Tired of fishing shirts that are too tight, too short, or just don’t fit right? You’re not alone! For those with larger builds, finding the perfect fishing shirt can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Limited size options, awkward fits, and frustrating shopping experiences often leave big and tall anglers settling for gear that just doesn’t cut it. But here’s the good news: your days of struggling with ill-fitting fishing shirts are over. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding the best big and tall fishing shirts—whether you’re looking for plus-size fishing shirts or fishing shirts for larger men. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to a shirt that offers the perfect blend of comfort, performance, and confidence on the water.
When choosing the perfect fishing shirt, there are several key factors to consider ensuring you’re getting the most out of your gear.
Fabric
· Moisture-wicking materials: like polyester or blends that keep you dry and comfortable, even on hot days.
· Breathability: a good shirt should allow for plenty of air movement to mitigate sweating.
· UPF sun protection: is also essential to shield you from harmful UV rays.
· Quick-drying properties” ensure you stay comfortable after a splash.
· Fit: how it feels matters just as much. A good fishing shirt should be comfortable and non-restrictive, with sufficient length in the torso and sleeves to accommodate movement.
· Features: Either—vented backs for ventilation, roll-up sleeves for versatility, and practical pockets for storage can make a world of difference. Additionally, sun collars or hoods provide extra protection during long days on the water.
· Durability: strong stitching and rugged fabrics that can withstand wear and tear will ensure your shirt lasts season after season. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to find a fishing shirt that meets all your needs, no matter what your size.
Top Retailers for Big and Tall Fishing Shirts
Let’s get into the best places to actually buy those elusive big and tall fishing shirts! This is the heart of your search, and we’ve broken it down into two key areas: dedicated big & tall retailers and general outdoor retailers that often stock extended sizes. This way, you can find what you need regardless of where you prefer to shop.
Dedicated Big & Tall Retailers
These retailers focus specifically on clothing for men with larger builds, making it easier to find the sizes and styles you need.
- DXL (Destination XL): DXL is a go-to destination for big and tall men’s apparel, and their fishing shirt selection often includes well-known brands like Columbia, Nautica, and Cutter & Buck. You can usually find performance fabrics and features tailored for outdoor activities. Be sure to check their website for current promotions and sales – they often have deals on seasonal apparel!
- KingSize: KingSize is another excellent option for finding big and tall men’s clothing, including a variety of fishing shirts. They frequently carry their own brand, offering affordable and comfortable options, alongside other reputable outdoor brands. Keep an eye out for their sales and discounts, especially around holidays and seasonal changes!
- Casual Male XL: Similar to DXL, Casual Male XL provides a dedicated shopping experience for big and tall men. They carry a range of fishing shirts, often including brands like Columbia and Harbor Bay, known for their comfort and durability. Browse their website for clearance items and special offers to get a great deal on your next fishing shirt
General Outdoor Retailers (with Big & Tall Options)
While dedicated big & tall stores are great, sometimes you want to shop at the bigger outdoor retailers you already know and trust. These stores often carry extended sizes, but you might need to do a little more searching.
- Bass Pro Shops: Bass Pro Shops is a massive outdoor retailer that carries everything you need for hunting, fishing, and camping. They typically carry brands like Bass Pro Shops’ own brand, Columbia, World Wide Sportsman, and Ascend. Be sure to check the size filters on their website and filter by “big and tall” or your specific size to narrow down your search!
- Cabela’s: Similar to Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s offers a vast selection of outdoor gear, including fishing apparel. You can often find big and tall fishing shirts from brands like Cabela’s own brand, Columbia, and Under Armour. Don’t forget to use the size filters on the website to quickly find the sizes you need!
- Academy Sports + Outdoors: Academy Sports + Outdoors is a great option for finding more affordable fishing shirts. They often carry brands like Magellan Outdoors (Academy’s in-house brand), Columbia, and Under Armour.
Dick’s Sporting Goods: While their selection of big and tall fishing shirts might be smaller than other retailers, Dick’s Sporting Goods is still worth a look. They sometimes carry extended sizes from brands like Columbia and Under Armour.
Top Brands for Big and Tall Fishing Shirts
Now, let’s zoom in on some of the brands themselves. While you can find these brands at the retailers mentioned above, it’s good to know which brands are actively catering to the big and tall market. This section might overlap a bit with the retailer section, but it puts the spotlight on the brands making a concerted effort to offer extended sizes.
- Columbia Sportswear: Columbia is a household name in outdoor apparel, and they’re a solid choice for big and tall fishing shirts. Look for their Bahama II™ Long Sleeve Shirt, or the Tamiami™ II Long Sleeve Shirt – many of their popular models come in extended sizes. Their fishing shirts are known for UPF sun protection, moisture-wicking Omni-Wick™ technology, and comfortable fits.
- Huk Gear: Huk Gear has recently made a big push to include Big and Tall sizes. If you are someone who loves to sport a fishing shirt with amazing design, be sure to check them out. Their fishing shirts are known for their focus on design and performance.
- Pelagic Gear: Pelagic Gear is another high-performing design company that has been getting better and better, also focusing on incorporating big and tall sizes to their lineup. These have a lot of colors and designs for avid fishermen who like to sport their colors.
- Simms Fishing Products: If you’re looking for high-end quality and durability, Simms is worth considering. While not all their shirts are available in big and tall sizes, they do offer some options in extended sizes. Check their website for models like the SolarFlex® Guide Cooling Shirt. Simms is known for its durable construction and focus on technical performance.
- Under Armour: Under Armour offers athletic-fit fishing shirts in big and tall sizes. Look for their Iso-Chill and HeatGear® lines. Under Armour is known for its performance fabrics and athletic designs.
- Grundéns: Known for their rugged waterproof gear, Grundéns also makes durable fishing shirts. Check for their Gage Technical Fishing Shirt. Grundéns gear is built to withstand harsh conditions, making it a great choice for serious anglers.
Sizing Tips for Big and Tall Fishing Shirts
Finding the right size is always important, but it’s especially critical when you’re buying big and tall clothing. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect fit and avoid the hassle of returns:
- Measure Yourself Accurately: Don’t guess your size! Use a flexible measuring tape to measure your:
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, which is usually just above your hip bones.
- Sleeve Length: Measure from the center of your back at the base of your neck, across your shoulder, and down to your wrist.
- Consult Size Charts: Once you have your measurements, always check the brand’s size chart before ordering. Size charts can vary significantly between brands, so don’t assume that your usual size will fit. Most retailers will have a link near the item, or within the product description.
- Pay Attention to Fit Descriptions: Look for descriptions like “relaxed fit,” “classic fit,” “athletic fit,” or “generous fit.” These can give you clues about how the shirt will fit. If you prefer a looser fit, look for “relaxed” or “generous” fits.
- Read Customer Reviews: Before you buy, take a few minutes to read customer reviews. Pay attention to comments about the fit. Did people find that the shirt ran true to size, or did they recommend sizing up or down?
- Consider Layering: If you plan to wear the fishing shirt over a t-shirt or base layer, consider sizing up to ensure a comfortable fit.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Return: Most retailers offer easy returns and exchanges. If a shirt doesn’t fit properly, don’t hesitate to return it and try a different size. It’s better to get the right fit than to be stuck with a shirt you’ll never wear.
Care Tips for Fishing Shirts (Help extend the life of the shirts)
You’ve finally found the perfect big and tall fishing shirt, so let’s keep it looking great for years to come! Here are some simple care tips to extend the life of your fishing shirts:
Read the Label: Always check the care label on your fishing shirt for specific washing instructions. This is the most important step!
Wash in Cold Water: Washing your fishing shirts in cold water helps prevent fading and shrinking.
Use a Mild Detergent: Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as these can damage the fabric.
Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can reduce the moisture-wicking properties of your fishing shirts.
Hang to Dry: Hanging your fishing shirts to dry is the best way to prevent shrinking and maintain their shape. If you must use a dryer, tumble dry on low heat.
Wash After Every Use: Wash your fishing shirt after every use, especially if you’ve been sweating heavily or exposed to saltwater.
Treat Stains Promptly: If you get a stain on your fishing shirt, treat it as soon as possible. Use a stain remover that’s safe for the fabric.
Store Properly: Store your fishing shirts in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
By following these simple care tips, you can keep your big and tall fishing shirts looking great and performing well.
So, there you go: your ultimate guide to finding big and tall fishing shirts that actually fit and perform! We’ve covered the key features to look for, highlighted the top retailers and brands that cater to larger builds, and provided practical tips for sizing and care. The key takeaway is that you don’t have to settle for ill-fitting gear that compromises your comfort and performance on the water.
Finding the right big and tall fishing shirt might take a little effort, but it’s absolutely possible! Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the perfect shirt right away. Keep searching, follow our tips, and you’ll be reeling in the big ones in comfort and style in no time!