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The Best Rash Guards, Recommended by a Surfing Instructor
Styles from O'Neill, Roxy, and other top brands to keep you comfortable and protected
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Ravi Davda is a certified personal trainer with nearly 10 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Ravi has worked with a range of personal training clients both in-person and online.
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Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician and currently serves as the medical director of an outpatient clinic.
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Sarah Felbin is the associate commerce editor at Verywell Fit. A writer and editor with over 20 years of dance experience, her work has also appeared in Popsugar and Women’s Health.
Verywell Fit / Alli Waataja
Wearing a rash guard while you enjoy the outdoors can help keep you safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Most styles have a built-in UV shield, which is crucial when the UV factors are high, says surf coach Thomas Cravarezza. When shopping for a rash guard, it’s important to find one that's comfortable, easy to wear (depending on your favorite summer sport), and protective.
To find the best rash guards on the market, we spoke with Cravarezza to learn which features every style should have. Then, we researched dozens of options from popular brands at different price points. We chose our top picks for their superior fit, comfort, design, and value. We also had a board-certified family physician from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, including how a rash guard can protect your skin and when you should wear one.
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Lightweight and breathable
Quick-drying
Tight, performance fit
May run small
Key Specs
Material: Nylon, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Not listed
Why We Love It
O’Neill's Premium Skins Rash Guard is our top overall pick because its four-way stretch and quick-drying fabric are ideal for most water sports. Whether you’re a professional surfer or spending a casual day at the beach, this rash guard is rated UPF 50+ for your safety—the most protection that exists.
We like that this rash guard is made from breathable nylon and spandex, plus there are lots of colors and sizes to choose from. The tight, performance fit provides comfort without adding bulky layers. Even better, there are minimal seams to prevent chafing or drag that can slow you down.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers note that it may run small—consider ordering one size up from your usual.
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Lightweight
Quick-drying
High collar
Some colors may be slightly see-through
Key Specs
Material: Nylon, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Machine wash
Why We Love It
For a budget-friendly option, we recommend Kanu Surf's Platinum Rash Guard. It’s made from a combination of nylon and spandex, which means it’s both lightweight and quick-drying. It doesn’t matter if you’re a surfer or want a rash guard for recreation—this one performs at a lower price point than many of our other top picks.
This rash guard has long sleeves, a standing collar, and can be tossed in the washing machine after each wear. It also boasts UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can swim and work out worry-free.
Potential Flaws
- Since this rash guard is so thin, some of the lighter colors may appear slightly see-through when wet.
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Abrasion-resistant
Anti-microbial
Regular and tall sizes
Doesn't have a high collar
Key Specs
Material: Polyester, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Short | Care: Machine wash
Why We Love It
For scorching-hot days when long sleeves aren't an option, we recommend L.L.Bean's Swift River Cooling Sun Shirt. This rash guard is slightly fitted and made with lightweight comfort in mind for those who don’t like a tighter, more traditional performance fit. The anti-microbial fabric also wicks moisture away quickly, to keep you cool and dry.
Made from polyester and spandex with UPF 50+ sun protection, this abrasion-resistant rash guard is ideal for walking on the beach or your favorite outdoor activity. We also like that it's machine-washable and comes in both regular and tall sizes.
Potential Flaws
- Unlike some of our other top picks, this rash guard doesn't have a tall collar.
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Fleece-lined
Made with recycled materials
Less seams to prevent chafing
Pricier than other options
Key Specs
Material: Polyester | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Hand wash
Why We Love It
We recommend Platinum Sun’s Unisex Thermal Swim Shirt for chilly days and cold water. Made from 100% polyester, it can be worn as a layer or by itself, depending on the weather. We like that the fleece lining means this rash guard can also be worn for hiking or even skiing. Plus, it’s rated UPF 50+ for maximum protection.
Searching for a more sustainable option? This rash guard is made from recycled plastic and other post-consumer waste. We also like that the seams are spread out (not tucked under your arms) to prevent irritation and chafing.
Potential Flaws
- Although it's more expensive than other rash guards on our list, we think the added fleece lining is worth paying a little extra for.
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Shoulder zippers for easy wearing
Quick drying
Silicone band won't ride up
May run small
Key Specs
Material: Polyester, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Hand-wash
Why We Love It
Searching for a rash guard with a unique design? We recommend Platinum Sun’s Long Sleeve Rash Guard. We like that it's lightweight and breathable, with a silicone band that prevents it from riding up when you’re swimming in heavy surf.
We also love that it has a shoulder zipper to help you slide it on and off, even when wet. Choose from a variety of bright hues and watercolor patterns that will stand out on the sand.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers have found that this rash guard runs small, so you may want to size up.
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Zipper has a long pull
Made with recycled materials
Full upper-body coverage
May run small
Key Specs
Material: Recycled nylon, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Hand-wash
Why We Love It
For a rash guard that offers full upper-body coverage and great UV protection, Athleta’s North Point Rash Guard is our top pick. We like that it has long sleeves, a high collar, and is made from recycled materials that create a smooth, stretchy fabric.
Perfect for paddlesports or a day at the beach, this rash guard is quick-drying and has a zipper in the back with a long pull for easy wearing. Choose from a range of colors and patterns in sizes ranging from XXS to XL.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers have found that this rash guard feels tight, so you may want to order one size up from your usual.
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Flexible, comfortable fit
Flatlock seams
Budget-friendly
Doesn't have a high collar
Key Specs
Material: Nylon, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Hand-wash
Why We Love It
For a light top with a second-skin feel, we recommend Body Glove's Standard Smoothies Long Sleeve Rash Guard. This budget-friendly option has long sleeves and comes in a variety of bright colors. Like many others in our list, it also offers maximum UPF 50+ protection.
We like this rash guard has a flexible fit, thanks to a stretchy blend of nylon and spandex. And flatlock seams mean this top will still feel comfortable, even after spending hours in saltwater.
Potential Flaws
- Unlike some of our other top picks, this rash guard doesn't have a high collar, so make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen from the neck up.
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Four-way stretch
Modern, asymmetrical design
Won't ride up
May run small
Key Specs
Material: Polyester, elastane | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Not listed
Why We Love It
If you’re looking for a rash guard for scuba diving, Huge Sports’ Splice Skins Rash Guard is our top pick. The four-way stretch fabric makes this rash guard ideal for spending long days in the water. Plus, we like the unique asymmetrical design, which features different patterns on just one sleeve.
With UPF 50+ sun protection, this rash guard is just as sleek as it is protective. Wearers have also found that it stays put all day long, from the hem to the sleeves.
Potential Flaws
- Unsure which size to order? The brand recommends trying one up from your usual.
What to Look for When Shopping for Rash Guards
- Color: It's not just a matter of personal preference. Dark and bright colors (like yellow, pink, and red) absorb ultraviolet rays more effectively than paler colors do. Also, consider the climate: A darker rash guard will keep you warmer, while white and other light colors will cool you down, notes Cravarezza.
- Coverage: Check the rash guard's label to find its UPF rating (this indicates how well the rash guard blocks UV rays). The higher the number, the better—UPF50 fabric blocks 98% of the sun's rays.
- Fit: Your rash guard shouldn't be skin tight. Instead, look for one that's a little loose—not so loose that it comes off in the ocean, but not so tight that it pulls as you move your body. Fabric that's stretched too tightly will lose its UV effectiveness over time.
- Materials: Nylon and polyester offer the best UV protection. Also, make sure your rash guard has a tight weave, which makes it harder for UV rays to pass through the fabric.
- Thermal Protection: For colder climates, consider a rash guard with built-in thermal protection. The extra layer can make a huge difference in cooler temperatures.
- Sleeve Length: Long sleeves can help protect your arms from the sun’s UV rays, but short sleeves may feel more breathable and comfortable.
How We Selected the Rash Guards
To choose the best rash guards, we've researched dozens of options from popular, trusted brands. First, we speak with experts to learn which key features every rash guard should have. Then, we review key specs from manufacturers and sort through customer feedback for dozens of rash guards at a variety of price points to find the top styles. As we continue to evaluate more rash guards, we keep these important criteria in mind:
- Fit: We consider the rash guard's silhouette and customer feedback when assessing how it will fit. Is it made from stretchy, breathable materials? How do wearers feel about the fit? This research helps us determine if the rash guard runs small, large, or true to size.
- Comfort: We prioritize rash guards made from high-performance fabrics that won't irritate your skin. We also take into account the rash guard's design—is it adjustable? Does it provide enough coverage?
- Design: There are many styles of rash guards available. We evaluate design based on sleeve length, coverage, zippers or fasteners, and color.
- Overall Value: To assess a rash guard's value, we weigh its price against its features. Based on its fit, comfort, and design, do we think it's priced fairly? Would we buy it ourselves, or would we only purchase it if it went on sale? How does the price compare to other rash guards on the market?
Our Experts
We consulted experts at every stage while researching and writing this story. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.
- Thomas Cravarezza, a surf instructor at Manly Surf School in Australia, taught us what to look for while shopping for rash guards and helped us understand how they can protect your skin from UV rays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do rash guards keep you warm?
Some rash guards come with built-in thermal protection or fleece linings that can help keep you warm. But it's worth noting that rash guards are made to block, reflect, and absorb the sun’s rays—not for body temperature control. If you’re looking for something to keep you warm for long periods of time, consider a wetsuit, which is specifically designed to be worn in cold water.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a qualified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.
Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin
Sarah Felbin is a writer and editor who’s always diving into the latest health and fitness research. When she shops for rash guards, she prioritizes styles that provide maximum coverage and protection from harmful UV rays. She also looks for zippered designs that are easy to slip in and out of.
Skin Cancer Foundation. Sun-protective clothing.
Skin Cancer Foundation. Sun-protective clothing.
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