10 Best Rash Guards for Surfers in 2022 (Speedo, O'Neill, and More)
Quick List - Top Rash Guards For Surfers
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Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust Us
- 10 Best Rash Guards For Surfers Ranking
- No. 1Kanu Surf | Men's Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt
- No. 2Axesea | Women’s Long Sleeve Rash Guard
- No. 3Sanabul | Short Sleeve Compression Rash Guard
- No. 4Body Glove | Women's Smoothies In Motion Short Sleeve Rashguard
- No. 5Speedo | Men's UV Swim Shirt
- 5 more products
- More Surfing Essentials
Why You Can Trust Us
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How to Choose Rash Guards For Surfers
Are you surfing in Hawaii or Alaska? Do you sweat easily or get sunburned? These are the kind of questions you should ask yourself before you set out to go shopping for a rash guard. Let’s go through some of the key points together.
Choose a Style for Warmth and Comfort
With a variety of different coverage and protection options, it can be hard to know what to look for. Here’s some information that will help you to shop smart.
Short Sleeves to Beat the Heat
Long Sleeves for Better UV Protection or in Cooler Waters
Long sleeves will cover more of your body, providing more protection against the sun. If you want to wear a long sleeve rash guard in warmer climates, look for a light color to prevent overheating.
Optimal for protection against cooler temperatures, long sleeve rash guards will help keep you insulated and warm. However, note that when the water is too cold, you're probably better off wearing a wetsuit!
A Tank Avoids a Farmer's Tan
Tank rash guards are perfect for hot and sunny days when overheating is a growing concern. Going sleeveless, of course, means lots of flexibility and a greater range of movement while you’re riding the waves.
Compared to a full-body rash guard or a long sleeve rash guard, a tank will minimize any restriction, but leave you with less protection. If you have sensitive armpits like a lot of surfers, you’ll need more coverage than this.
Shorts Protect Against Chafing
A Full Body Rash Guard for Complete Protection
A full-body rash guard offers essentially the same coverage and protection as a wetsuit but isn't as thick or insulating. They can be worn alone or underneath a wetsuit for additional warmth if you're surfing in cold temperatures. While this style can feel restricting, it will protect your entire body from rashes and sun rays.
One-Piece Rash Guards for Mobility
In contrast to a full-body rash guard, there are also one-piece rash guards that don’t cover the legs. They essentially look like one-piece bathing suits and are typically worn in warmer climates, either alone or under wetsuits to prevent chafing and to keep you protected from the sun.
They come in long-, short-, and no-sleeve varieties. They’re similar to rash guard shirts, although you never have to worry about them bunching up. However, they can be difficult to get in and out of, so we recommend looking for one with a zipper.
Pick a Material that Suits Your Needs
Different rash guard materials have a lot of different things to offer. Here we'll explore their pros and cons.
Nylon-Spandex for Stretch
A nylon-spandex blend is a popular option for rash guards. It's soft and stretchy, so it's a good choice if you like a tight fit. It's also quick-drying and breathable.
Polyester for Sweat-Wicking
Polyester is known for its moisture-wicking properties. Not only does it dry quickly, but it will move sweat from the interior of the rashguard to the exterior, helping you stay comfortable. Though not as flexible and stretchy as nylon-spandex, it's breathable and perfect for really hot days.
Look for Sun Protection
In addition, you probably know all too well how painful neck sunburns can be. Some rash guards have collars that will help protect your neck. Others have a hood that can help cover your ears and face.
Avoid Chafing With a Flat Seam
Raised seams will chafe, defeating the main purpose of wearing a rash guard in the first place. To avoid chafing, look for rash guards with flatlock seams, which means they lay flat against the material. Most manufacturers will specify this in the product details but you can also check the reviews if the information is hard to find.
Stay Fresh With Antimicrobial Treatment
One common issue with rash guards is that after just a couple of trips to the ocean, bacteria and fungi start growing in the material, leaving an unpleasant odor. If this is a concern for you, look for an antimicrobial-treated rash guard to help keep things clean.
10 Best Rash Guards For Surfers Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kanu Surf Men's Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt | | Short Sleeves for Maximum Mobility | |
2 | Axesea Women’s Long Sleeve Rash Guard | | This Long Sleeve One-Piece Has You Covered | |
3 | Sanabul Short Sleeve Compression Rash Guard | | A No Frills Rash Guard for Any Sport | |
4 | Body Glove Women's Smoothies In Motion Short Sleeve Rashguard | | Don't Sacrifice Style for Protection | |
5 | Speedo Men's UV Swim Shirt | | Hang Ten in a Relaxed Fit Top | |
6 | Sociala Women's Plus Size Rash Guard | | A Colorblock Rash Guard in Plus Sizes | |
7 | O'Neill Men’s Premium Skins UPF 50+ Shorts | | Banish Lower Body Chafing | |
8 | CharmLeaks Women’s Long Sleeve Rash Guard | | Full Coverage in Bold Colors | |
9 | O'Neill Men’s Basic Skins Long Sleeve Rash Guard | | Skin-Tight and Long-Sleeved | |
10 | Kanu Surf Women’s Keri Long-Sleeve UPF 50+ Rash Guard | | A Lightweight Rash Guard to Keep the Sun Off |
Short Sleeves for Maximum Mobility
This rash guard from Kanu Surf has a slightly relaxed fit for maximum comfort and versatility. Short sleeves help protect shoulders while keeping the arms free. The fabric is moisture-wicking and protects from harmful UV rays. Wear it for surfing, swimming, running, or other physical activities.
Some reviewers complained that the seams came loose and a couple found the neck opening to be too large. However, the majority of reviewers said this rash guard was lightweight, cool, and very comfortable. They said it dries quickly when wet and holds up well in the wash.
This Long Sleeve One-Piece Has You Covered
Some reviewers complained about the fit in the bust and bum areas. Others said the zipper broke. On the other hand, most reviewers said this rash guard was a cute alternative to a swimsuit that gave them additional coverage. They said the material was stretchy and comfortable and loved the variety of designs.
A No Frills Rash Guard for Any Sport
Some reviewers complained that this rash guard was too tight, especially in the arms. A couple found the seams to be uncomfortable. Still, many reviewers said it was durable and comfortable and were happy that it offered protection while still being breathable.
Body GloveWomen's Smoothies In Motion Short Sleeve Rashguard
Don't Sacrifice Style for Protection
This short sleeve rash guard from Body Glove is both cute and functional. It's made from a blend of stretchy, soft nylon and polyester that's form-fitting but not too tight. Throw it on top of a swimsuit for a little extra protection or warmth. Flatlock seams help prevent chafing.
A couple of reviewers said the shirt they received didn't have UV protection. Others found that the colors bled. Still, most reviewers said this rash guard was comfortable and flattering. They liked the stretchy material and said this shirt is great to layer over a swim top or wear alone for non-aquatic activities.
Hang Ten in a Relaxed Fit Top
This swim shirt from Speedo has a slightly looser fit than other rash guards, making it great to wear on its own or as a top layer. It's made from polyester, so it's quick to dry and resistant to pilling. The long sleeves ensure that your upper half is fully protected from the sun.
Some reviewers complained that the material snagged or frayed easily. Others noted that the shirt runs large. However, most reviewers said this shirt was super lightweight and dried very quickly. They liked how versatile it was and said it was excellent for swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
A Colorblock Rash Guard in Plus Sizes
For curvy women who are worried about chafing or sun protection, this rash guard from Sociala can help with both. It's cut in a relaxed fit, with short sleeves that provide coverage down to the elbows. The material is stretchy and quick to dry and the flatlock seams won't rub against your skin.
Some reviewers noted that this shirt runs small and short and recommended sizing up. Still, many reviewers said they liked the soft fabric and found that it dried quickly. They said the fit was flattering and that they felt comfortable wearing it both out of the water and in.
Banish Lower Body Chafing
Some reviewers complained that the material was quite thin and could be revealing when wet. However, many men said that these shorts were great to layer under trunks or a wetsuit. They stayed comfortable throughout the day and their legs were rash-free.
Full Coverage in Bold Colors
Some reviewers noted that this top runs small and recommended sizing up. Others complained that the material had an unpleasant odor. However, many reviewers said this rash guard top was flattering and comfortable. They found that it kept them warm in the water and they loved the beautiful color options.
Skin-Tight and Long-Sleeved
Some reviewers complained that this rash guard was too tight and recommended sizing up. However, reviewers who were able to find a good fit said they were happy with the tightness of the top, which prevented ballooning while swimming. They found it to be protective and great on its own or layered.
A Lightweight Rash Guard to Keep the Sun Off
Some reviewers warned that this rash guard runs small. Still, the majority of reviewers liked the more relaxed fit and said the top was comfortable and protective. Some said theirs lasted through multiple years of wear!
More Surfing Essentials
In addition to a rash guard, you might want to check out some of our other surfing essentials, like leashes to connect you and your board, wax to make sure your board has a grippy surface, and wetsuit bags to keep all of your wet things!
Top 5 Rash Guards For Surfers
No. 1: Kanu Surf｜Men's Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt
No. 2: Axesea｜Women’s Long Sleeve Rash Guard
No. 3: Sanabul｜Short Sleeve Compression Rash Guard
No. 4: Body Glove｜Women's Smoothies In Motion Short Sleeve Rashguard
No. 5: Speedo｜Men's UV Swim Shirt
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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