Folks, I need a good work shirt for sun protection when working outdoors. What I’d like would be long sleeved, without any tails so I wouldn’t have to keep it tucked in.
I’ve been looking around locally for the past few years and can’t find anything. Google isn’t any help either. Seems like all long sleeved shirts have the tails.
Anyone have a source for what I’m looking for??
Replies
Try Under Armour. They have some loose fitting designs in case you're not built like David. Keeps the sun off you and keeps you dry. They're pricey, though.
I go to any thrift store, Salvation Army mainly, a buy used long sleeved cotton blend dress shirts for $1 or less. At that price, if you don't like the tails, cut 'em off.
Hi Joe. You may like what tarpon fishermen wear. Here is one example, there are many others.
http://www.sunclothingetc.com/acatalog/Online_Catalog_Tarponwear_Imperial_Long_Sleeve_Shirt_102.html
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Try Cabela's or Bass Pro Shop. Maybe visit a surfer shop somewhere near you. There's a few good materials out there that offer UV protection."She wrote a long letter, on a short piece of paper." Traveling Wilburys
Try your local Academy and check for the knock-off columbia shirts; the vented ones are typically designed to be worn "out."
Capn
They dont have Acadamy's everywhere - you Texans think the whole world is like Texas!
I have know idea if Acadamy's are in the southern Calif. area.
Doug
They dont have Acadamy's everywhere - you Texans think the whole world is like Texas!
Well, they're most everywhere here . . . and "here" is the same distance as Texarkana to Chicago; and/or El Paso to LA
Will have to sse, too--Gander Mountain just plopped down next door to our Academy . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
We have Gander Mt here, never saw Acadamy's anywhere except TX.
Doug
To add to what Hud said, part of the dermitoligist's method is that you go in and they "map" all the spots on your skin. Then on subsequent visits they compair spots to what they looked like a year ago, or whatever, and if there are changes, they take action.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=925191&memberId=12500226
Just like the more expensive Columbia type shirts but a much better price. Cool and comfortable. I have one for each day of the week.
http://www.academy.com/
Store locater button up top.
http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=locator&postalCode=28762&imageField.x=16&imageField.y=8
Dicks Sports also:
When I lived down in San Marcos, Tx I saw the Acadamy's but had never heard of them before going down there.
I know that they just opened up a Dicks here in Cedar Rapids, Ia. in the last 6 mo. or so, I'll have to check them out.
I miss the Acadamy's though, they had everything!
Doug
I have never been in Academy Sports, we have Dick's here. Was in Augusta, Ga this weekend and meant to check it out. My son get a lot there. He had a bad spot cut out and has a tree/irrigation/landscape business and is outside all the time.
He had a bad spot cut out and has a tree/irrigation/landscape business and is outside all the time.
Man I see those guys, and roofers and framers and.........., out in the sun all day long without any shirts on and wonder if that isn't going to be the next big epidemic in medicine. I did it too when I was young and will probably pay for it before I die.
Doug
Edited 7/4/2007 2:37 pm ET by DougU
Most regular shirts aren't going to give you sun protection because of the loose weave. If you really want to avoid melanoma you should spring for a shirt that has UPF value. They are lightweight, but not cheap. The swim shirts are closer fitting, which is probably good if you want to avoid catching clothing. Here's a few places that carry them:
http://www.solartex.com/
http://www.sunprecautions.com/
http://www.coolibar.com/men-s-clothing.html
Low end-thrift store is great. I am now wearing a 2.5$ short sleeved plaid fitted shirt as such. Long-sleevers a plenty too.
High end, go to any outdoor store--REI, or local backpacking spot. Try patagonia.com Patagonia has all manner of technical clothing. Lots for tropical climes--surfing and fishing.
LL Bean
I do exactly what Hudson Valley Carpenter does. All my gray pocket t-shirts that go so well in the hot summer days are Salvation Army seconds. When I crap 'em up with caulk, dirt & grease, out they go. For a buck a piece, you can't beat it.
When I plastered I bought white oversize dress cotton shirts for a few bucks and they would last a few months. Sort of like a smock.
Columbia PFG , I decide to make them my summer uniform this year ,I have a total of 10 , they fabric has uv protection , the venting helps keep you cool , the material dries quickly if you get wet (sweat or rain )
the small pockets are useful
I really like them
http://www.columbia.com/Product.aspx?top=1&p=4358&cat=15020&viewAll=False
Boy you guys are keeping me busy!http://www.woodsshop.com
T-shirt & Sunscreen
"Even if embryonic stem cells are absolutely good for nothing at all how can anyone in good conscience be against using them for research given that they are going to be destroyed anyway"? J.Hayes
http://www.john-lennon.com/imagine-neilyoung.ra
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Just an interesting note: the incidence of skin cancer has actually gone up since the popularity of sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal and just because one isn't getting burned doesn't mean one isn't getting UV damage.
Just an interesting note: the incidence of skin cancer has actually gone up since the popularity of sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal and just because one isn't getting burned doesn't mean one isn't getting UV damage.
According to what I've read and heard from one dermatologist, sun block can only protect skin from burning, not from the rays which cause skin cancer.
As a light skinned fool who didn't believe in any kind of protection, I'm now forced to cover up all the time. Since finding and removing two skin cancers, I now go for exams and treatment of pre-cancerous stuff, twice a year.
I could've avoided this kind of restriction and concern if I'd covered up when I was working outside.
Hud
Where do you go for those exams? Dermatologist or your regular doc?
I grew up working on farms and like you I'm fare skinned but would tan to a dark shade by summers end, never wore a shirt from April thru Sept. I'm wondering if I wont be paying for that someday.
Doug
Hud
Where do you go for those exams? Dermatologist or your regular doc?
Dermatologists have specific training about what to look for, on going training which makes them better prepared to decide when to do a biopsy.
When a melanoma in situ mole appeared on my back, the dermatologist noticed something just slightly out of the ordinary. That early detection allowed for a complete success in removing the small cancer before it could get into my body.
The dermatologist visit usually includes freezing off small pre-cancerous growths called AK's. Liquid nitrogen is applied, either by aerosol spray or dobbed on with a long Q tip. It's not painful, just a mild sting, and it's a nice relief knowing that you're staying ahead of problems.
me to , dermatologist told me if I where to spend the rest of my days in a cave and never see daylight again I would still need to be checked twice a year for skin cancer . when I was young well you got sunburned , no big deal
I wish my Scottish ancestors had been a little more convivial with their more pigmented European neighbours. A bit more melanin in my skin would have made my life a lot easier.
I'm just hearing this recently though - I've been pushing sunblock on my family only to discover that I may be allowing their tender young skin to get damaged. The only time I ever went to a dermatologist(with my freckled, fair-skinned husband), his advice was "wear sunscreen". We do cover ups and hats as well, but not all the time - especially in the water.
any sunblock over "15" is just more chemicals.
met a top notch pediatric skin doc specialist right around the time our first was born at one of the wifes fancy work functions ... she said 15 and no more ...
especially for infants. And toddlers ... and older kids!
my Mom has a bit of skin cancer removed ever coupla years ... her Doc confirmed the info. For her ... he still recommends a stronger UV rating ... but only due to the alternative. But he also said anything higher than 15 is just a stronger chemical wash.
me ... I like one coat of 4 first thing then just let the tan burn in ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I'm just hearing this recently though - I've been pushing sunblock on my family only to discover that I may be allowing their tender young skin to get damaged. The only time I ever went to a dermatologist(with my freckled, fair-skinned husband), his advice was "wear sunscreen". We do cover ups and hats as well, but not all the time - especially in the water.
When the melanoma in situ was found on my back, I asked the dermatologist how I might have avoided it. He told me the most important time of life for protecting the skin from later cancers is childhood. He said that one bad burn per year in childhood is enough to damage the skin irreparably.
He also told me that, other than the importance of avoiding sun burn during childhood, fair skinned people should remember that damage is also cumulative so covering up is important at all times in life.
Again, there are two types of UV rays. The first is the type that burns the surface of the skin and can be blocked with creams and lotions. The second is the type that goes through chemical blocks and damages the skin at a deeper level, eventually causing cancer.
Right - and how many bad burns have I prevented using sunblock when my childrens' skin was still getting damaged? That's the question that is on my mind, even though there is nothing I can do about the past.
Right - and how many bad burns have I prevented using sunblock when my childrens' skin was still getting damaged? That's the question that is on my mind, even though there is nothing I can do about the past.
Well, most of us have done what we believed was prudent to prevent future health problems, only later to discover that we had been mis-informed or poorly informed about the real dangers. I've been fortunate in that I've learned to be intuitive and inquisitive about health issues. That's made a big difference in keeping up with, or ahead of, matters of concern.
All any of us can do is alter our behavior to fit the latest, most conservative opinions on topics of this kind.
I can say that the areas of my body which received the most cumulative sunlight, my forearms and face, are the places were the AKs are most prevalent. New ones pop up regularly. They are dry patches of rough skin, sometimes red. They began appearing in my late forties, early fifties.
"Not all sunscreens are created equal and just because one isn't getting burned doesn't mean one isn't getting UV damage."my dermatologost said I should use this stuffSkinceuticals, ultimate UV defense, SPF 30stuff is expensive, especially from him, but a found a web site that I got it for $26/3oz tube.
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter WFR
"But when you're a kibbutzer and have no responsibility to decide the facts and apply the law, you can reach any conclusion you want because it doesn't matter." SHG
Wow - that sure makes the solarweave hats and shirts start to look cheap.
Try checking this place out http://www.duluthtrading.com
Look at either Under Armor or Nike Dry-Fit clothing in the runner's section of a sporting goods store. I've got a couple that are basically long-sleeve T's that are made out of nice, light, loose fitting cool material that breathes really well and doesn't feel 'wet' when you sweat in 'em. I like 'em for jogging in the summer when I've already got too much sun for one day.
Try Duluth. They have some long sleeve T shirts and other items that might suit you. I have a lot of their short sleeve T shirts. http://www.duluthtrading.com
Your question is not as simple as it may first seem. Here are some of my thoughts ...
Some "tried and true" solutions won't work, for durability issues. Yet, it's worth considering what I have seen in my travels. In dealing with heat and sun, there seem to be two approaches:
A) Hot and Humid areas seem to favor exposing skin.
B) Extremely sunny, or hot & dry areas, seem to favor covering up. Yet, even here there are two approaches:
B-1) Light, airy, loose gauze-type fabric, in white. The white seems to reflect heat; the loose weave seems to help evaporate perspiration.
B-2) Black fabric, sometimes even quilted, with ports under the armpits and loose collars. The idea here seems to be to have you carry your own shade ... and promote airflow under the garment with a 'chimney' effect.
Now, for work clothing:
I'm surprised no one has suggested army-style BDU's. They are available in a variety of fabrics, including a lightweight 'rip stop' fabric. There are many colors available. The classic design has been modified by many 'tactical' clothing retailers. These shirts ("jackets") are not intended to be tucked in, and often have an additional pair of pockets at hip level. Some of these also have under-arm vents.
US Cavalry and Brigade Quartermaster are two vendors that come to mind.
Sunscreen, sunscreen. While I'm not about to hop on the 'slather up' bandwagon ... it has it's uses. A few points to consider:
Ratings less than 15 are not suitable for all-day exposure- especially at higher altitudes.
If you're applying bug repellent as well, cut the sunscreen rating in half; and,
Cuts and scrapes need very heavy sun protection ... until there's a good scab, the underlying skin will easily burn - and never heal.
On the topic of sunscreen, I just found this web site:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php
which looked at UVA protection (the cancer causing UV) and durability in almost every sunscreen imaginable. It turns out that good old zinc is pretty good protection.
Great link!http://www.woodsshop.com