Whether you use them for surfing, swimming, diving, or just a little extra sun protection while you’re hanging out on the beach, a good rash guard can make all the difference.
Rash guards (sometimes known as swim shirts) are multi-purpose shirts that are designed for all sorts of water-based activities. People use rash guards for a variety of purposes, most of which come down to preventing chafing and protecting yourself from the sun (which is why all of the rash guards listed below are designed for UV protection).
While coverage and UV protection are the main gains of wearing a rashguard, being comfortable and having maneuverability are also key considerations when finding the right active water gear. There are many rash guards on the market, some better than others.
Let’s dive into the best rash guards of 2023 to help you sort through the options.
You want to do the right thing for yourself and the planet when you’re out in the sun, but slapping on reef-safe sunscreen every time isn’t the only answer. The BARE Eclips hooded rash guard has a few features and design choices that make it great for those long days on the water.
Made from recycled polyester that provides a “7-Days Fresh” antimicrobial treatment, the Eclips hooded rash guard offers eco-friendly protection for you and Mother Nature, all week long.
Review of Body Glove Smoothies Sleek Rash Guard Rash Guard review
The Body Glove Smoothies Sleek Rash Guard is simple and sleek, as you might have guessed by the name. The minimalist design is free from the loud floral patterns you often see on women’s surf gear. The simple design comes in eight different colors.
The material is quick drying and provides 50 UPF protection, saving you from awkwardly applying sunscreen on your back. The material is also lightweight and flexible so you won’t be sweating in between sets and your movement will be unrestricted. The stitching is smooth and unnoticeable, preventing chafing. The UPF protection, lightweight and flexible material, and absence of uncomfortable stitching make this rash guard a great option for long days in the water.
This rash guard has no board short connector, which is a bit of a bummer as it can ride up slightly while paddling, though it seems to be a minor issue. The Body Glove Smoothies Sleek rash guard falls in the middle of the typical price range and is worth the money.
Review of Roxy Women’s Whole Hearted Long Sleeve Rash Guard Rash Guard review
The Roxy Whole Hearted long sleeve rash guard is a simple, comfortable rash guard with a snug fit. The rash guard comes in a variety of solid colors to choose from.
This rash guard provides you with 50 UPF protection for those long days on the water. The fit is meant to be snug, making it feel a bit warmer, so this may not be the best rash guard for hot climates. The material is flexible, allowing you to paddle comfortably. The stitching and seams are also unnoticeable, making them unlikely to lead to chafing.
The material seems durable, but the stitching may not be. I found a small hole in the stitching on the right forearm of my rash guard after only a single use. This kind of issue is not reported often with the Whole Hearted rash guard, and was easily remedied with a return.
This, like so many other women’s rash guards, lacks a boardshort connector, leading to the rash guard riding up slightly when paddling. And like most other rash guards runs small so consider sizing up.
This rash guard is in the middle to upper price range for rash guards and is a classic favorite for a comfortable, flexible fit.
Review of RVCA Men’s Long Sleeve Rash Guard Rash Guard review
The Long Sleeve Surf Shirt from RVCA is a lightweight, stretchy rash guard that allows you to move freely while staying cool. This rashie comes in a variety of colors and designs, all featuring the RVCA logo.
The lightweight material and UVA/UVB protection make it a great option for surfing in warmer climates. The fit is slim but looser than a lot of other rash guard options, making it stylish and comfortable. It includes a board short connector, keeping it in place no matter how hard you wipeout.
Review of Volcom Men’s Solid Long Sleeve Rash Guard Rash Guard review
Volcom’s Solid Long Sleeve Rash Guard is a solid option. Not only is this rash guard made of breathable material with 50+ UPF protection, it includes a board short connector to keep it from riding up while you rip.
This rash guard will keep you covered and prevent an awkward sunburn between your shorts and top. It is available in sizes XS-XXL in a few different styles. Volcom’s Solid Long Sleeve Rash Guard has a slim fit and tends to run small, so depending on your fit preference, you may want to size up.
Review of O’Neill Men’s Premium Rash Guard Rash Guard review
O’Neill has used a four-way material that helps cool you down as moisture evaporates from its surface. The fabric seems quite thin but it still gives plenty of protection. Flatlock stitching means there’s less of the chafing you get with some other rashies and seamless paddle zones give a greater range of movement. Again, the downside is no board short connectors.
But this is still a great value rash guard that will keep you cool, especially if you’re surfing somewhere tropical (or subtropical for that matter, such as these surfing beaches in California).
Review of Kanu Surf Women’s Keri Long-Sleeve UPF 50+ Rash Guard Rash Guard review
The Keri long sleeve rash guard is an affordable rash guard but unfortunately has a less than ideal fit. This rash guard is tight on the bust and quite baggy around the torso. Surprisingly, the sleeves fit exactly as expected. Because of the baggy fit around the torso and lack of a boardshort connector, this rash guard tends to ride up a bit when paddling.
If you find that the fit isn’t an issue for you, the rash guard comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
The Keri long sleeve rash guard also provides 50 UPF to protect you from the sun. The fabric is comfortable, but not very breathable. I wouldn’t recommend this rash guard for use in super hot climates.
This is a more affordable rash guard, so depending on how important fit is to you and what activities you need the Kanu Surf Keri for, it may be worth the small amount it costs.
Review of Kanu Surf Men’s Long Sleeve Rash Guard Rash Guard review
A great option if you’re on a budget, this long sleeve rash guard from Kanu is available in a wide range of colors and has a snug, but breathable, fit. The long sleeves and 50+ UPF protection will keep you covered for long days on the water. This rash guard, unfortunately, doesn’t go the extra mile and include a board short connector, but given the slim-but-not-tight fit, you shouldn’t have too many issues with it riding up.
This rash guard tends to run smaller in the chest, so purchase accordingly.
Review of Volcom Women’s Simply Core Long Sleeve Rash Guard Rash Guard review
Another good option from Volcom on the women’s side, this Volcom Simply Core long sleeve rashie provides a slim fit with a looser, more t-shirt style neckline, perfect for those who feel constricted by the higher necklines of some other rash guards. The Volcom Simply Core rash guard is available in a variety of options with plus and petite sizes available.
This rash guard comes in a range of colors, including toned-down solids and options with patterned sleeves, offering something for everyone’s personal style preferences. As seems to be the trend with women’s rash guards, there is no board short connector.
The logo printed on some of the designs also tends to peel off after a few uses, making it look more worn than it actually is.
A note if ordering this rash guard through Amazon – the listed size types are “regular,” “standard,” and “plus.” Based on reviews from other customers, it seems the “regular” size may actually be sized petite.
Review of Quiksilver All Time Long Sleeve Rash Guard Rash Guard review
Another solid offering from Quiksilver. The All Time Long Sleeve rash guard is a classic design which comes in loads of different colors. Quiksilver may be better known for their surfwear but this rashie is especially good for snorkelers. We like the fact that it’s lightweight and super comfortable.
This rashie also comes with a board short connector loop to help keep it in place, but beware the connector is only available in certain colors.
The only downside is that the material is very stretchy and you end up losing the snug-fit over time.
Review of Scubapro Men’s UPF 50 Long Sleeve Rash Guard Rash Guard review
This Scubapro offering provides UV protection to snorkelers and added warmth to divers who wear it under a wetsuit. The polyester material hugs the skin comfortably and is highly durable and abrasion-resistant. Even after using it for a few years, this rashie kept its shape.
We like the high neckline for diving as it prevents your wetsuit from rubbing.
Review of Scubapro Women’s EverFlex Rash Guard Rash Guard review
Scubapro has knocked it out of the park with their Everflex jacket and, in our opinion, this diving brand has beaten some serious competition from the dedicated surf brands. This rash guard is made from neoprene for warmth and features a zip-up styling. The material is, as the name suggests, incredibly stretchy and will not inhibit freedom of movement in the arms, which is important for surfers.
We like the fleecy, soft interior and the fact that this jacket dries so quickly. We just wish there were board short connectors at the bottom of the rash guard but that’s the only downside for us. That said, this is a thicker jacket so it won’t roll up as thin rash guards can.
Review of Hurley Men’s Nike Dri-Fit Long Sleeve Rash Guard Rash Guard review
This rash guard and swim shirt for men boasts sweat-wicking, four-way stretch material that stays super comfortable both in and out of the water. The hood means that this rash guard looks a lot like a shirt and since it dries so fast thanks to Nike’s Dri-Fit fabric, it’s perfectly acceptable to head for a late afternoon beer directly from the beach.
We like the relaxed fit and Hurley’s reputation for long-lasting sportswear.
Review of Volcom Women’s Simply Solid Body Suit Rash Guard Rash Guard review
If you’re a woman who wants to stand out from the crowd, you will definitely like the Volcom Simply Solid Body Suit. Designed like a long-sleeved swimsuit, this rash guard is stylish but also highly practical as there’s no chance of it rolling or riding up. We were worried the front zipper would dig in when lying on your front but that’s not a problem as it sits flat. The downside is that it’s only available in a couple of different colors.
The more reserved lady may think the suit rides a bit high at the rear but we say what’s wrong with showing a little cheek?
Review of Sanabul Essentials Long Sleeve Compression Rash Guard Rash Guard review
Although initially designed for martial arts and crosstraining, we think this Sanabul rash guard is ideal for surfers and as an all-round swim shirt. It allows for great flexibility and the material has anti-odor and anti-bacterial properties. We like the underarm ventilated mesh which is there to let moisture escape. As a compression vest, it’s also meant to improve blood flow throughout the body to increase muscle performance.
We’re not sure it will tone your muscles, but the Sanabul rash guard will give you protection from the sun without restricting your movements.
The O’Neill Basic Skins short sleeve rash guard is a decent option for those looking for a form-fitting short sleeve rash guard.
This rash guard provides 50 UPF and is made of comfortable, stretchy material, allowing your movement to be unrestricted. The stitching is not noticeable, preventing any discomfort at the seams during long periods of wear. The material also is also durable, so this rash guard might be able to last you a few seasons.
The O’Neill Basic Skins rash guard runs small, especially in the bust, so definitely go up a size or even 2. With the wrong fit, the sleeves feel short and tight, which could lead to chafing. The tight fit and lack of boardshort connector allows the rash guard to ride up, but then won’t fall back into place naturally.
This rash guard will work for you if size up accordingly and you prefer a tight-fitting short sleeve guard. For those looking for a looser fit, this is not the rash guard for you.
Review of Mares Women’s Trilastic Rash Guard Rash Guard review
The Mares Trilastic is a great rash guard, especially for female divers. The flatlock seams don’t dig into your skin when worn under a wetsuit and we were able to tuck the shirt far enough inside the suit so it didn’t ride up while diving.
Although it has a lower UPF than the other rash guards we’ve looked at, it still gives excellent UV protection. It’s quite a tight fit across the chest so if you’re well-endowed it’s advisable to go a size or two up.
Review of Quiksilver Men’s Always There Rash Guard Rash Guard review
This long-sleeve rashie from Quiksilver is made from stretch polyester blend material that gives loads of flexibility whatever activity you’re into. It’s also a moisture-wicking fabric so sweat is quickly transferred from the inside to the outside of the vest. The snug-fit design looks great but it does mean the rash guard can feel a bit too tight, so you might want to consider going up a size.
With Quiksilver being a market leader in surfwear, you know you’re getting a quality product.
Review of Oceanic Lavacore Lavaskin Women’s Rash Guard Rash Guard review
The Oceanic Lavacore Lavaskin has a fleece inner that feels really nice on the skin. The added bonus is that it will keep you warmer than regular rash guards whether snorkeling or diving. Thumb hooks make it easy to get into a wetsuit, too.
We love the cut of the Oceanic and the stretch-fit that feels more like you’re wearing a t-shirt. It’s available in three attractive pastel shades.
Review of City Threads Little Boys Rash Guard Rash Guard review
This is a great uni-sex rash guard for kids. The silky-smooth material is nice and stretchy so your child will be comfy playing around on the beach, by the pool, or in the water. These rashies come with long or short sleeves.
The one downside we noted was that the long sleeves are a bit too long. However, this was easily fixed by rolling them up. There are plenty of bright colors to choose from making it easier to keep an eye on your little one!
Review of SwimZip Little Boys’ Rash Guard Rash Guard review
This SwimZip rash guard is something your little boy will enjoy wearing. But we think your daughter will also like it, though you may have to buy a size down for girls. It’s very comfortable, there’s no neck tag, and a zipper flap prevents it from rubbing on your kid’s skin.
The best feature of the SwimZip is the full-front zipper. Super easy to get on and off when you have a wriggling child who just wants to run off and have fun!
Review of O’Neill Men’s Thermo X Long Sleeve Insulative Rash Guard Rash Guard review
O’Neill certainly knew what they were doing when they designed the Thermo X Insulative Top. The material is a 220g mix of nylon and spandex that’s soft, stretchy, low-bulk, quick-drying, water repellent, and odor resistant.
We love that it’s thin enough to fit under a wetsuit and the neckline is low cut so doesn’t interfere with the neck of your suit. For surfers, there are seamless paddle zones and boardshort connectors.
There is also a women’s version of the Thermo X, which you can find here. This reviewer has been using hers heavily for more than three years and the rash guard is still in excellent condition.
The O’Neill Thermo X is a top choice rash guard and swim shirt no matter what outdoor or water activities you’re doing. You will not be disappointed.
Buyer’s Guide
As the name implies, rash guards were originally used to prevent surfers in warm climates from getting a rash where their skin contacts their surfboard (ouch).
Rash guards are typically made from nylon, lycra, spandex, neoprene, and polyester (or a combination of these materials) and can offer thermal protection, sun protection, and, of course, rash prevention.
Choosing a New Rash Guard
How you choose your rash guard will depend on what you plan on using it for. If you’re just looking for sun protection for beach days, you might prioritize style over any fancy features. If you’re planning on using your rash guard for surfing, a board short connector might be a factor in your decision. You might choose a sport-specific model or one that does double duty. In any case, there are a few common considerations.
Fit
Rash guards are meant to be tight and snug-fitting. A rash guard that is too loose will likely be annoying during any activity, especially once it gets wet. If you’re using a rash guard to wear under a wetsuit while diving, a loose fitting rashie will bunch up under your wetsuit. On the other hand, rashies that are too tight may roll up at the bottom, which is a bit annoying. Many rash guards that are designed for surfing have a board short connector to prevent this from happening (although it’s nearly impossible to find a board short connector on women’s rash guards).
If you prefer a looser fit for your rash guard, there are plenty of options that aren’t so form-fitting, or you can just size up when purchasing a more fitted rash guard.
In any case, check the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines carefully before you pick a size and/or brand.
Long Sleeve or Short Sleeve Rash Guard?
This really comes down to personal preference. A long sleeve rash guard will protect your arms fully from the sun, but some people prefer a short, t-shirt style. Some people feel that long sleeve rash guards hinder their freedom of movement, but this is really only apparent with thicker rash vests that offer thermal protection. That said, if it’s your first time surfing or trying out an efoil board, wearing a long sleeve rash guard is recommended to avoid abrasions.
Sun Protection in a Rash Guard
Even if it’s not explicitly stated by the manufacturer, all rash guards provide some level of sun protection. That said, some rash guards are specifically designed for maximum sun protection and boast 50+ UV Protection Factor (UVF), so you can be sure you’re protected from the sun while you enjoy the water.
Thermal Protection
If you’re swimming, diving, snorkeling, or surfing in cooler water, you might prefer a rash guard that helps keep you warm. In these cases, the rash guard is usually (but not always) made from neoprene and/or a fleecy material.
The thickness of a wetsuit-like rash guard, and neoprene in general, is always measured in millimeters (mm). Rash guards range from around 0.5 mm – 4 mm thick. The thickness of a rash vest is directly related to how warm it will be.
If you’re buying a rash guard for diving, remember that neoprene compresses with depth. This is because of all the tiny air bubbles inside the material. As you get deeper, your suit compresses, and you lose buoyancy.
For colder waters, you may even consider a heated undersuit.
Features
Rash guards offer a variety of different features that may affect your purchasing decisions.
These include:
Thumb hooks: Ideal for stopping the guard from riding up when you pull on a wetsuit over the rash guard for diving
Hood: Good for protecting the back of your neck from the sun, especially if you’re going to be sitting on your surfboard for long periods of time
Boardshort connectors: Great for keeping the rash guard in place while surfing. Unfortunately, these are common on men’s rash guards, and not common on women’s rash guards. It’s 2023 guys, give us board short connector equality.
Pockets: For stashing away your little important things, like your keys.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rash Guard for Men & Women
Our top rash guard picks for 2023 are:
Best for Women: Body Glove Smoothies Sleek
Classic Women’s Favorite: Roxy Women’s Whole Hearted Long Sleeve
Best Overall Men’s: RVCA Men’s Long Sleeve Surf Shirt
Best Slim Fit Rash Guard for Men: Volcom Men’s Solid Long Sleeve Rash Guard
Best for Warm Climates: O’Neill Men’s Premium
Best Budget Rash Guard for Women: Kanu Surf Women’s Keri Long-Sleeve UPF 50+
It’s important to read the instructions on your rash guard’s tag before you wash it to avoid damaging it. That said, usually, rash guards are rinsed with cold water right after use. You can then hand wash your rash guard with a gentle soap. If your rash guard has strong odors, you may want to soak it overnight in cold water with a bit of baking soda before hand washing it.
After hand washing your rash guard, you can then hang it to allow it to air dry. Make sure to avoid direct heat or sunlight when drying your rash guard.
Take a moment to look at this.
Do you have any advice for long rash, upf 50 leggings for diving and snorkelling in hot places as I don’t want to use lots of sun screen near reefs.