I spend most of my time over in the Touring Forum but thought you guys might have some insight!!
I have moved to wearing knickers over my cycling shorts for both appearance and sun block reasons. But I seem to be having a hard time finding reasonably priced shirts. Since we tour I would like something that is wicking and with sun block.
Any leads would be appreciated!!

If you don't care about aerodynamics, which as a commuter with panniers is something I don't think too much about, then you should check out fishing clothing. Columbia PFG is what I'm familiar with, but there are less expensive brands, too. I think Magellan is either Academy or Bass Pro Shops. They make light, wicking, breathable shirts that are traditional button up style. Usually with the ability to roll up the sleeves or open a vent on the back, and also with extra material on the collar to fold it up and block sun on the back of the neck. They don't have any reflective, but they come in light colors.

This topic pops up every now and then when somebody else finds an advertisement for high sun protection factor.


I've had a "farmer's tan" for years wearing t-shirts, woven cotton shirts, bike jerseys, etc. I just don't see the need for a "special" shirt. Wear what you like!

You can get long sleeved wicking t-shirts from Target, KMart, and WallyWorld for not a lot of $$. I have several, and they're pretty great. Just head to the men's athletic dept. because evidently women prefer to wear colored saran wrap. O.o

I have used these for 15 years:
Pocket T-Shirt 'Moisture-Wick' ANSI Compliant

more choices here:
SAFETY SHIRTS & SWEAT SHIRTS - 99¢ LOGO SALE

Years ago when I had that "I should be doing that too" moment was after talking with a guy riding what may have been a Rivendale. He was wearing a "Hawaiian" shirt, a straw hat and baggy shorts on a really hot day. He looked about as comfortable as a somewhat hungover/dehydrated guy slowly riding the trail back to Madison from Milwaukee on a hot summer day. He said he'd done the ride many times before and it wasn't a big deal to him, and I'm surprised I haven't seen more people wearing those.

decades ago .. north face 'tek wear', got a polo shirt, long sleeve with a collar..

Long sleeve white cotton dress shirt from the Thrift store.

Long sleeve white cotton dress shirt from Brooks Brothers

I wear these (poly, wicking, high-viz) -

Men's Carhartt Force® Color Enhanced Long-Sleeve T-Shirt | Carhartt

They don't seem to have any info on UV block so I'm not sure if they'll work for you.


-Kedosto

I have a couple of Club Ride commuter shirts that I got about 3 years ago on clearance at a LBS near me.
They have been great active wear, on and off the bike.
https://www.clubrideapparel.com/collections/men

Performance has their shirts on sale, 20% off :
Zoic District Short Sleeve Jersey - Performance Bike

Casual Clothing - Performance Bike

My goto is cashmere or merino wool shirts from Salvation Army. They cost $5, wick well, have a huge temperature range, don't smell, and are more comfortable than synthetics. I have some bespoke wool jersey's, but use the $5 options more often as i commute most every day. Occasionally I'll tear one on gravel or mountain biking, but at $5, its no big loss.

I did just purchase two new wool jerseys (and some wool socks) for 70% off, because it the time of year when bike stores unload their wool stuff..

I second the fishing shirts. I have a couple I tour with. Light, comfortable and pack small. Mine even have a pole holder but I haven't found a practical touring use for it.