As I've posted about the long swim leggings / rash guard with which I paired this top, it was EXACTLY what I needed for a recent trip to Mexico. Instead of constantly applying and re-applying reef-safe sunblock, I just wore long sleeves. (The Mexican sun is nothing to take chances with!) Along with that, it protected my arms and elbows from scraping the sea bottom, be it on rocks, shells, or possibly jellyfish. Obviously it's most comfortable in the heat if you keep getting it wet, but I wore this for an afternoon in town--visiting a museum, then shopping for souvenirs) and I did not get especially hot. I've ordered a second one.