Last updated on April 4th, 2024 at 06:44 pm
If you are looking for a good surf rash guard, you have come to the right place. In this post, you will find our top recommendations for one that will provide you with maximum protection and comfort.
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About Surf Rash Guards
Surfing is all about fun and adrenaline-pumping. However, beyond the exhilaration, you must remember to protect yourself against the sport’s less glamorous aspects, like the sun, the abrasion from your board, and the occasional brush with marine life. This is where a top-quality surf rash guard comes into play.
Surf rash guards shield your skin from harsh UV rays and prevent skin irritation and a broad rash. They also offer an extra layer of insulation for those chilly dawn patrol sessions, and their lightweight, flexible material allows a full range of movement.
To assist you in choosing the proper protection, we found the 10 best rash guards for surfing. They were selected for durability, comfort, sun protection, and style. Take your pick and enhance your surfing experience with these top-notch options.
A List of 10 Best Surf Rash Guards
1. BALEAF Men’s Surf Rash Guard – Lightweight
The BALEAF Men’s Surf Rash Guard is an excellent choice for your next surf session. Designed to keep you comfortable and protected with UPF 50+ fabric that blocks out dangerous UVA/UVB rays, this lightweight long-sleeved rash guard also features raglan sleeves for a full range of motion. In fact, it is manufactured with a quick-dry fabric that removes moisture from your skin and can be easily washed by machine for maintenance. So, you can confidently take on any outdoor activity with this surf rash guard.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● UPF 50 long sleeve.
● Quick Drying.
● Durability.
Cons
● Limited design variations.
2. Quiksilver Men’s Long Sleeve Rashguard – Chlorine Resistant
Constructed using Reprieve recycled materials, the Quiksilver Men’s Long-Sleeve Rash Guard is comfortable and eco-conscious. With 50+ UPF protection and chlorine-resistant properties, your skin will be safeguarded from the sun and harsh chemicals while you enjoy ocean time. Its unique snug fit provides ultimate body coverage. It offers moisture-wicking capabilities to stay cool and dry throughout your adventures.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Reliable brand.
● High material quality.
● Comfortable fit.
Cons
● Like most rash guards, it may fade with time.
3. AXESEA Long Sleeve Women Rash Guard – Non-Friction
The AXESEA Long Sleeve Women Rash Guard delivers non-friction comfort and UPF 50+ protection. Crafted with Pentashell breeze fabric, the comfortable material blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays. It provides an ultra-soft 195% 4-way stretch with excellent quick-drying capabilities. Additionally, this rash guard has flatlock seams that reduce chafing for a more enjoyable experience. To top it off, the dye in this rash guard is produced through an environmentally friendly water-based silicone ink process.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Body Shape Adaptable.
● Wide Color Selection.
● UPF 50 long-sleeve rash.
Cons
● Stitching Quality Concerns.
4. Daci Women Rash Guard Long Sleeve – Zipper Closure
If you prefer a rash guard with a zipper closure, you should definitely check out the Daci Women Rash Guard Long Sleeve. It comes with a built-in bra for extra support for a better fit. Plus, the material used is soft, breathable, and durable, which makes it perfect for activities like swimming, surfing, diving, water skiing, and stand-up paddling. Moreover, thanks to the front zipper, you can easily take it on and off.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● A great rash guard with a stylish design.
● Provides full coverage.
● Good elasticity.
Cons
● Not Suitable for Larger Busts.
5. TSLA Men’s Rashguard – 4-Way Stretch
Enjoy top comfort and style with the TSLA Men’s Rash Guard. This unique piece of apparel is designed explicitly with surfers in mind. It features a mix of polyester and spandex fabric that dries quickly while providing superior comfort while riding waves. The 4-Way Stretch technology ensures greater freedom of motion, so you don’t have to worry about getting pulled up during activities. Moreover, it has a built-in feature that blocks harmful UV radiation from the sun, ensuring your skin stays protected.
Overall, its stylish design looks good, keeps you safe in the sun, and does not sacrifice range of motion or comfort.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Moisture sensing.
● Two-way air circulation.
● Value for money than most of the traditional rash guards.
Cons
● Thin material.
6. MAGCOMSEN Women’s Long Sleeve Shirts – Stretchy Fabric
The MAGCOMSEN Women’s Long Sleeves Shirts are designed to provide maximum comfort and instant protection while in the ocean. Designed from stretchy and breathable fabric, these shirts will keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. Also, UPF 50+ UV protection will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. The shirts come with a classic crew neck and raglan sleeves, which enable a full range of motion and reduce chafing.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Versatile usage.
● Breathable fabric.
● Variety of patterns.
Cons
● Might get wrinkled.
7. Men’s Swim Shirts Quick Dry Rash Guard – Tagless Collar
This surf rash guard is a durable and breathable garment for active surfers. It has excellent moisture-wicking properties, and the tagless crew collar and flat lock seams provide comfortable wear with no friction.
Its 4-Way Stretch Technology allows maximum flexibility for intense water sports, and its UPF 50+ fabric helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays so you can stay out longer without worrying about sunburn.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Fast-drying fabric.
● Lightweight.
● Functional.
Cons
● Limited flexibility.
8. LafyKoly Women’s One-Piece Long Sleeve Rash Guard – Printed Surfing
The LafyKoly Women’s Printed Surfing Rash Guard is an excellent option when you want added coverage and protection in your surf sessions. It is formed from a combination of 82% Nylon and 18% Spandex, making the fabric flexible and comfortable to wear without being too heavy.
This surf rash guard has a long-sleeve design that protects your skin from the sun and can also be worn as an off-the-shoulder top for added style. Besides, it comes with a removable chest pad for extra support. The floral pattern adds a playful touch to your beach outfit, and the front/back zipper uses an invisible zipper for easier accessibility.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Full body coverage.
● Slimming design.
● Secure zipper.
Cons
● Difficulty in Size Selection.
9. Roxy Women’s Whole Hearted UPF 50 Rash guard – Polyester Lining
The Roxy Women’s Rash Guard is an excellent choice for any beach activity, from playing in the waves to lounging on the sand. It has a soft polyester lining and should be hand-washed. Made to withstand stretching, it keeps up with your active lifestyle. This surf rash guard is made from recycled polyester elastane jersey. Nevertheless, with UPF 50 protection against the sun, it is comfortable and stylish. In addition, the shirt has a screen logo on the left sleeve and the center front.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● UPF 50 protection.
● Soft fabric.
● Large collar binding.
Cons
● May Run Tight.
10. O’Neill Men’s Premium Skins UPF 50+ Rash Guard – Very Stylish
If you are looking for a combination of protection and style, try the O’Neill men’s basic skins Rash Guard. It has an impressive UPF 50+ rating and is endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation. You can wear it while surfing, swimming, doing paddle sports, boating, or spending a day at the beach.
This surf rash guard is designed to provide excellent rash protection with minimal seams and is made with premium 6oz nylon/spandex that offers 4-way stretch and quick dry properties. So, now you can enjoy your time in the water while staying stylish, comfortable, and protected from UV rays.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● High UPF rating.
● Non-irritant seams.
● Durable.
Cons
● It could be snug at the waist.
Buying Guide – What to Look for Before Choosing a Surf Rash Guard
Selecting the best surf rash guard to suit your needs is essential to ensure your comfort and safety while enjoying the waves. This article guides you on the three key things to consider when purchasing your next surf rash guard.
1. Quality of Material
The quality of the material directly affects the functionality and longevity of your surf rash guard. The best rash guards are often made from lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics like nylon or spandex. They offer optimal stretch for maximum mobility while ensuring durability.
2. Sleeve Length
Choosing between a long-sleeve rash guard and a short-sleeve rash guard largely depends on your preferences and environmental conditions. Long-sleeve rash guards provide better sun protection and insulation in cooler water. In contrast, short-sleeved ones offer more freedom of movement and are ideal for warmer climates.
3. Sun Protection
Don’t underestimate the power of the sun while surfing. Rash guards with a high UPF rating (50+) will better protect your skin from harmful UV rays, making your surfing experience safer and more enjoyable.
How Did We Choose the Best Surf Rash Guards?
As passionate surfers, we know firsthand the importance of protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays while out catching waves. That is why we embarked on a mission to find the 10 best surf rash guards on the market.
Through extensive research and after testing different brands and styles, we narrowed it down to our favorite ones. These 10 surf rash guards not only provide maximum sun protection but also offer top-notch performance and comfort, ensuring you can shred the waves without any worries about potential skin damage. So, grab one of our top picks and get ready to hit the surf with confidence and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. What is the purpose of a surf rash guard?
A surf rash guard is an athletic shirt designed specifically for water sports, particularly surfing. Its primary function is to protect the skin from irritation and rashes caused by friction between the skin and the surfboard or wetsuit. It also provides a certain degree of sun protection, reducing the risk of skin damage from prolonged sun exposure.
2. How do I care for my surf rash guard?
Proper care can significantly extend the lifespan of your rash guard. After each use, rinse it in fresh water to remove salt, chlorine, and sand. Avoid harsh detergents and bleach. Air dry instead of using a dryer and avoid direct sunlight to prevent color fading and material breakdown.
3. Do surf rash guards come in different styles?
Yes, surf rash guards come in various styles. Some are long-sleeved for maximum coverage, while others are short-sleeved or sleeveless. They can also be found in multiple colors and patterns to suit personal preferences. Some models even have a zip-up front for easy donning and removal.
4. Can I wear a surf rash guard for other activities?
Yes. While designed with surfing in mind, rash guards are also ideal for other water-related activities like swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and even beach volleyball. Their protective qualities make them a versatile choice for many outdoor activities.
Conclusion – A Few Final Words
This guide has reviewed the 10 best surf rash guards on the market. They all provide excellent protection against the sun’s harmful rays and offer a range of benefits, such as improved flexibility, moisture-wicking properties, breathability, and UPF 50+ protection.
So, whether you are looking for a fashionable way to stay safe in the sun or just want some extra coverage during your outdoor activities, these rash guards can get the job done. Pick the one that best fits your needs and enjoy the waves with style.
For more surf product reviews, check out our posts about the best surf leashes and the best surf ponchos.
