Whether you’re going swimming, scuba diving, or surfing, a rash guard definitely offers more protection than a regular swimsuit. Commonly used in many different types of water sports, this item should be the first thing you pack in your bag. This tight-fitting swimwear offers plenty of coverage and is typically constructed using well-seamed synthetic fabrics that sit close to the skin to keep the body warm. It also helps protect you from cuts, scrapes, jellyfish stings, and even harmful UV rays.
If you want to find the best rash guard for your needs, check out these best-selling and top-rated rash guards from many of the most popular brands of swim and dive clothing.
The Top-Rated Rash Guards for Men & Women
Best Men’s Rash Guards
- O’Neill Men’s Basic Skin Long Sleeve Rash Tee
- Mares Ultra Skin Long Sleeve Men’s
- Mares Men’s Rash Guard Trilastic Long Sleeve Shirt
- Scubapro UPF 50 Long Sleeve Rash Guard Men’s
- Waterproof R30 Long Sleeve Rash-Guard, Men’s
- Cressi Rash Guard Men’s Short Sleeve X-Small
Best Women’s Rash Guards
- Cressi Rash Guard Women’s Short Sleeve
- Scubapro UPF 80 T-Flex Long Sleeve Rash Guard for Women
- Lavaskin by Oceanic Women’s Short Sleeve Shirt
- Scubapro UPF 50 Long Sleeve Rash Guard Women’s
- Seac Sub T-Sun Long Sleeve Rashguard Women’s
- O’Neill Women’s Basic Skin 30+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt
- Mares Women’s Trilastic Rash Guard Shirt Long Sleeve
- NeoSport 1.5mm XSPAN Long Sleeve Women’s Shirt – Black
Best Men’s Rash Guards
O’Neill Men’s Basic Skin Long Sleeve Rash Tee
Made for value-driven customers, the O’Neill Men’s Basic Skin Long Sleeve Rash Tee retails at an affordable price. It offers UPF 50+ Ultraviolet Protection and is cleanly designed to allow you to move around freely. Its ergonomic design features seamless undersleeve panels so you can avoid rashes. Made from polyester and spandex, this tee includes flat-locked stitched seams for optimal comfort and durability.
Key Features:
- UPF 50+ UV Protection
- Four-way Stretch Nylon/Spandex
- Flat-lock Stitched for Extra Durability
- Seamless Panels Allow Unrestricted Motion
Mares Ultra Skin Long Sleeve, Men’s
This three-layered, wind-proof under suit boasts comfort and movement with thermal properties. It’s breathable and has fleece inside to keep you feeling snug. The Mares Ultra Skin offers UPF50+ protection from the sun, and is equipped with thumb loops and a waist pull cord to avoid ride up and allow easy donning of your wetsuit over the top. This is truly one of the best rash guards on the market.
Key Features:
- 3 layers for comfort and movement
- Fleece interior for comfort
- Windproof exterior
Mares Men’s Rash Guard Trilastic Long Sleeve Shirt
The Mares Men’s Rash Guard Trilastic Long Sleeve Shirt provides 30+ UV protection. It’s sewn with flat-lock stitching so you can wear it for prolonged periods without leaving marks on your skin. You may choose to wear the rashie as a standalone protective suit that shields against jellyfish stings and harmful UV rays, though it can also be worn underneath your dive suit to add an extra layer of protection.
Made from 85% polyester and 15% spandex, the shirt provides optimal thermal protection. It’s also lightweight and is available in multiple sizes.
Key Features
- Trilastic Long Sleeve Shirt
- Provides 30+ UV Protection
- Flat-lock Stitching for Improved Comfort
- Can Be Worn by Itself or Underneath a Dive Suit
Scubapro UPF 50 Long Sleeve Rash Guard Men’s
This swimming rash guard from Scubapro boasts comfort and UPF 50 protection from the sun. This way, you can look good, and stay safe. It comes in a selection of sizes and colors for men, has a form fitting, hydrodynamic design, and a high neckline to prevent chafing. Designed for diving but suitable for all watersports, this long-sleeve rash guard is durable and holds its shape even after repeated use.
Key Features
- UPF 50 Rating Blocks 98% of UV Radiation
- Made from Premium Polyester Fabric
- Ideal for Snorkelers, Divers & Other Water Sports Enthusiasts
- Form-fitting
- Fits Comfortably Under a Wetsuit
- HIgh Neckline Prevents Chafing
Waterproof R30 Long Sleeve Rash-Guard, Men’s
Fusing Lycra and Spandex, the Waterproof R30 Long Sleeve Rash-Guard is quick drying, lightweight, and exceptionally water wicking. This can be worn as a base garment under a wetsuit and can reduce rashes in high-abrasion areas. It can also be worn by other types of water sports enthusiasts, including kayakers, snorkelers, surfers, and stand-up paddleboarders. The Waterproof R30 Long Sleeve Rash-Guard offers 50+ UPF UV protection, which helps support your normal sun protection.
Key Features
- Spandex-Lycra Mix
- Quick Drying & Water Wicking
- Lightweight & Stretchable
- 50+ UPF UV Protection
- Superior Design Ensures Seamless Movement
Cressi Rash Guard Men’s Short Sleeve
Cressi has developed this short sleeve rash guard for men to be stylish and well-fitting, as well as offering SPF 40 protection from the UV exposure. It comes with flat-locked stitched sleeves for extra comfort. It’s perfect for diving, snorkeling, swimming, and lots of other in-water activities. If you need a little extra warmth under your wetsuit, look no further. This rash guard makes the perfect added layer, and makes sliding into your wetsuit just that much easier.
Key Features
- High-Stretch & Form-Fitting Lycra Construction
- UV Protectant Fabric with SPF Rating of 40
- Comfortable Flat-Lock Stitched Seams
- Insulating & Easy to Wear
- Protects Against Chafing & Environmental Irritants
Best Women’s Rash Guards
Cressi Rash Guard Women’s Short Sleeve
Ride it out in style by wearing a short sleeve rashie from Cressi during your next surfing session. This suit is made from high-stretch materials so you can move effortlessly in the water while protecting yourself from jellyfish stings and other irritants. This rash guard is made up of 92% nylon and 8% spandex fabrics, and its seams are flat-lock stitched for your ultimate comfort. For extra warmth, you can wear this rashie underneath an exposure suit.
Key Features
- Cut & Styled to Look Great
- Quality 190 gm/m2 Material
- Blend of 92% Nylon and 8% Spandex
- Flat-locked Stitched Seams for Added Comfort
- SPF 40 Protection from UV exposure
Scubapro UPF 80 T-Flex Long Sleeve Rash Guard for Women
The Scubapro T-Flex is one of the best rash guards for women, with a stylish design that’s available in three colors, and the highest level of sun protection available on the market. Perfect for divers, putting your wetsuit over this top couldn’t be easier. This long sleeve rash guard is form-fitting and comfortable, as well as quick-drying to make it ideal for scuba divers who love to travel.
Key Features:
- UPF 80 UV protection
- Blend of 86% Super-Soft Nylon & 14% High-Stretch Spandex
- Protects against stings & abrasion
Lavaskin by Oceanic Women’s Short Sleeve Shirt
Oceanic has come up with this fashionable short sleeve rash guard that comes in two fabulous colors and offers a four-way stretch for flexibility and comfort. The Lavaskin not only delivers protection from the sun, it also protects against stings and bites, and comes with an anti-bacterial fleece lining for maintaining core warmth. This women’s rash guard comes in various sizes and is the perfect addition to your diving wardrobe.
Key Features:
- 4-Way stretch for comfort and flexibility
- Neutrally buoyant
- Protects against marine bites and stings
Scubapro UPF 50 Long Sleeve Rash Guard Women’s
Scubapro’s line of stylish and highly versatile UPF 50 Long Sleeve Rash Guards for Women offers comfort during warm water dives and surface adventures. Made from extremely versatile polyester fabric, these rashies are comfortable, form-fitting, and quick-drying. The special fabric also does a good job of retaining its shape after repeated use.
Similar to the men’s line, the women’s rashies have a UPF 50 rating, which blocks up to 98% of UV radiation. These rashies can be worn by divers, snorkelers, paddle boarders, and other water sports enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Made from High-quality Polyester Fabric
- Form-fitting & Comfortable
- Retains its Shape After Repeated Use
- Quick-drying
- High Neckline Prevents Chafing
- Can Be Worn Under a Wetsuit
Seac Sub T-Sun Long Sleeve Rashguard Women
Suitable for snorkeling, diving, freediving, and other water sport activities, the Seac Sub T-Sun Long Sleeve is designed to protect the torso and arms. The fabric offers protection from abrasion caused by rubbing against equipment, as well as contact with jellyfish and rocky seabeds. As for sun protection, it provides UPF 50+ protection from harmful UV rays. The rashie adheres to the body like a second skin, which avoids air pockets and folds of fabric during water activities.
Key Features
- Safeguards the Arms & Torso
- Adheres to the Torso Like a Second Skin
- Protects the Body from Abrasion
- UPF 50+ UV Protection
- Flat-stitched Seams & Tight Cut Ensures Seamless Movement
O’Neill Women’s Basic Skin 30+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt
For such a great price, this is one of the best rash guards available. The O’Neill Basic Skin comes in multiple sizes and colors and offers a two-way stretch as well as 30+ UPF sun protection. The fitted rash guard was designed with strategic seam placement, and was made to last even after use in chlorinated pools. This long sleeve rash guard keeps you protected as well as comfortable.
Key Features:
- 30+ U.P.F. Protection
- 2-Way Stretch
- Rash Protection
- Reduces Fatigue from Sun Exposure
Mares Women’s Trilastic Rash Guard Shirt Long Sleeve
The Mares Women’s Trilastic Long Sleeve Rash Guard Shirt boasts an iconic look. Its special material offers 30+ UV protection and is sewn with flat-lock stitches that won’t leave scratches on your skin. You can choose to wear the rashie on its own but you can also wear it under the suit you normally use.
The rashie is easy to slip on and off. It is made from 85% Polyester and 15% Spandex and includes additional thermal protection.
Key Features
- Trilastic Fabric with Long Sleeve Design
- Protects Against UV, Marine Bites & Stings
- Comfortable & Non-marking Flat-lock Stitch
- Can Be Worn as a Standalone or as a Layer
- Female-specific Design & Fit
NeoSport 1.5mm XSPAN Long Sleeve Women’s Shirt – Black
One of NeoSport’s unique offerings for its female market is its XSPAN Long Sleeve Rash Guard. What makes it stand out (aside from its steeper price tag) is its high-quality XSPAN material and four-way Nylon 2 Foam Neoprene Rubber construction, which ensures optimal comfort and stretchability. It’s curvy in all the right places and even has an extended shirttail for added coverage and protection.
Key Features
- Ultra-Soft & Comfortable 100% XSPAN Material
- Super-Stretch 250% 4-Way Nylon 2 Foam Neoprene Rubber
- Durable & Comfortable Flat-Lock Stitched Seams
- Anatomical Fit with Extended Shirt Tail
- Protects Against Sun & Marine Irritants
