I absolutely LOVE this shirt! I've been purchasing these shirts for several years now, and have never been disappointed in them! I weight 165lbs and the medium is spot on! I am a thru-hiker, fishermen, all around hiker, and outdoorsman, and can say the colors, weight of the shirt, coverage and breathability is spot on too. Although, I can understand what people claim about the sleeves being too short though. For example, when fishing (casting etc), the sleeves tend to ride up a little bit. However, Bean makes another "bugs-away" shirt specifically for fishing and the like which can be bought if this doesn't "float your boat"... No pun intended. Mostly, I wear these all summer long for Audobon Society events and wearing for errands around town. As I said, they always look fantastic (without drying, they won't need to be ironed on "low heat" as long as you hang them right away). They hold there color forever.. And I mean NEVER... EVER... wear out! The buttons stay on perfectly well (unlike other shirts where I've had to "re-sew" them). The button down collar is a plus (for me anyways), and makes it look "classic"... With a pair of jeans, or casual pants (summer style or "Dockers"...), these are by FAR and away... my most worn shirts of the summer. I've worn these up to nearly 100 degrees with a light-weight tee shirt beneath without any problems. They are light-weight enough to wear in the harsh Sun because they breath (ventilated) well; within obvious limits of any button up shirt. I've gotten more compliments on these shirts than any other Ex-Officio or RailRiders shirts I own (which cost two or three times the price of this "Bean" shirt). All in all, this is one of the most versatile shirts I've ever owned. And I only hope that Bean NEVER changes it in any way (as most companies do when I discover a favorite item of clothing). Except of course... To add about twenty more colors!
Over the years I have bought six of these shirts, five of them white. It is about all I wear in the summer because it is so versatile. If it's sunny, I roll down the sleeves so I don't need sunscreen; shade-up, AC cool-down. It travels and washes well. Now I want to buy another white and there is none listed as an option! Very disappointing! Please offer white again!
I'm fair skinned and burn very easily in the summer. This shirt is the best I have found for sun burn protection. I have 5 of them. Several friends and strangers have stopped me and asked "That's a nice looking shirt. Where did you get it from?" I tell them L.L. Bean.
