Perfect Safari or Tropical Hunting Shirt

[roverandbrew]

I have not dropped this cause and have pushed some ideas around. My tailor will likely put together a concept in the next couple months. I am trying to hit a fabric market in the next week in DC to get example fabric.

 

[AB2506]

Just been on a hunt in the Save and wore Westley Richards cotton safari shirts exclusively. Despite their thickness they were comfortable even on the hottest day, which was 46 degrees at lunch time. The cartridge loops above the pockets were a winner, in fact I was so happy with them generally that I am about to order three more.
View attachment 646064

Too rich for me. This shirt is L195.00 which comes out to $271.25 Canadian dollars.

 

[wiyofa]

I want to start this post with the fact that I have spent countless dollars attempting to find a “good” safari / tropical hunting shirt that fit my needs and build. I have owned shirts from Rigby, Westley Richards, Filson, Courteney, Tag, Patagonia, Bass Pro to Walmart and the list goes on. Every shirt has required some modification or fit lousy and made it goodwill.

I spent the last 27 years assigned to organizations within DOD where generally money was not an issue and good ideas were turned into reality and everyone was the better for it. I have spoken with a local tailor and floated the idea of prototyping a true safari / tropical hunting shirt for production. I would like this to turn into something and hopefully we all benefit. Zero clue if this will fizzle out or we all have access to a great shirt in the future.

My last 27 years were spent between the middle east and Central and South America so I have a good concept for hot weather operational clothing but would love to hear your thoughts based off your experience. While I have hunted in Africa, many of you have done it way more. I will start off with things I would be interested in regarding construction and hopefully you can tune me up.

Words used to define the shirt: simple, functional, durable, practical, classic, purpose built.

100% Cotton Fabric. Unsure on weave. I feel the Filson featherweight shirt is great all around. Fabric be hand washed in a bucked on washboard and ironed without issue.

Milspec Buttons. Men's Tough T-Shirts

2 x chest pockets. Pockets set to not hinder shouldering of rifle if pockets are full. Sized to hold a small compass, Cell Phone or GPS / Range Finder. Does anyone use arm sleeve pockets?

Sizing: Tailored fit but not slim. I am done having shirts cut way too large in the abdomen. Long enough to tuck in as most of us wear a belt with kit. Long sleeve version sleeve, is long enough to not pull too tight when shouldering a rifle.

I see no need for epaulettes. Added cost and fabric to dry when wet.

Color: Green and or khaki

Cost: Under $75

What other design features do you love or detest?

Shell loops?

Is there a need for a purpose-built shirt or does one exist I have not found? I would love to hear your thoughts. I am not in any industry related to manufacturing or sportswear so this is 100% bottom up to make something better.

I was daydreaming about it at work today and was thinking about new equipment to buy and now I'm curious what people recommend for a hunting shirt. I have a nice blaze hoodie that I wear often, but didn't know if there's a nice flannel, chamois, or some other material shirt that is comfy, stands up to pheasant cover well, etc.

 

[rblum]

I handled the issue for around 60 bucks plus $10 bucks for 2 RIT Liquid Dyes. 2 parts dark brown and one part dark green gives you a nice OD color. Probably more now. Anyway. An LL Bean canvas long sleeve shirt or two pus the dyes.

 

[Rimbaud]

Try linen. I picked up a linen shirt at Springer in Vienna and it works like a charm. I've got all the usual shirts for different seasons and I found nothing works better, and many not even as good, as the old standby.

 

[thriller]

I like to wear a loin cloth and pith helmet. For that just conquered the British vibe……

Alternatively I like items from tag.

Safari Clothing for Men Women and Children Authentic Safari Gear

Safari Clothing and Gear for Men Women and Children, Made in Africa for the best UV protection using long staple cotton. Tag Safari Clothes for Men include Safari Shirts, Hats, Shooting Shirts, Hunting Shirts, Jackets, Birding vests, Clay Shooting and Upland Bird Hunting Clothes for Men Women...

tagsafari.com

 

[bmphil]

View attachment 519795

511 shirt in question… pretty much worn by every contractor to ever get Iraqi sand in his boots

I have the short sleeve version and they are very very good shirts.

 

[Rare Breed]

i’m in zim now hunting my leopard. my favorite is the 100% cotton short sleeve Tag shirt with the air circulation pouch on the back to breath better. The anvil irons will not hurt them like a synthetic shirt