Thumb hole
A slit in the cuff you hook your thumb through so the sleeve cannot ride up your forearm.
The back of the hand and the wrist are among the most commonly burned places on an angler, because a sleeve rides up every time you cast and nobody reapplies sunscreen there. A thumb hole anchors the cuff and closes the gap.
It costs the maker almost nothing and it is a reliable signal that the shirt was designed by someone who fishes. It also keeps the cuff in place under a glove.
Some people find them irritating over long periods. The good ones are cut generously and finished with a soft binding.
The other version is a full hand shield, where the cuff extends into a flap that covers the back of the hand entirely. It gives more coverage than a thumb hole and gets in the way more when you are tying knots.
Pair thumb holes with sun gloves and your hands are covered end to end with no gap at the wrist.
Related terms
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Thumb hole is one of 206 terms in the glossary.
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