Best_Rash_Guard

Going to the beach and hitting some waves is always thrilling but also gives you rashes, sunburn and chafing. This is where a rash guard saves your life as it keeps you secure and protected in or out on the water.

The best rash guard not only protects your skin from mechanical abrasion and overexposure to the sun but also boosts your confidence to ride the waves. But choosing a rash guard is often difficult as you need to consider the quality, size and right fit for yourself. 

For making it easy for you, we’ve studied several rash guard reviews and created a vetted list of the best options as well as a comprehensive buying guide to help you in comparison. Here is our list of the best rashies for all-weather protection.

1

OUR TOP PICK

O’Neill Men’s Hybrid Short Sleeve

O’Neill Men’s Hybrid Short Sleeve


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Summary

Crafted with 4-way stretch cotton-like feel fabric that dries in no time and offers UPF 50+ sun protection, O’Neill Men’s Hybrid Sun Rash Guard gets the tag of the best rash guards on our list.

Design

O’Neill is designed with a lightweight, durable, heathered hydrophobic HYPER DRY fabric that dries in no time. It may seem like a basic half sleeve and round neck t-shirt but it is more than that. What we love is the fact that you can stretch to give a perfect fit on your body. Further, the overlock stitching pattern used in the rash guard creates super-strong seams, making it ideal for tough usage.

Performance

Offering a cottonlike feel to your skin, this t-shirt offers high UPF of 50+ and protects your skin from the UV rays. Thanks to its tough but lightweight construction, this mens rash guard not only stands tough against rashes from water and board but also reduces fatigue from sun exposure. Moreover, you can wear it as a casual wear or for a number of other water sports.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Dries 3 times quicker than most rash guards
  • Overlock stitching creates super-strong seams
  • Impressive body fitting
  • UPF 50+ protection from harmful UV rays
  • Reduces fatigue from sun exposure
  • Made with high quality materials
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Fabric: 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex
Color: Bright Blue
UPF Rating: 50

View More By Sbart »
2

EDITORS CHOICE

NRS H2Core Women’s

NRS H2Core Women’s


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Summary

With silky exterior and brushed inner surface to give a soft feel, NRS H2Core is the best rash guard for women who want to feel extra warm on cooler days.  

Design

H2Core comes with a crew-neck, long sleeves style. It is designed out of quick-drying Nylon/Spandex technical fabric that wicks water on the skin and offers UPF of 50+. The design also features paddlers cut to provide friction-free zones under the arms making it perfect for water engagement activities.

Performance

This women's rash guard is ideal for water adventures in every season as it offers protection against harmful sun rays in summer and adds a layer of warmth in cold months. Moreover, the foam fitting makes it comfortable to wear under a life jacket as well as technical outerwear. What we love is that it features a silky exterior for athletic performance. Moreover, the hemmed loop keeps the rash guard from riding up when you are in action.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Moisture-wicking and quick drying
  • You can wear it under a life jacket or technical outerwear
  • The brushed inner surface feels soft and cool on your skin
  • Friction-free zones under the arms allow unrestricted movement
  • The silky exterior ensures fluid, athletic performance
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Fabric: Nylon/Spandex
Color: Poseidon
UPF Rating: 50

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3

BEST VALUE

Kanu Surf Men’s Cb

Kanu Surf Men's Cb


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Summary

Made from 100 % high-grade Polyester that offers over UPF 50 sun protection, Kanu Surf Men's Cb Rash Guard is the best value rash guard on our list for men who are looking for a more loose fit.

Design

Kanu is designed with lightweight and breathable polyester that blocks out the sun's harmful rays. Plus, it just takes minutes to dry. This short-sleeve t-shirt has an impressive appearance thanks to its crew neckline and contrast panels at sides so that you can feel at your best while surfing or paddling in style.

Performance

With a casual and comfortable style, Kanu offers excellent water wicking. Moreover, this mens rash guard keeps your skin fresh as it passes enough air on your body and gives a nice soft feel, making it an ideal casual wear for beach strolling as well as an excellent rash guard for swimming.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Casual and comfortable fit
  • Manufactured from a high breathable fabric
  • Designed for surfers of all levels as well as the recreational athletes
  • Helps keep moisture away from the body
  • Available in more than 10 colors
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Fabric: 100% Polyester
Color: Royal Blue, Neon Green, Orange, Red
UPF Rating: 50

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4

O’Neill Men’s Basic Short Sleeve

O'Neill Men's Basic Short Sleeve


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Summary

Made from a lightweight composition of polyester and spandex, O'Neill Men's Basic Skins Rash Guard is another top-rated rash guard that offers a high level of protection from the sun and water engagements.

Design

This half sleeves guard rash is designed with a 4-way stretchable fabric that has both polyester and spandex and offers UDF of 50 protection. Along with protection from sunburns, the right fit design of the t-shirt protects you from chafes during body movements. Furthermore, seamless paddle zones and minimal seams improve suitability for water adventures.

Performance

With a fit that is not too tight on the body and fabric that dries in no time, the performance of O'Neill is better than many other products that are available in the market. Not only its fabric is breathable and provides the sun protection you need, but also it keeps your skin fresh and allows you to do your moves with maximum flexibility. With pared-down graphics, this rash guard is a perfect pick if you want all-round protection for your next visit to the ocean.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Quick drying composition
  • Slim fit style that is not tight on the skin
  • The seamless paddle zones allow maximum flexibility
  • Features pared-down graphics
  • Designed to be close to the body but not skin-tight
  • High sun protection
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Fabric: Polyester and Spandex
Color: Black, Dusty Blue, Lime, Pacific, Red, Smoke, White, Royal, Navy, Cobalt
UPF Rating: 50

View More By O'Neill Wetsuits »
5

Speedo Men’s Uv Swim Long Sleeve

Speedo Men's Uv Swim Long Sleeve


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Summary

Featuring the latest in sun-protection technology, Speedo Men's Uv Swim Long Sleeve Rash Guard is a loose fit rash guard that comes along with sleeves for extra coverage that are designed to offer both high ultraviolet protection and resistance to pilling.

Design

The t-shirt is crafted from 100 %$ “Block the Burn” polyester fabric, which is the latest in sun-protection technology for keeping your skin safe from sunburns. Featuring UPF of 50+, this long sleeved rash guard from Speedo is designed as a full sleeves t-shirt with crew neck style and pull over closure type, that is easy to wear and remove. Being one of the popular choices in the market, Speedo is preferred by many because of its durability, comfort, and design.

Performance

This full sleeve t-shirt from Speedo has a list of features that makes it a perfect all-round performer. It offers impressive protection in and out of the water and features a fabric that not only dries quickly but also lets your skin breathe. What makes it different from others is its resistance to pilling. Weighing just 5.5 ounces, this lightweight and comfortable t-shirt from Speedo is definitely a perfect buy for everyone.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Latest sun protection technology
  • Unique coating that repels water
  • Extra-long sleeves for more protection
  • Fabric resists pilling for increased wear
  • Hand wash only
  • High sun protection
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Fabric: 100 % Polyester
Color: Bright Ocean, New Navy, Granite, Speedo Black, White, Space Dyed speedo black, Black+Grey
UPF Rating: 50

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6

Speedo Men’s UV Swim Short Sleeve

Speedo Men's UV Swim Short Sleeve


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Summary

If you are looking for a low-moisture absorption for fast comfort right out of the water, Speedo Men's UV Swim Shirt Short Sleeve Rash Guard is the best option on our list with its lightweight and comfortable fabric.

Design

Crafted with 100% polyester that offers 50+ UPF, this t-shirt comes with half sleeves and fits loose on your body. The fabric used in designing this t-shirt is not only breathable and soft but also stands high on durability. You can be sure that this rash-guard from Speedo will be able to last swim after swim without losing its shape or quality.

Performance

When it comes to performance, Speedo beats many, as it features the latest technology to protect you from harmful UV rays. Adding on, it offers low-moisture absorption for fast comfort right out of the water. Besides, its fabric repels water and resists to pilling. All in all, this rash guard offers all the comfort and protection you need for engaging with water again and again.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Comfortable fit for versatile usage
  • Unique coating that repels water
  • No deformation in shape with time
  • Low-moisture absorption
  • Made from long-lasting soft and durable fabric
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Fabric: 100 % Polyester
Color: New Navy, Atomic Red, Cyan, Granite, Speedo Black, White, Black+Grey
UPF Rating: 50

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7

O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins Long Sleeve

O'Neill Men's Basic Skins Long Sleeve


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Summary

Manufactured from a unique Polyester and Spandex blend that is recommended by Skin Cancer Foundation, O'Neill Men's Basic Skins Long Sleeve Rash Guard is ideal for those who want an effective UV protection with minimal heat absorption.

Design

Featuring a style that fits your body like a second skin, this full sleeve rash guard from O'Neill is crafted with the composition of Polyester and Spandex to offer UPF of 50+. The blend formulates a breathable fabric that allows heat and moisture to escape from the long sleeved t-shirt and ultimately keeps you cooler and dryer. Thanks to its minimal seam placement, O'Neill offers maximum rash protection.

Performance

Along with protection, the right fit of this rash guard helps it in outperforming other rash guards in the market. It uses a 4-way stretchable fabric and paddle zones, thus let your body move effortless. The suit offers excellent ventilation, so that your skin remains fresh and you don’t feel uneasy when you are engaging with water. All these features make it a perfect choice for surfing, swimming, paddle sports, boating as well as casual beachwear.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Skin Cancer Foundation recommended
  • Minimal seam placement for maximum rash protection
  • Form-Fitting tight layer fits like a second skin
  • Comfortable yet durable construction
  • Industry leader since 1952
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Fabric: Polyester/Spandex
Color: Graphite, Deep Green, Navy, Black, Red, Dusty Blue, Khaki, Pacific, Smoke, White, Ink, Lime green, Graphite, Lunar
UPF Rating: 50

View More By O'Neill Wetsuits »
8

NRS Men’s H2Core Long-Sleeve

NRS Men’s H2Core Long-Sleeve


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Summary

If you are looking for unrestricted movement as well as sun protection, NRS Men’s H2Core Long-Sleeve Rash Guard is one of the best rashies on our list with its  friction-free zones design.

Design

Made from a composition of nylon and spandex, the outer layer of this rash guard is smooth like silk and offers UPF 50+ to keep the harmful effects of the sun away from your skin. On the other hand, it features a brushed inner surface for a comfortable feel. Designed with a crew neck, the fabric of this technically sound rash guard offers both breathability and insulation, depending on the way it is used. Plus, it adds an extra layer under your splash-wear for extra warmth. 

Performance

We love the hemmed loop that locks and restricts the guard from going up. NRS comes with paddlers' cut to provide friction-free zones under your arms and let you move your body freely. Not only its fabric gives you protection from UV and rashes, but it also dries quickly and wicks sweat and moisture, thus ensuring a comfortable experience, every time you wear it.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Silky exterior ensures fluid, athletic performance
  • Allows effortless body movements
  • You can wear it under a life jacket or technical outerwear
  • Hemmed loop keeps the rashguard from riding up
  • Inner surface feels soft against your skin
  • High sun protection
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Fabric: Nylon and Spandex
Color: Fjord, Dark shadows
UPF Rating: 50

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9

Patagonia Women’s Micro Swell

Patagonia Women’s Micro Swell


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Summary

If you love wearing environmental-friendly fabrics, Patagonia Women’s Micro Swell Rash Guard is the best choice for you with its recycled and fair-trade certified construction.

Design

Crafted with recycled nylon and spandex composition to give a stretchy fit, Patagonia comes with a higher crew neck to offer extra skin coverage and has a UPF of 50+. With its durable stitching, the rash guard also features extra-long gusseted raglan sleeves that ensure enhanced movement and comfort. Not only the fabric blend used in its design dries quickly but also protects your skin from sunburns and rashes. Plus, the stretchy fit prevents the upper body from chafing and harmful sun rays.

Performance

Most of the rash guard reviews for Patagonia suggest that its fabric stands high on durability as well as comfort thanks to its strong nylon and spandex blend construction. Plus, the princess seams offer a form fit that's not too tight. As the rash guard comes with extra coverage on neck and hands, you are always getting that extra protection that is required when you're lying on your board waiting for the next swell. Overall, this eco-friendly product from Patagonia is another top choice women.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Fair-trade certified construction
  • Form fitting that is not too tight
  • Extra coverage on neck and hand
  • Gusseted raglan sleeves ensure enhanced movement and comfort
  • Princess seams offer a form fit that's not too tight
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Fabric: [Solids] 83% Recycled Nylon, 17% Spandex, [Prints] 83% Recycled Polyester, 17% Spandex
Color: Light Beryl Green, The Cotton Wild Small/Superior Blue
UPF Rating: 50

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10

Carve Designs Kona Women’s

Carve Designs Kona Women’s


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Summary

With a half-zip design that allows easy on and off movement, Carve Designs Kona Women’s Rash Guard gets the tenth spot on our list designed to protect your arms and stomach from nasty board rashes on our list.

Design

Offering a regular fit, USA-made Kona is crafted out a durable blend of nylon and spandex. It is not only stretchable to give you the perfect fit, but also provides UPF of 50+ protection to shield you from harmful UV rays. Thanks to its longer cut design, Kona offers more coverage and comfort. Last but not least, the high-quality half zip makes the rush guard putting it on and off effortless.

Performance

Kona offers an impressive UPF of 50+ protection and extra coverage for your skin. The regular fit allows a high level of comfort by not allowing the fabric to stick to your body. Plus, it keeps the skin ventilated. Adding on, its raglan sleeves offer extra uv protection and improve your body movement when you are swimming in water or up for paddling or surfing.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Easy to wear and remove
  • Long cut design provides extra coverage
  • Form fitting with stretchable fabric
  • A playful yet protective long-sleeve design
  • Features a half-zip for easy on and off
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Fabric: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex
Color: Black, Coco, Delilah, Kima, Moss, Navy
UPF Rating: 50

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How To Choose A Rash Guard – Buying Guide

Choosing the right rash guard depends on two things- your personal preference and the intended purpose. This buying guide will help you choose a rash guard for your activity.

Type

The type of rash guard you choose mainly depends on the climate. The standard sleeve rash guards come with long sleeves, short sleeves, or as a vest to cover your upper body while few rash guards cover the whole body and are tagged as a full-body rash guard.

If the temperature is low and you go in and out of the water often, a thermal rash guard with long sleeves should be your choice whereas if the climate is hot you should opt for a short sleeve rash guard. Also, keep in mind, there are mens rash guard, women’s rash guard, and unisex rash guards, so pick one which suits your gender.

Size

Buyers_guide

A rash guard can be loose or tight. If you plan on doing an activity that includes a lot of movements like swimming or surfing, it is better that you buy a rash guard that fits tight. This has to do with the fact that a tight fit has less resistance and minimizes chafing and rubbing. On the other hand, if you plan on using a rash guard mainly as UV protection then you should choose a loose fit.

Material

This is certainly the most important feature when you are comparing rash guards for men.  A rash guard is mainly made with 100% Spandex, polyester, nylon, or neoprene of their compositions. Keep in mind that a rash guard should be light and gentle on your skin, breathable, and able to dry off fast. Also, make sure that your choice is a UV rash guard which offers UPF protection to prevent your skin from harmful Ultra Violet rays coming from the sun.

You might also like: Sunscreen for Surfing and Watersports

Effectiveness

Here you need to pick an alternative that is lightweight, durable, and is designed with material that guarantees that your skin won’t be irritated from continuous abrasion with the surfboard. Also, consider that the best upf swim shirts have seams you can’t feel on your skin and offer high protection from sun rays.

FAQs

FAQ

Globo Surf Overview

To wrap things up, investing in a good rash guard can really make a big difference. If you were not sure about what would be the most excellent rash guard, you now have enough information on what to look for. Our list of the best rash guards is compiled with top-rated players available in the market, so feel free to pick any of them. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

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