A loose UPF fishing shirt beats a rash guard for sun protection.

Yes. Rash guards work, but they’re tight and clingy. A UPF-rated long-sleeve fishing shirt (like Columbia’s PFG line) is loose, breathes better, and still blocks 98% of UV. You stay cooler and don’t look like you’re about to surf.

The trick is to get one made for hot weather — vented back, roll-up sleeves with button tabs, quick-dry fabric. Wear it untucked over swim trunks. Pairs fine with a bucket hat and polarized sunglasses.

Don’t wear an old cotton T-shirt. It offers almost no UV protection, especially when wet. A dedicated UPF shirt costs about the same as a rash guard and works better for casual beach days.

If you want zero shirt tan lines, a sun hoodie works too — just make sure it’s loose and UPF-rated. Same protection, less sun on the neck.

Future you will thank present you for not looking like a lobster in a wetsuit.