Great name, the work of a committee? Orvis’ Open Air shirt is 100% synthetic … err well, the shirt is real, the fabric is synthetic (52% polyester 48% nylon) which means the fabric is tough and quick drying.

Orvis has opted for a fabric with a pleasing sort of textured check. This shirt has been worn, machine washed and dried. On a fishing trip it was washed by hand and drip-dried on a hanger. Either way it came out clean, dry and wearable.

In a tropical climate the UV Protection Factor (UPF) 30+ gave decent protection from the sun. The ventilated shoulders, back and front, helped keep me cool and the fabric did its part by wicking moisture when things got a little sweaty.

I like that this looks like a simple outdoor shirt but doesn’t rub my face in it. It has a few tricky features for us anglers but they’re discrete. The chest pockets are large enough to be useful and have a sort of bellows pleat which allows them to open and bag a little. These are large enough for a few bits and pieces but don’t expect to get a big fly box in there. A cord loop is tucked away above one pocket (right) – to attach snips etc. Behind the other pocket (left) find a hidden zippered pocket – a safe place to stash some cash in a poly bag.

Roll up the sleeve and tabs hold them in place. The collar has a nifty hidden button-down feature which helps keep this looking really rather smart with minimum effort – no ironing!

The shirt is smart enough for general casual wear, and offers pretty much all I could want from a shirt for tropical fishing and for hot days in Scotland.

Check with stockists for colours and sizing details.