SEA SHIRT FAQ
1
WHAT CAN I WEAR SWIMMING INSTEAD OF A TIGHT RASHIE?
The Salt Harbour Sea Shirt is a button-up shirt made to swim in. It's cut in our relaxed Coastal Fit rather than skin-tight like a rashie, and made from a lightweight, quick-dry woven fabric (94% polyester, 6% spandex) with UPF 50+ sun protection. You get sun protection in the water without the compression fit.
2
Can you actually swim in a button-up shirt?
Yes. The Sea Shirt is made for it. The fabric is saltwater and chlorine resistant, rated UPF 50+, and chosen so it doesn't drag or sag in the water. Because it buttons up, it's also easy to get off when wet. There's no peeling a soaked rashie over your head.
3
Can I wear it to lunch after swimming?
That's exactly what it's designed for. It has the finish of a proper shirt: a two-piece collar stand, a grown-on placket, colour-matched buttons and an edge-stitched collar. The quick-dry fabric means you can go from the water to the café without changing.
4
How quickly does it dry?
We tested it side by side against other swim shirts on an overcast, cool day (around 19°C with a light breeze), which is a slow-drying day. The Sea Shirt was fully dry while a 90% polyester / 10% spandex swim shirt was still damp.
5
Will it feel hot or uncomfortable?
The fabric is lightweight, and the relaxed fit lets air move. Airmesh underarm panels add flexibility, and side splits at the hem give extra ease when you're moving around.
6
How is a sea shirt different from a rashie?
A rashie is a tight, pull-over swim top. The Sea Shirt is a collared, button-up shirt with a structured collar, tapered hem and side splits. You can swim in both, but only one looks right at lunch.
7
Why choose Salt Harbour?
Every detail is tested, not just designed. We wash-tested the collar to make sure it comes out flat and crisp, not crinkled. We chose a lower-spandex fabric because it dried faster and dragged less in the water than higher-spandex alternatives. The shirt was designed on the coast by a mum of four with years of experience in functional apparel design.
8
What size should I buy?
The Sea Shirt follows standard Australian sizing, so choose the size you'd normally wear. Sizes run S to 3XL. If you're between sizes or prefer a more relaxed fit, go up a size, and check the size chart on our product page. If the fit isn't right, we offer size exchanges within 30 days of delivery, and we cover postage on your replacement for the first exchange.
9
Is Salt Harbour an Australian business?
Yes. Salt Harbour is a small, family-run business on the Central Coast of NSW. We ship within Australia only, shipping is free, and pre-orders dispatch in early December 2026, in time for Christmas. Questions? Email hello@saltharbour.com.au.