ColumbiaMen's Bahama II Short Sleeve Shirt

Columbia makes some fantastic shirts, but make sure to order the appropriate size. I am 5’10”, 195 lbs, and would typically wear a Large in most similar styled (button-up) shirts, but I have to get a Medium in Columbia PFG shirts. (The Medium is still a moderately loose fit, as the Large is like a tent on me). Tip number two is that because these shirts are on different sizing scale, many get returned to the Amazon Warehouse, so keep an eye for Amazon Warehouse deals on these shirts (see tips to finds the easiest way to compare prices across sizes and colors at the conclusion of this review). I have tried the Tamiami II, Bahama II, and Bonehead (AND new Blood & Guts III – see below for updated comparison including the BG3 series) versions of the Columbia PFG shirts, and have been mostly pleased with all of them. The Tamiami II was my favorite due to the cooling effect of the weave, but the similar Blood & Guts III is now right there with it. My reasoning for giving the Bahama II 4 starts instead of 5, is that out of the four series discussed in this review, it is my least favorite. The Bahama II tends to wrinkle, is not as cool feeling in extreme heat as the open weave Tamiami or Blood&Guts, and the nylon tend to feel slimy during periods of heavy perspiration. Below I have noted the differences in four of the PFG styles, for those trying to decide which shirt they may prefer.TAMIAMI II STYLE (POLY) - SUMMERTIME CASUAL FAVORITEThe Tamiami II (T2) and the Blood & Guts III (BG3) are my favorite of the aforementioned PFG styles. The main difference between each of these styles is material. The T2 & BG3 are 100% polyester (liner and exterior), the Bahama II (Ba2) is nylon, and the Bonehead (BH) is poplin cotton. The T2 is the thinnest/lightest (most breathable) material of the three styles, also has a slightly shinier appearance, and is probably the most wrinkle resistant of the three (as the fabric is less rigid that the nylon Bahama II or cotton Bonehead). (Update 7/11/16 – The Blood & Guts series is also breathable polyester similar to the Tamiami with a slightly different styling, and stain resistant fabric. See update at end of review for full comparison.) The T2 has a snap button pocket on top with Velcro pockets underneath on both sides, which I also prefer over the pocket style on the other two (Ba2 & BH have identical pocket styles). The synthetic T2 and Ba2 both wick moisture and create a cooling effect better than the cotton BH, but the lightness and weave of the T2 makes it by far the coolest wearing of the three. For outdoor activity in the heat and humidity of summer, it would definitely be my preferred choice. The long-sleeve version is fantastic for offshore fishing when lightweight sun protection is essential. The Ta series also does not wrinkle as badly as the Ba and BH series shirts do. (The PFG apparel which has an SPF rating, such as the Tamiami & Blood/Guts series, has an open fabric weave which is “lose” enough to allow some penetration of UV through the material itself; which means the material is much more breathable ergo cool feeling, although technically you could get some UV exposure through the shirt.)BAHAMA II STYLE (NYLON) - WORK WEAR IN MILD WEATHERThe Bahama II is the middle ground between the T2 and the BH. It is synthetic - similar to the T2, but is a nylon exterior shell with a polyester liner (whereas T2 is poly liner and shell). The pockets on the Ba are the same traditional Columbia PFG look as the pockets on the Bonehead. The slightly more rigid feel of the nylon, also gives the Bahama a more traditional (cotton-look) appearance than the T2. In a certain respect, the Ba nylon manages moisture better than the BH cotton version – i.e. it evaporates sweat more quickly. On the other hand, the nylon does not absorb moisture as cotton does, so while it does dry faster, it has a “slimy” feel to when sweaty that simply is not comfortable. The Bahama also wrinkles worse than any of the other PFG series shirts, so it is my least favorite series. That said, it is still a good quality shirt, and makes for a great work shirt during temperate weather (i.e. when it isn’t going to get slimy with sweat).BONEHEAD STYLE (COTTON) - COOL WEATHER FAVORITEMost everything has already been covered. The BH and the aforementioned Ba styles look virtually identical. Essentially, I like the Bonehead over the Bahama because it does not get that slimy feeling when you sweat, and it is slightly better from a wrinkle perspective. The Bonehead is probably my favorite series when moisture management and cooling effect are not important, so I like these in long sleeve for fall and winter wear. I also like the traditional appearance of the Ba and the BH for work wear, but the T2 look I like better for casual. (The newer Blood & Guts series has the comfort of the Tamiami series, but has a look similar to the Bonehead, so it is my new favorite summertime work shirt.) The Bonehead long sleeve also makes a great layering option for hunting season, and Sage is a great natural neutral (earth tone) color for this purpose.UPDATE 7/11/16 – BLOOD & GUTS III (POLY) - HOT WEATHER FISHING FAVORITEWhen this review was originally posted, I only contrasted the Bahama, Tamiami, and Bonehead series shirts, but recently I have found a new favorite – the Blood & Guts III (BG3). While the name may not be all that appealing, these are really great shirts. They have an SPF rating, therefore breathable/open weave, similar to the Tamiami, with a styling that more closely resembles the Bahama & Bonehead series. The BG3 is also treated for stain resistance, making it a great shirt for fishing, work, and outdoor activities. Finally, the BG3 does not wrinkle nearly as severely as the Bahama nylon or Bonehead cotton shirts do. Out of the four PFG series shirts discussed, the BG3 series probably have the tightest fit. I still wear a medium in the BG3, but the series has a slimmer type cut than the previous versions discussed. All in all, this is my favorite alongside the Tamiami. I slightly prefer the Blood & Guts for fishing due to the stain resistance, whereas, I prefer the Tamiami for casual and boating wear just from an aesthetic standpoint. The Tamiami may have the slightest of edges in the cooling department, but they are very close in that regard.AMAZON PRICE COMPARISON & WAREHOUSE DEALSI used to always get aggravated at the way Amazon list apparel items with multiple colors, as it can take forever to search through multiple color (and size) options to see the cheapest offerings. On my iPad version the color prices are displayed in a list style automatically, but on my PC desktop I would have to select each color/size to see the price options. I did not realize there is a much simpler way. Select the “new and used from” (or “new” if no used offerings available) icon, which will take you to a list view. There must be multiple offerings for the exact size and color selected for this option to appear, so if you do not see the “new and used from” hyper-link, then select another size/color combination till the link appears.) In the list view screen, select your size and click the “lowest offer for each” icon beside the color selector. It will display the cheapest offering for each color shirt in that size, so you can quickly see which colors are the cheapest. Also, this view will show any Amazon Warehouse Deals available. As mentioned in the first paragraph, these shirts get returned often due to sizing issues, so many times the Warehouse deals are shirts that were tried on and immediately returned for a smaller size.

Most want to know the size! I am 6 feet, 175 lbs., and always wear a large, 34-35 sleeve. I ordered a Large long sleeve and the sleeves fit perfect. The rest fits a bit big, in the shoulders and body. I then ordered this short sleeve in Medium. Fit is more typical of a large, as compared side by side along all my large shirts. I included pictures and measurements because they tell the truth, I wish more reviewers would also! If sleeve length is not an issue, the medium fits best if you normally wear a large, unless you want that extra room. Being slim and trim, the medium is still more roomier than my other large shirts. Medium body is 24.5", and large is 26" wide. Length from armpit to tail, med. 15.5", large is 16". Shoulders from seam to seam is, med. 21.5" and large 22.5" The sleeve length of a long sleeve is 33.5. on a large.

I have 4 other Tamiami II short sleeve shirts that are always my go to. The material is great for hot weather. I am 6' 215lbs with an old man stomach, and the large fits like most XL shirts. I accidentally ordered this Bahama II and almost cancelled the order. Glad now that I didn't cancel. The fit seems to be a bit more snug than the Tamiami II. The material is not quite as thin but still very nice and cool. I like the pocket flaps to give a bit different style at times. I always wear the shirt tail out, and it is plenty long for that. I did get the white so only time will tell how long it keeps its clean look. I would like to have another few colors of the Bahama II. No way to go wrong with Columbia brand. Thank you Amazon for fast delivery.

I'm so glad I read the reviews first before buying, the shirt is one size larger than normal, I'm 6'2" 200lbs and I bought a Medium and it fits perfect with room to spare, so trust me when I tell you to definitely order a size down, i tried the Large on in store and it looked like a tent on me so I'm happy with Medium for sure, Columbia PFG shirts are meant to be a LITTLE roomy on you for breathability, the shirt is definitely wide regardless of the size you get, my only minor complaint is that it wrinkles really bad so you'll have to iron it or throw it in the dryer for about 10-15 minutes to get the wrinkles out before wearing it, other than that great shirt!

Love these nylon shirts. Great for warm weather travel. Can be washed out by hand. They dry quickly if the weather isn't too humid, but will usually drive overnight even if somewhat humid. If you don't ring them out, hang them wet, and smooth out the fabric with your hands, they are quite presentable to wear without any ironing. The back yoke is vented. Front breast pockets have Velcro to secure the flaps and drain holes in case you go in the drink. Button-down collar. So many colors to choose from too and I've received many complements from friends and strangers when wearing a pleasant bright color. The shirt's color will fade slightly after repeated washing, but you could minimize this by not machine washing. The slight fading is not a big deal in my opinion for a pastel casual travel shirt. Obviously, you won't have that issue with white or some of the very dark colors. These shirts are very light to pack and can be rolled and placed in packing cubes. I'm hoping Columbia keeps making these for some time to come. Last word - these shirts run a bit large. I usually like to purchase all my shirts in size 'Large' since I prefer my shirts a bit loose fitting, but in the case of these Bahama II shirts, I've order them in size Medium and they fit perfectly.. Still loose fitting, but not overly big. I suggest ordering one size smaller than you usually wear.

I like adventures, but I am a suburban guy who doesn't like heights. I bought this shirt so that I would fit in when I traveled on a seminar in the Rocky mountains. Everyone there believed that I knew what I was talking about when the conversation turned towards adventuring and such. I also like to wear the shirt when traveling in general. It breaths well on airplanes. I sometimes fish and might wear it when I go fishing. If I ever really adventure, then I know the shirt to wear.

I thought this shirt might be to small but fitted perfectly. I am 6ft 3inch tall with a beer gut and XXL was perfect and in length of shirt to leave hanging. Colour of shirt and material is great. I will be ordering more for my trip as Evan comfortable and stylish to travel in.

Versatility

Great Shirt!..Reassuringly Expensive and generous American sizing means a looser comfort fit than UK equivalent...but that's exactly what I wanted for a hot climate. More choice in colours would mean I would buy again.

Service was excellent considering it was an international purchase.. My son was very pleased with his birthday present.

Excelente calidad para uso en exteriores.Ojo me fui con la finta que es gris pero ya que me llegó vi que era negra y hasta que releí la descripción lo noté.También consideren que las tallas de esta marca son muy amplias.Soy mexicanoMido 1.81 y peso 94 kgs. Y la talla L me quedo algo amplia, la talla M me quedó a la perfección.Muy recomendable.