing drastically reduces the amount of sunscreen needed, saving money and minimizing chemical exposure.

What's the difference between hooded and non-hooded sun shirts?

Non-hooded sun shirts protect arms, shoulders, and torso, while hooded versions with built-in gaiters provide additional coverage for head, neck, ears, and face. Hooded options are ideal for extreme sun exposure, tropical fishing, or for anglers who've had skin cancer concerns. The gaiter can be pulled up for maximum protection or worn down when not needed.

How should sun protection clothing fit?

Sun shirts should fit comfortably without being tight or restrictive. A slightly relaxed fit allows better airflow for cooling while maintaining full UV protection. Look for extended cuffs with thumb holes to protect hands, high collars for neck coverage, and longer back hems that stay tucked when bending or casting. Check our size chart for specific measurements.

Will washing affect the UPF protection?

Quality UPF 50+ clothing maintains its protection through hundreds of washes when cared for properly. The UV protection comes from the tight fabric weave and fiber construction, not a coating that can wash away. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can degrade fibers over time. Machine wash cold and line dry for best results.

Can sun protection clothing be worn in winter?

Absolutely. UV rays are present year-round and can be intensified by snow reflection. UPF 50+ base layers provide excellent sun protection during winter fishing, ice fishing, or snow sports. The moisture-wicking properties also help regulate temperature by keeping sweat away from skin, making them versatile for multiple seasons.

The best fishing shirts combine superior sun protection with performance features that keep you comfortable during long days on the water. WindRider Helios UPF 50+ fishing shirts deliver both, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays while drying faster and weighing less than any competitor on the market.

What separates Helios from ordinary sun protection fishing apparel? Performance data tells the story. Our UPF fishing shirts dry in just 10-15 minutes after getting wet, compared to 25-40 minutes for Columbia PFG and AFTCO shirts. At 4.2 oz per square yard, Helios fabric is 30% lighter than Columbia and 40% lighter than AFTCO, eliminating the fatigue that comes from wearing heavy, waterlogged shirts in the summer heat.

Durability matters when you invest in fishing gear. Independent testing shows Helios maintains its UPF 50+ rating after 100+ washes, while competitor shirts degrade to UPF 30-40 within the first season. Our anti-microbial treatment outlasts other brands by 2x, so your shirt stays fresh trip after trip.

Choose from multiple configurations to match your fishing style. The Hooded Helios with Gaiter offers complete face and neck coverage for offshore anglers facing intense sun exposure. The classic Helios Long Sleeve Sun Shirt provides versatile all-day protection with a streamlined fit. For maximum coverage in extreme conditions, the Atoll Hooded Shirt with Gaiter features our most advanced ventilation system.

Every WindRider fishing shirt comes backed by our industry-leading 99-day guarantee, giving you three times longer than the standard 30-day return window to ensure these shirts perform on your water. At 0-70, you get professional-grade sun protection at half the price of inferior alternatives from Columbia, Simms, or AFTCO.

Ready to upgrade your sun protection? Learn the science behind UPF ratings in our comprehensive guide: 13 Things You Need to Know About UPF Rated Clothing.