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Wearing a rash guard while you enjoy the outdoors can help keep you safe from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The best rash guards are comfortable, quick-drying, and versatile. Most styles have a built-in UV shield, which is crucial when the UV factors are high, says surf coach Thomas Cravarezza.
To find the best rash guards, we spoke with Cravarezza to learn which key features every style should have. Then, we extensively researched dozens of top options from popular brands at different price points. We chose our top picks for their superior fit, comfort, design, and value.
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Lightweight and breathable
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Quick-drying
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Tight, performance fit with minimal seams
Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s XS-3XL, Women’s XXS-XL | Quick Drying: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Hand wash cold, air dry
Who It’s For
Best for surfers, beach goers, or water sports enthusiasts who want a highly protective, comfy, and quick-drying rash guard.
Why We Love It
O’Neill’s Premium Skins Long Sleeve 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.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers note that it may run small—consider ordering one size up from your usual if you prefer a more relaxed fit.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s S-2XL, Women’s XS-XL | Quick-Drying: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Machine wash
Who It’s For
Best for those who want a budget-friendly, lightweight rash guard that’s a breeze to launder.
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 features long sleeves and a standing collar for added sun protection. Unlike other options that require hand-washing, this one can be tossed into the washing machine for easy laundering. It also boasts UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can swim and work out worry-free.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Kanu Surf.
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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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s XS-XL | Quick-Drying: Yes | Material: Nylon, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Hand wash
Who It’s For
Best for those who want a budget-friendly rash guard with a comfy, second-skin feel.
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 others on our list, it also offers maximum UPF 50+ protection.
We like that 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, without causing any chafing or skin irritation.
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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Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s S-3XL (regular, tall) | Quick-Drying: Yes | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Short | Care: Machine wash
Who It’s For
Best for those who prefer a short sleeve rash guard that’s abrasion-resistant, lightweight, and cooling.
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 cooling 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.Â
Made from polyester and spandex with UPF 50+ sun protection, this abrasion-resistant rash guard is ideal for walking on the beach, paddleboarding, and other various water activities. 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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Certified by the Skin Cancer Foundation
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Full-length zipper for easy removal when wet
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Tagless design, with smooth seams
Key Specs
Sizes: 0 months-14 years old | Quick-Drying: Yes | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Machine wash
Who It’s For
Best for infants to 14-year-olds who need a highly protective rash guard that’s both durable and certified by the Skin Cancer Foundation, meeting the highest sun protection standards.
Why We Love It
For infants and kids who love to spend time in the sun, we recommend SwimZip’s Kids Long Sleeve Zipper Rash Guard. Available in a wide variety of fun colors and patterns, plus plenty of sizes for little ones up to 14-year-olds, this rash guard is loaded with thoughtful features that parents and caregivers will appreciate. We especially love that it’s tagless and has a full-length zipper, which makes it a breeze to put on and remove when wet.
We love its high-collar, seamless design, a major bonus for children with sensitive skin. Plus, it’s certified by the Skin Cancer Foundation, so you can trust that it meets the highest sun protection standards for your child. And it’s a breeze to launder—simply toss it into the washing machine for a quick refresh.
Potential Flaws
- Some note that over time, the color may slightly fade.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Mens’ S-3XL, Women’s S-3XL | Quick-Drying: Yes | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Machine wash
Who It’s For
Best for surfers and water sports enthusiasts who want a stretchy, slightly compressive rash guard that stays put.
Why We Love It
If you’re looking for a rash guard for surfing, scuba diving, and other water sports, 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 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, thanks to its slightly compressive, yet comfortable fit, making it ideal for intense surf sessions.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Huge Sports.
Potential Flaws
- This rash guard has a slightly compressive fit. We suggest sizing up if you want a little more wiggle room.
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Wind-proof and breathable
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Made with recycled materials
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Smooth seams to prevent chafing
Key Specs
Sizes: Unisex S-L | Quick-Drying: Yes | Materials: Polyester | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Hand wash
Who It’s For
Best for exercise enthusiasts, including surfers, underwater photographers, runners, hikers, skiers, and more who want a versatile rash guard that performs well in both hot and cold weather conditions.
Why We Love It
We recommend Platinum Sun’s Unisex Thermal Swim Shirt for both chilly and hot weather conditions, thanks to its windproof, breathable thermal insulation that keeps you comfortable and dry, whether you’re surfing in chilly water or hiking on a scorching day. We love that it can be worn as a layer or by itself, depending on the weather and the activity you’re doing.
We like the comfortable fleece lining, which is soft against the skin. And it’s rated UPF 50+ for maximum protection. Plus, this rash guard is made from recycled plastic and other post-consumer waste. We also like that the seams are smooth to prevent irritation and chafing so that you can focus on your adventure, not your clothing.
Potential Flaws
- Although it’s pricier than other rash guards on our list, we think the added fleece lining and premium quality are worth paying a little extra for.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s XS-2XL, Men’s S-2XL | Quick-Drying: Yes | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sun Protection: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Long | Care: Hand wash
Who It’s For
Best for surfers, beach-goers, and outdoor exercisers who want a stylish, quick-drying rash guard.
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 or exercising outdoors.
We love that it has a shoulder zipper to help you easily 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, all with maximum sun protection.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Platinum Sun.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers have found that this rash guard runs small, so you may want to size up if you prefer a looser fit.
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, says Cravarezza.Â
- 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.
- Sizing: 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.Â
- 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.Â
- 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 extensively researched dozens of options from popular, trusted brands. We also consulted with a surf instructor to learn which key features every rash guard should have. Then, we reviewed key specs from manufacturers and sorted through customer feedback for dozens of rash guards at a variety of price points to find the top styles. When selecting rash guards, we evaluate each one based on the following key criteria.
- 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.
- 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 our expert at each stage of our research, selecting, and reporting process. Our expert taught us what to look for while shopping for quality rash guards and helped us understand how they can protect the skin from UV rays. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.
- Thomas Cravarezza, surf instructor at Manly Surf School in Australia
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.
What is the difference between a rash guard and a sun guard?
Rash guards often have a tighter and more compressive fit than sun guards, making them ideal for water sports and outdoor workouts where you want your clothing to stay put. Sun guards, or sun shirts, are often looser and are better equipped for general sun protection while spending time outdoors, but aren’t necessarily the best option for intense workouts or water-related activities.
Should rash guards be tight or loose?
Rash guards should feel snug, but not uncomfortably tight. Some even offer compressive fits for additional support during more intensive water sports and workouts. If your rash guard is too loose, it may ride up or shift around, distracting you while you surf or workout.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a personal trainer and Verywell Fit 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 and Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT
Sarah Felbin is a Verywell Fit writer 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.
Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, runner, and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she’s dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing.
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