Anyone who loves to spend time in or around the water needs a reliable rash guard. It’s a highly versatile piece of kit that will look after you whatever your chosen water activity.
With almost every clothing brand on the planet selling some sort of rash guard, rash vest, or swim shirt it’s not easy to know which one to pick. That’s why we’ve done all the hard work for you and compiled a list of the very best rash guards available.
Simply pick your favorite and get back in the water ASAP!
Want to learn more about these options?
Keep reading as below we’ll be reviewing each of these in detail, so you can pick the very best rash guard for you.
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Luxury Option
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Budget Option
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Best for Women
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Best Overall
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Best for Scuba
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$50.27
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$37.95
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$40.48
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$44.68
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$82.00
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At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help give you the best scuba diving experience possible.
We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors to get their hands wet and test our recommendations firsthand.
How We Pick
In order to create our best lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the product landscape for a particular category, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
We then get our hands on all the products by either purchasing them, getting them sent to us by the manufacturer, or coming in contact with it on one of the various diving boats we work on.
Next, we identify 3-5 products per category that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget, luxury, and expert-level products.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the products on our lists by taking them out on dives and seeing how they perform in different environments. We place the products in the hands of students and instructors in order to gather feedback. We collect all of this experience and share it with you.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help give you the best scuba diving experience possible.
We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors to get their hands wet and test our recommendations firsthand.
How We Pick
In order to create our best lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the product landscape for a particular category, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
We then get our hands on all the products by either purchasing them, getting them sent to us by the manufacturer, or coming in contact with it on one of the various diving boats we work on.
Next, we identify 3-5 products per category that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget, luxury, and expert-level products.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the products on our lists by taking them out on dives and seeing how they perform in different environments. We place the products in the hands of students and instructors in order to gather feedback. We collect all of this experience and share it with you.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
What Is A Rash Guard?
A rash guard, also known as a rashie, rash vest, or swim shirt, is a lightweight, stretchy shirt made to be worn for in the water different sport and activities. They can be worn on their own or layered underneath a wetsuit.
Rash guards are usually made from materials like spandex, lycra, neoprene, nylon, polyester or a combination of them. Typically they come in long or short sleeve options. Depending on the specific features, a rash guard can provide sun protection, thermal protection, and of course, rash prevention.
Rash guards were originally worn by surfers to protect them from friction rashes caused by their boards, hence the name. These versatile tops have become a staple piece of kit for a wide range of water sports.
I enjoy them even just for living at the sea, it is a great piece of gear that will protect you from the sun all day. Depending on where you are diving jellyfish are also an issue. I know some will wear a rash guard just to protect from the jellyfish.
Best Rashguards
Although all of these rash guards are versatile enough to be used for pretty much anything, we’ve split up our list into different categories and activities to make it easier for you to choose.
O'Neill Men's UPF 50+
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Strategic seam placement
- Flatlock stitching
- Quick-drying & breathable
- 50+ UPF Sun protection
- Boardshort Connectors
- Hard-wearing
- Sleek & stylish design
- Multiple colors & sizes available for both men & women
- Doesn’t offer any thermal protection
- No thumb loops
As one of the most trusted brands in surfing apparel, O’Neill creates high-performance garments that enhance your experience in the water. And this ergonomically designed rash guard is no exception.
Featuring 4-way stretch fabric, this rash guard doesn’t ride up or shift around when you’re in the water. The strategically designed seams and flatlock stitching means there are less chafing and a much greater range of movement than most other rash guards.
This rash guard is breathable and quick-drying, but it’s also exceptionally soft and comfortable. The fabric may seem quite thin, but it’s very durable meaning that this rash guard will last you a long time.
With the highest UPF rating of 50+, the O’Neill Premium Skins Rash Guard is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for its excellent sunburn protection.
When it comes to comfort, style, and performance, the O’Neill Premium Skins Long Sleeve Rash Guard provides incredible value for money.
Also available in women’s fit, the O’Neill Premium Skins Long Sleeve Rash Guard is easily one of the top rash guards available.
Product Specs
- Material: Premium 6oz Nylon/Spandex
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Fit: Form Fitting
- Breathability: Great
- Sleeve: Long
- Quick Dry: Yes
Mares Long Sleeve
- Super cheap
- Breathable & quick drying
- Variety of colors available
- Lightweight
- Flattering fit
- Excellent sun protection
- Not very long-lasting
- Doesn’t provide any warmth
If you’re looking for a reliable rash guard on a tight budget then the Mares Trilastic is a great choice.
This no-frills rash guard is lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable. Perfect for a variety of water sports and traveling.
A high neckline helps keep the sun off the back of your neck.
The flatlock stitching ensures there’s no chaffing and the elongated torso means it’s not prone to riding up. But there are no thumb loops to help keep the rash guard in place when sliding into a wetsuit.
The Mares Trilastic rash guard is also available with long sleeves and in a women’s fit.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester Spandex
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Fit: Form Fitting
- Breathability: Decent
- Sleeve: Long
- Quick Drying: Yes
O'Neill Men's Thermo-X Long Sleeve
- Ultra-soft & stretchy
- Great thermal protection
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection
- Long-lasting & durable fabric
- Strategically designed flatlock seams
- Odor-resistant & breathable
- Super lightweight
- Boardshort connectors
- A little pricey
- Only available in black
Another high-performance rash guard from O’Neill, the Thermo X rash guard is the most versatile rash guard on our list.
It’s incredibly soft, odor-resistant, water-repellant, quick-drying, low-bulk, and lightweight. With the whole garment weighing less than 220g!
The patented Thermo X technology helps regulate your core body temperature whatever climate you’re in. Not only does this rash guard provides incredible thermal insulation without adding any bulk, but it’s also breathable and moisture-wicking. So it’ll also keep you comfortably cool when active.
What’s more, the 4-way stretch fabric and ergonomically designed seams ensure that there’s absolutely no restriction in your movements.
Plus the slim fit looks sexy on everyone! And there’s also a women’s version available.
Although to enjoy the benefits of such an innovative rash guard, you will need to spend a little more.
Although all of the rash guards on this list are great for scuba diving, this one’s our top pick for scuba fanatics, the other benefit is that it comes in long and short sleeve as well.
Product Specs
- Material: Nylon/Spandex
- UV Protection: UPF 50+
- Fit: Form Fitting
- Breathability: Great
- Sleeve: Long
- Quick Drying: Yes
Scubapro Men's UPF 50 Long Sleeve
- Affordable & versatile
- High UPF rating
- Durable & long-lasting
- Comfortable & flexible
- Form-fitting design
- Stylish colors & designs
- Doesn’t offer any thermal protection
- No boardshort connectors
- No hood
The ScubaPro Long Sleeve rash guard is our favorite rash guard to scuba diving. Not only does it look awesome (let’s face it, that’s one of the most important rules of scuba diving), but it’s also comfortable and hard-wearing.
Although this rash guard doesn’t provide any thermal protection, the form-fitting design sits snugly against your body making it perfect for layering underneath a wetsuit. And the high neckline also prevents any chaffing caused by your wetsuit.
With a 50+ UPF rating and durable construction, it can also be worn by itself for snorkeling or diving in tropical waters. Plus it’s super lightweight and quick-drying, perfect for traveling!
The ScubaPro Long Sleeve rash guard is also available with short sleeves and in a women’s fit.
Product Specs
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Protection: UPF 50+
- Fit: Form Fitting
- Breathability: Great
- Sleeves: Long
- Quick Drying: Yes
Roxy Women's Long Sleeve Zip-Up
- Flattering design
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection
- Full-length zip
- Quick-drying & lightweight
- Very comfortable
- No thermal protection
- Only available in black
- No thumb loops
- Fabric is very thin
When it comes to hanging out at the beach, the Roxy Essentials Zip Up rash guard is our favorite for women. It is also made from recycled plastic bottles, which many companies do not do.
The soft and stretchy fabric is super comfortable and gives you plenty of flexibility. Although the material is quite thin so you need to be careful of scratches and tears.
The front zipper makes this rash guard easy to put on and take off (without the fear of losing your bikini top and flashing the whole beach). The cut is slightly longer than most rash guards to create a sleek silhouette.
Sizes tend to run a little big so if you want a snug fit we recommend going down a size.
Product Specs
- Spec 1: Polyester/Elastane
- Spec 2: UPF 50+
- Fit: Form Fitting
- Breathability: Great
- Sleeves: Long
- Quick Drying: Yes
Things To Consider When Choosing A Rash Guard (FAQ)
Now you know what the best rash guards are, let’s take a closer look at what to consider when buying a new rash guard.
How Should A Rash Guard Fit?
A rash guard should be tight, fitting nice, and snug against your body.
If a rash guard is too loose it’ll cause unnecessary drag in the water and won’t be able to offer any warmth.
Plus it’ll get all bunched up if you layer it underneath a wetsuit.
Although, if a rash guard is so tight that it restricts your movement, you should probably opt for the next size up.
However, if you really don’t like to wear tight clothing, especially at the beach, then a looser rash guard will still provide a decent level of protection.
Level Of Sun Protection
All rash guards will provide you with sun protection. But depending on the thickness and construction of the material, the level of sun protection will vary significantly.
If you are fair skinned or just worried about sun protection and that is a priority then look for a rash guard with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). The UPF rating will let you know how much UV radiation, both UVB and UVA, the rash guard will allow to reach your skin through whatever material it is made of.
Does A Rash Guard Keep You Warm?
The majority of rash guards don’t keep you warm. As we mentioned above, rash guards were originally created to prevent friction rashes and abrasion, not to provide thermal protection.
If you want a rash guard that keeps you warm, choose one that’s made from neoprene and/or a fleece-like material.
The thicker the rash guard is, the warmer it’ll be. Typically rash guards will range from 0.5mm thick all the way up to 4mm (verging on wetsuits).
If you’re snorkeling or diving, you might prefer the ease of wearing a rash guard over a full wetsuit to keep you warm.
Or it can be wonderful to have that little extra layer of warmth underneath your wetsuit. Especially if you’re making multiple dives per day like on a liveaboard.
Don’t forget if you’re scuba diving, a neoprene rash guard will affect your buoyancy. So you might need to take a little extra weight.
No idea how much weight you need for diving? Check out our weight calculator.
Long Sleeve Or Short Sleeve Rash Guard?
This one is really up to you. Obviously, a long sleeve rash guard will give you more sun protection. However many people hate wearing long sleeves when it’s hot. I like to wear long sleeves on days when it is really sunny just to protect myself from UVA and UVB rays.
If it’s a particularly thick rash guard, one that offers great thermal protection, then long sleeves can feel a little restrictive on the arms and shoulders. Most of the restrictiveness relates to comfort out of the water as when you get in it will loosen up and is more comfortable.
Additional Rash Guard Features
Rash guards often feature some very handy extras that are worth considering. For example, thumb hooks (my favorite feature) are incredibly useful for keeping your rash guard in place as you slide into your wetsuit.
Perhaps you find rash guards often roll up your torso? Board short connectors are what you need! These are basically little loops at the hips that help keep the rash guard in place. Other options include a full bodysuit.
Looking for some extra sun protection? A rash guard with a hood is ideal for covering your head and neck. As well as helping keep your hair out of your face when swimming.
You can even find pockets in some rash guards!
Still not sure which one to choose?
Ultimately, rash guards are a great sunscreen alternative. The best rash guard for you is the one you feel most comfortable in.
Whether that’s one that’ll keep you warm and cozy, one with the highest sun protection or, simply the rash guard that has the most flattering fit.
All of these top rash guards are versatile, comfortable, and long-lasting. So it just comes down to your budget and what features you prioritize.
Which rash guard did you pick? Or do you already have a favorite?
Share your experience with us in the comments below.
Looking for other products to keep you warm?
Frequently Asked Questions
Rash guards are made to protect your skin against rashes and harmful UV Rays from sunlight.
To make them lightweight and perfect for surfing and scuba diving, rash guards are made with spandex and nylon or polyester.
These materials work together to provide full coverage while also allowing the skin to breathe underneath
The main purpose of a rash guard is to protect your skin from the sun, stinging sea creatures, and other water hazards.
Providing minimal warmth and insulation, rash guards are also great for layering under a wetsuit.
When worn alone, they’re perfect for snorkelling, surfing, and shallow dives in warm water.
For more information check out our article on the best scuba diving wetsuits.
Rash guards are made of a blend of synthetic fibers. This includes spandex, which is stretchy, and polyester, which allows for breathability.
Look for a rash guard made from a combination of polyester or nylon with elastane, as it has all of the above qualities, and it’s also quick drying!
