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Fishing Shirt Size Guide: How Should a Fishing Shirt Fit?
How to measure, how a fishing shirt should fit, and Switchbait's size charts for men, women and kids, all in one place.
The Quick Answer
A fishing shirt should fit relaxed, not tight. Lay a shirt that already fits you well flat on a table, measure the chest from armpit to armpit, and compare it with the size chart below. Leave room across the chest and shoulders for casting, and make sure long sleeves reach your wrists with your arms out in front. All measurements are in centimetres.
How to Measure Your Fishing Shirt Size
Switchbait's size charts are designed so you can find your size without trying a shirt on. Grab a shirt that fits you well, lay it flat and take three measurements:
Chest width
Measure straight across from armpit to armpit. This is the most important number.
Body length
Measure from the centre back of the collar down to the bottom hem.
Sleeve length
For long sleeves, measure from the shoulder seam to the sleeve opening.
How Should a Fishing Shirt Fit?
Room to cast
You should be able to reach overhead and across your body without the shirt pulling tight across your back.
Air around the body
A relaxed fit lets air move under the fabric, which keeps you cooler than a skin-tight shirt.
Sleeves to the wrist
With arms out in front, long sleeves should still cover your wrists so the sun can't get in.
Length that stays put
When you bend over to net a fish, the hem should still cover your lower back.
Unisex Adult Sizing (Sublimated Fishing Shirts)
This is Switchbait's unisex chart for sublimated fishing shirts, in sizes XS to 6XL.
| Size | Chest width armpit to armpit | Body length centre back to bottom | Long sleeve length shoulder seam to opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 50 | 68 | 63 |
| S | 52 | 70.5 | 64 |
| M | 54.5 | 73 | 65 |
| L | 58 | 75.5 | 66 |
| XL | 62 | 78 | 67 |
| 2XL | 66 | 80 | 68.5 |
| 3XL | 70 | 83 | 69.5 |
| 4XL | 74 | 85.5 | 71 |
| 5XL | 78 | 88 | 72 |
| 6XL | 82 | 90 | 73 |
Women's Active Cut Sizing
Switchbait's women's active cut uses ladies' sizing from L6 to L20, with a shaped fit through the body.
| Size | Chest width armpit to armpit | Body length centre back to bottom | Long sleeve length shoulder seam to opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| L6 | 44.5 | 60 | 59.5 |
| L8 | 46.5 | 60.5 | 60 |
| L10 | 50 | 61.5 | 60.5 |
| L12 | 52.5 | 63 | 61.5 |
| L14 | 54 | 64.5 | 62 |
| L16 | 56 | 66 | 62.5 |
| L18 | 58 | 67.5 | 63 |
| L20 | 61.5 | 68 | 64.5 |
Unisex or women's cut?
If you prefer a shaped fit, go with the women's active cut. If you like a looser, boxier shirt, many women choose the unisex chart instead. Compare your chest measurement against both before ordering.
Ordering for a whole team?
Switchbait provides a size chart for the garment styles you pick before you order.
Kids Fishing Shirt Sizing
Kids sizes run from K4 to K14. If your child is between sizes, many parents size up so the shirt lasts another season.
| Size | Chest width armpit to armpit | Body length centre back to bottom | Long sleeve length shoulder seam to opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| K4 | 35 | 48 | 33 |
| K6 | 37.5 | 51 | 37 |
| K8 | 40 | 53.5 | 41.5 |
| K10 | 42 | 56.5 | 47 |
| K12 | 44.5 | 59.5 | 50 |
| K14 | 47 | 60.5 | 54 |
Button-Up Fishing Shirt Sizing
Switchbait's button-up shirts follow their own adult chart, so check this one if you're buying a button-up like the Tommy or Bluewater.
| Size | Chest width armpit to armpit | Body length centre back to bottom |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 50 | 68 |
| S | 52 | 73 |
| M | 58 | 75 |
| L | 61 | 77 |
| XL | 65 | 79 |
| 2XL | 68 | 81 |
| 3XL | 71 | 83 |
| 4XL | 73 | 85 |
| 5XL | 76 | 87 |
| 6XL | 79 | 89 |
Stock the Full Size Range
Kids, women's and unisex UPF 50+ fishing shirts from one Australian supplier. Join the Switchbait retail program.
Sizing Tips Before You Order
- Between sizes? Size up for a looser, cooler fit and room to layer on cold mornings.
- Check the product page. Each Switchbait product has a size guide link, and charts can differ between garment styles.
- Custom team orders: screen-printed and embroidered garments can size slightly differently, so Switchbait sends the right chart for your chosen styles before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my fishing shirt size?
Lay a shirt that fits you well flat, measure the chest from armpit to armpit, then compare it with the chest width in the size chart. Body length and sleeve length help you fine-tune the choice.
Should a fishing shirt be tight or loose?
Relaxed. A fishing shirt should give you room to cast and let air move around your body, which keeps you cooler. It shouldn't pull across your back when you reach overhead.
What sizes do Switchbait kids fishing shirts come in?
Switchbait's kids size chart runs from K4 to K14. Check each product page for the sizes currently available in that design.
Are the measurements in the size chart in centimetres?
Yes. All Switchbait size chart measurements are in centimetres, measured with the garment laid flat.
Found Your Size?
Shop UPF 50+ fishing shirts for men, women and kids, or get custom shirts made for your club, crew or business.