Carrying a rash guard when you benefit from the outside may help hold you protected from the solar’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. The perfect rash guards are comfy, quick-drying, and versatile. Most types have a built-in UV protect, which is essential when the UV components are excessive, says surf coach Thomas Cravarezza.
To seek out one of the best rash guards, we spoke with Cravarezza to study which key options each type ought to have. Then, we extensively researched dozens of high choices from widespread manufacturers at completely different worth factors. We selected our high picks for his or her superior match, consolation, design, and worth.
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Light-weight and breathable
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Fast-drying
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Tight, efficiency match with minimal seams
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s XS-3XL, Ladies’s XXS-XL | Fast Drying: Sure | Supplies: Nylon, spandex | Solar Safety: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Lengthy | Care: Hand wash chilly, air dry
Who It is For
Greatest for surfers, seashore goers, or water sports activities lovers who need a extremely protecting, cozy, and quick-drying rash guard.
Why We Love It
O’Neill’s Premium Skins Lengthy Sleeve Rash Guard is our high total decide as a result of its four-way stretch and quick-drying material are perfect for most water sports activities. Whether or not you’re an expert surfer or spending an off-the-cuff day on the seashore, this rash guard is rated UPF 50+ to your security—probably the most safety that exists.
We like that this rash guard is constructed from breathable nylon and spandex, plus there are numerous colours and sizes to select from. The tight, efficiency match offers consolation with out including cumbersome layers. Even higher, there are minimal seams to forestall chafing or drag that may sluggish you down.
Additionally accessible in ladies’s sizes at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Items.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers be aware that it might run small—think about ordering one dimension up out of your regular should you favor a extra relaxed match.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s S-2XL, Ladies’s XS-XL | Fast-Drying: Sure | Supplies: Nylon, spandex | Solar Safety: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Lengthy | Care: Machine wash
Who It is For
Greatest for individuals who need a budget-friendly, light-weight rash guard that is a breeze to launder.
Why We Love It
For a budget-friendly possibility, we advocate Kanu Surf’s Platinum Rash Guard. It’s constructed from a mixture of nylon and spandex, which suggests it’s each light-weight and quick-drying. It doesn’t matter should you’re a surfer or need a rash guard for recreation—this one performs at a cheaper price level than lots of our different high picks.
This rash guard options lengthy sleeves and a standing collar for added solar safety. Not like different choices that require hand-washing, this one will be tossed into the washer for straightforward laundering. It additionally boasts UPF 50+ solar safety, so you may swim and work out worry-free.
Additionally accessible in ladies’s sizes at Amazon and Kanu Surf.
Potential Flaws
- Since this rash guard is so skinny, among the lighter colours might seem barely see-through when moist.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s XS-XL | Fast-Drying: Sure | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Solar Safety: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Lengthy | Care: Hand wash
Who It is For
Greatest for individuals who need a budget-friendly rash guard with a comfortable, second-skin really feel.
Why We Love It
For a lightweight high with a second-skin really feel, we advocate Physique Glove’s Commonplace Smoothies Lengthy Sleeve Rash Guard. This budget-friendly possibility has lengthy sleeves and is available in a wide range of brilliant colours. Like others on our listing, it additionally presents most UPF 50+ safety.
We like that this rash guard has a versatile match, due to a stretchy mix of nylon and spandex. And flatlock seams imply this high will nonetheless really feel comfy, even after spending hours in saltwater, with out inflicting any chafing or pores and skin irritation.
Potential Flaws
- Not like a few of our different high picks, this rash guard would not have a excessive collar, so ensure that to use loads of sunscreen from the neck up.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s S-3XL (common, tall) | Fast-Drying: Sure | Supplies: Polyester, spandex | Solar Safety: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Quick | Care: Machine wash
Who It is For
Greatest for individuals who favor a brief sleeve rash guard that is abrasion-resistant, light-weight, and cooling.
Why We Love It
For scorching-hot days when lengthy sleeves aren’t an possibility, we advocate L.L.Bean’s Swift River Cooling Solar Shirt. This cooling rash guard is barely fitted and made with light-weight consolation in thoughts for individuals who don’t like a tighter, extra conventional efficiency match. The anti-microbial material additionally wicks moisture away rapidly, to maintain you cool and dry.
Created from polyester and spandex with UPF 50+ solar safety, this abrasion-resistant rash guard is good for strolling on the seashore, paddleboarding, and different numerous water actions. We additionally like that it is machine-washable and is available in each common and tall sizes.
Potential Flaws
- Not like a few of our different high picks, this rash guard would not have a tall collar.
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Licensed by the Pores and skin Most cancers Basis
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Full-length zipper for straightforward removing when moist
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Tagless design, with easy seams
Key Specs
Sizes: 0 months-14 years previous | Fast-Drying: Sure | Supplies: Nylon, spandex | Solar Safety: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Lengthy | Care: Machine wash
Who It is For
Greatest for infants to 14-year-olds who want a extremely protecting rash guard that is each sturdy and authorized by the Pores and skin Most cancers Basis, assembly the very best solar safety requirements.
Why We Love It
For infants and youngsters who like to spend time within the solar, we advocate SwimZip’s Children Lengthy Sleeve Zipper Rash Guard. Obtainable in all kinds of enjoyable colours and patterns, plus loads of sizes for little ones as much as 14-year-olds, this rash guard is loaded with considerate options that folks and caregivers will recognize. We particularly love that it is tagless and has a full-length zipper, which makes it a breeze to placed on and take away when moist.
We love its high-collar, seamless design, a serious bonus for kids with delicate pores and skin. Plus, it is licensed by the Pores and skin Most cancers Basis, so you may belief that it meets the very best solar safety requirements to your youngster. And it is a breeze to launder—merely toss it into the washer for a fast refresh.
Potential Flaws
- Some be aware that over time, the colour might barely fade.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Mens’ S-3XL, Ladies’s S-3XL | Fast-Drying: Sure | Supplies: Polyester, elastane | Solar Safety: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Lengthy | Care: Machine wash
Who It is For
Greatest for surfers and water sports activities lovers who need a stretchy, barely compressive rash guard that stays put.
Why We Love It
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a rash guard for browsing, scuba diving, and different water sports activities, Big Sports activities’ Splice Skins Rash Guard is our high decide. The four-way stretch material makes this rash guard best for spending lengthy days within the water. Plus, we just like the distinctive design, which options completely different patterns on only one sleeve.
With UPF 50+ solar safety, this rash guard is simply as modern as it’s protecting. Wearers have additionally discovered that it stays put all day lengthy, from the hem to the sleeves, due to its barely compressive, but comfy match, making it best for intense surf periods.
Additionally accessible in ladies’s sizes at Amazon and Big Sports activities.
Potential Flaws
- This rash guard has a barely compressive match. We propose sizing up if you’d like a bit extra wiggle room.
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Wind-proof and breathable
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Made with recycled supplies
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Clean seams to forestall chafing
Key Specs
Sizes: Unisex S-L | Fast-Drying: Sure | Supplies: Polyester | Solar Safety: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Lengthy | Care: Hand wash
Who It is For
Greatest for train lovers, together with surfers, underwater photographers, runners, hikers, skiers, and extra who need a versatile rash guard that performs effectively in each cold and warm climate situations.
Why We Love It
We advocate Platinum Solar’s Unisex Thermal Swim Shirt for each chilly and sizzling climate situations, due to its windproof, breathable thermal insulation that retains you comfy and dry, whether or not you are browsing in chilly water or mountain climbing on a scorching day. We love that it may be worn as a layer or by itself, relying on the climate and the exercise you are doing.
We just like the comfy fleece lining, which is smooth in opposition to the pores and skin. And it is rated UPF 50+ for max safety. Plus, this rash guard is constructed from recycled plastic and different post-consumer waste. We additionally like that the seams are easy to forestall irritation and chafing to be able to focus in your journey, not your clothes.
Potential Flaws
- Though it is pricier than different rash guards on our listing, we expect the added fleece lining and premium high quality are value paying a bit additional for.
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Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s XS-2XL, Males’s S-2XL | Fast-Drying: Sure | Supplies: Polyester, spandex | Solar Safety: UPF 50+ | Sleeves: Lengthy | Care: Hand wash
Who It is For
Greatest for surfers, beach-goers, and out of doors exercisers who need a fashionable, quick-drying rash guard.
Why We Love It
Looking for a rash guard with a singular design? We advocate Platinum Solar’s Lengthy Sleeve Rash Guard. We like that it is light-weight and breathable, with a silicone band that forestalls it from using up while you’re swimming in heavy surf or exercising outside.
We love that it has a shoulder zipper that can assist you simply slide it on and off, even when moist. Select from a wide range of brilliant hues and watercolor patterns that may stand out on the sand, all with most solar safety.
Additionally accessible in males’s sizes at Amazon and Platinum Solar.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers have discovered that this rash guard runs small, so it’s possible you’ll need to dimension up should you favor a looser match.
What to Search for When Looking for Rash Guards
- Coloration: It isn’t only a matter of non-public choice. Darkish and brilliant colours (like yellow, pink, and crimson) take up ultraviolet rays extra successfully than paler colours do. Additionally, think about the local weather: A darker rash guard will hold you hotter, whereas white and different mild colours will cool you down, says Cravarezza.
- Protection: Test the rash guard’s label to seek out its UPF score (this means how effectively the rash guard blocks UV rays). The upper the quantity, the higher—UPF50 material blocks 98% of the solar’s rays.
- Sizing: Your rash guard should not be pores and skin tight. As a substitute, search for one which’s a bit free—not so free that it comes off within the ocean, however not so tight that it pulls as you progress your physique. Material that is stretched too tightly will lose its UV effectiveness over time.
- Supplies: Nylon and polyester supply one of the best UV safety. Additionally, ensure that your rash guard has a good weave, which makes it more durable for UV rays to move by means of the material.
- Thermal Safety: For colder climates, think about a rash guard with built-in thermal safety. The additional layer could make an enormous distinction in cooler temperatures.
- Sleeve Size: Lengthy sleeves may help defend your arms from the solar’s UV rays, however brief sleeves might really feel extra breathable and comfy.
How We Chosen the Rash Guards
To decide on one of the best rash guards, we extensively researched dozens of choices from widespread, trusted manufacturers. We additionally consulted with a surf teacher to study which key options each rash guard ought to have. Then, we reviewed key specs from producers and sorted by means of buyer suggestions for dozens of rash guards at a wide range of worth factors to seek out the highest types. When deciding on rash guards, we consider every one based mostly on the next key standards.
- Match: We think about the rash guard’s silhouette and buyer suggestions when assessing the way it will match. Is it constructed from stretchy, breathable supplies? How do wearers really feel in regards to the match? This analysis helps us decide if the rash guard runs small, massive, or true to dimension.
- Consolation: We prioritize rash guards constructed from high-performance materials that will not irritate your pores and skin. We additionally consider the rash guard’s design—is it adjustable? Does it present sufficient protection?
- Design: There are a lot of types of rash guards accessible. We consider design based mostly on sleeve size, protection, zippers or fasteners, and shade.
- Worth: To evaluate a rash guard’s worth, we weigh its worth in opposition to its options. Based mostly on its match, consolation, and design, do we expect it is priced pretty? Would we purchase it ourselves, or would we solely buy it if it went on sale? How does the worth evaluate to different rash guards available on the market?
Our Consultants
We consulted our knowledgeable at every stage of our analysis, deciding on, and reporting course of. Our knowledgeable taught us what to search for whereas purchasing for high quality rash guards and helped us perceive how they will defend the pores and skin from UV rays. Though we select merchandise independently, knowledgeable enter influences our choices.
- Thomas Cravarezza, surf teacher at Manly Surf Faculty in Australia
Steadily Requested Questions
Do rash guards hold you heat?
Some rash guards include built-in thermal safety or fleece linings that may assist hold you heat. Nevertheless it’s value noting that rash guards are made to dam, mirror, and take up the solar’s rays—not for physique temperature management. If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing to maintain you heat for lengthy intervals of time, think about a wetsuit, which is particularly designed to be worn in chilly water.
What’s the distinction between a rash guard and a solar guard?
Rash guards usually have a tighter and extra compressive match than solar guards, making them best for water sports activities and out of doors exercises the place you need your clothes to remain put. Solar guards, or solar shirts, are sometimes looser and are higher geared up for normal solar safety whereas spending time outside, however aren’t essentially the best choice for intense exercises or water-related actions.
Ought to rash guards be tight or free?
Rash guards ought to really feel comfortable, however not uncomfortably tight. Some even supply compressive matches for extra help throughout extra intensive water sports activities and exercises. In case your rash guard is simply too free, it might experience up or shift round, distracting you when you surf or exercise.
Why Belief Verywell Match
As a private coach and Verywell Match author, Ravi Davda understands how vital high quality product suggestions will be. He recommends merchandise which can be dependable, comfy, and genuinely well-reviewed by those that’ve tried them.
Further reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin and Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT
Sarah Felbin is a Verywell Match author who’s all the time diving into the most recent well being and health analysis. When she retailers for rash guards, she prioritizes types that present most protection and safety from dangerous UV rays. She additionally seems for zippered designs which can be simple to slide out and in of.
Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and household therapist, runner, and the affiliate editor for Verywell Match. Whether or not specializing in exercise gear, attire, or different merchandise, she’s devoted to offering suggestions based mostly on thorough analysis and testing.