I already had five of these shirts that I have purchased over the last six years. They are my favorite summer shirts — cool, comfortable and UPF protection. I was surprised to find that this is a much stiffer, uncomfortable, and much warmer shirt than any of my older Tropicware shirts. The color is Capri Blue which is darker than any of my older shirts but that should not make a difference.
Wore this shirt on 6 days (guy trip) kayak trip down Green River Utah. I was please how comfortable it was under a PFD. The long sleeves were not too hot during the day (75 - 80) and provide good sun protection. On shore the sleeves rolled up nicely and stayed in place and then provide good evening wear when it cooled off (40 at night). It shed dirt and mud, and looked about as good at the end of the trip as it did at the start. After washing, it really looked good.
Why is the old style shirt superior to this model? 1) Old style had straight hem; since shirt rarely tucked in, straight hem gives neater appearance. 2) Old style had 2 hidden zip pockets, a BIG advantage when out of country (e.g., passport, credit cards). 3) New style has no hidden pockets & velcro pocket closures - noisy, annoying to have to align every time you close, velcro attracts flotsam. 4) easier to get items (e.g. pen, glasses) in & out of patch pockets than Velcro closure pockets. 5) New style collar has sloppy, not neat appearance. When/if you go back to old style, I will buy again
Fits well and comfortable. Would give it a higher rating but no button holes in sleeve tabs. Don't use them but if this matters don't order because you will need to have it altered. Poor quality control.
