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If you love splashing around for different water sports, here are the top womens rash guard picks that you’ll love to wear on your next salty adventures!
Rashguards for Women
Written By: Laura Pulling
Table Of Contents
To seasoned water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers, a surf rash guard is normal attire, but to a lot of us, they are a different way to dress for a day by the pool or a day at the coast.
Originally designed for surfers, rash guard were shirts for swimming to stop them getting scraped and a “rash” on their chest from the grainy surf board—hence the name. But they’re for more than just surfers, in fact, they are becoming increasingly popular with anyone who enjoys the water for these activities:
- For a day at the beach or pool – SPF swim shirts can protect you from the sun, while still being stylish, comfortable, and easy to move in.
- For kayaking or canoeing – A womens rash guard shirt worn underneath a lifejacket will stop it rubbing against your skin without you getting cold, as you would wearing a normal t-shirt.
- For avid snorkelers – A rash guard swim shirt will give your body better sun protection as you float on the surface. This is especially needed as a lot of reefs are now protected and don’t allow sunscreen—even those deemed as “reef safe”.
- For scuba divers (like myself and TFG editor-in-chief Alex!) – A rash shirt is an essential part of my dive kit. For warm weather diving it can add a layer of protection against coral and stings, plus against the rub of a BCD. For colder diving, the best rash guard for this can be worn underneath a wetsuit and makes it easier to slip on, while also providing an extra layer of warmth.
So what are the best rashguards out there? Check out our TFG top recommendations!
Best Long Sleeve Swim Shirt for Women
Shop Amazon: XS-XL Regular | 1X-3X Plus
Kanu Surf Long Sleeve Rash Guard Womens
This Kanu Surf rash guard has a contrast logo screenprint and a long raglan seam-sleeve rashguard featuring a banded crew neckline. Throw it on over your bikini for extra protection from the sun. In a flattering print, this womens swim shirt has UPF 50 coverage and the fun design will coordinate with any neutral color swimwear you have.
Kanu Rashguards are designed for surfers of all levels as well as recreational athletes. They are great for trips to the beach or the pool as well as for lounging around. Available in sizes XS-XL and plus sizes 1X-3X in solid color.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon
Body Glove Womens Rash Guard Long Sleeve
This eye catching Body Glove high neck rash guard for women has UPF50. It’s great for warm water diving, water sports, or fun at the beach, and is bright enough to keep you visible by boats and others on the water. The design is form fitting and users say it’s a little thicker than the usual swimming t shirts.
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon
Roxy Women’s Long Sleeve Rash Guards
This form fitting Roxy rash guard womens style has a logo design that is eye catching and modern. The Roxy brand is made specifically for women, so the cut is flattering and fitted, with flatlock seams that don’t rub against your skin. UPF of 50 keeps you sun safe too.
It has a ton of great reviews, with one user sharing, “These women’s rash guards fit great, super comfortable, no sunburn! Perfect for paddle boarding”
Shop Amazon: Sizes XS-XL Regular | 12-24 Plus
VOLCOM Women’s Plus Size Swim Shirt
This Volcom rash guard womens crew neck is is suitable for a range of watersports, it skims the figure, giving you a sleek silhouette and UPF of 50. The quick drying fabric top comes in classic black or white. If you’re looking for a plus size rash guard, this is an easy-to-wear classic piece. Also available in regular sizes XS-XL!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon
O’Neill Rash Guard Womens Long Sleeve
O’Neill long sleeve surf shirts fit like a second skin. Made from a spandex and nylon blend, it has a four-way stretch for flexibility, no matter what you get up to. Plus, it will protect you with built-in UPF50.
One user says, “I wore this rash guard top every day for five weeks straight on a surf trip. I never put sunscreen on underneath the top and the sun protection was terrific. No burning, no tanning, no sun damage. The top remains in great condition even after a great deal of use.”
Shop Sizes S-XXL: Amazon
ATTRACO Long Sleeve Swim Shirt Womens
For cheaper womens rash guard shirts, this ATTRACO swim shirt is well rated by users. As well as having a range of super cute floral and modern striped prints, they also promise the same UPF50 coverage as the leading brands.
One user explains, “Their womens rashguard fits well, the design makes me look slim, I did not use sunscreen, I wore it for around four hours in the ocean swimming with stingrays and it worked great. Love it!”
Shop Sizes XXS-3X: Coolibar
Coolibar Hokulani Women’s Swim Shirts
This Coolibar swim shirt comes in an extra long length, so it’s almost like a rash guard dress, for those who would prefer a more modest look. It has ruched sides that you can adjust to your preferred length. Unlike many other adult swim shirts, this has a built in bra, with lightly padded cups for support, and a hidden front zipper to adjust your coverage. It has UPF 50+.
Are you a first-time diver? Check out these 5 must-do tips!
Best Short Sleeve Womens Swim Shirts
Shop Amazon: S-XXL Regular | 1X-3X Plus
Kanu Women’s Short Sleeve Rash Guard
This Kanu swim rash guard is available in a range of colors and its snug but flexible fit is great for different water sports. Another diving brand, they sure know a thing or two about being in the water!
The UPF50 protects you on land and when you’re floating on the surface of the water. Users say it does run small, and as it is a diving brand, it runs a little tight around the neck (to keep you warmer). You can also get it as a womens long sleeve swim shirt too.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon
Body Glove Rash Guard Womens Short Sleeve
These short sleeve Body Glove rash guards for women, have a more relaxed tee style fit. They have UPF50 and come in a range of pastel colors, and a classic black. Great for warm weather use and active watersports. Although users warn they run small, so you may want to size up.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: O’Neill | Amazon
O’Neill Rash Guard Womens Short Sleeve Tee
This short sleeved O’Neill swim shirt has UPF 40 coverage and is made of a quick-dry blend of polyester and spandex. It has a long line fit that won’t ride up during active water sports and has flat seams that won’t rub or chafe.
Top up more of your dive kit with the most lightweight scuba gear for travel!
Best Womens Zip Up Rashguard
Shop Sizes 4-14: Nordstrom
Sea Level Zip Up Long Sleeve Swim Shirts Womens
This Sea Level adult swim shirt is an incredibly comfortable rash guard made from a recycled nylon and elastane blend.
It has a fitted and flattering style, styled with sleek stitching, a front zip and power-mesh support. Even with the snug fit, this rash guard allows for ample mobility to enjoy any water activity. The zipper up top is a cute detail, too!
One user puts it simply: “Very lightweight rashguard, with a sturdy yet not bulky zipper. Flatering fit. The material appears to be fast-drying.”
Shop Sizes XS-XXX: Amazon
Scubapro 1.5mm Rash Guard Women’s Long Sleeve
This is a brand divers love and they have a great reputation for building things that last. This Scubapro women’s rash guard has a plush fleece lining that reduces water flow to provide comfort and extra warmth for colder water. The neoprene material is flexible and dries quickly. It comes in a range of sizes, up to 3XL.
You can also get this as a womens rash guard short sleeve too!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama Zip Rash Guard Womens
These Tommy Bahama cute rash guards are made of nylon and spandex. It has the feel of a wetsuit without the weight. Its full zipper slips easily over a swimsuit and it has a UPF of 50. The solid hue brings endless versatility too!
Because of the zipper, it may be best for water sports that don’t require a wetsuit or diving BCDs due to the zipper. However, it should be ideal to wear under life jackets or for snorkeling.
Shop: Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon
Roxy Essentials Zip Up Rash Guard Womens
For a more convenient layer, this Roxy rashguard has a full zip so it works a bit more like a jacket. This stylish design can slip easily on and off for an active day of watersports (or even as a light jacket for a super minimal capsule wardrobe traveler!). It has UPF 50 and reviewers rave about this cute rash guard, with one sharing “Love this top! Great for keeping the sun off or keeping warm in the water.”
If you prefer—you can also get this style as a rash guard hoodie here.
Check out more diving gear with these cute aqua lung diving accessories!
Best Cropped Rash Guard Womens
Shop Sizes 4-20: Amazon
COCOSHIP Crop Rash Guard Womens Set
This COCOSHIP women’s rash guard set comes with matching high waisted bottoms. This cute stripe is stylish and modern. Although it doesn’t guarantee a UPF as the others do, it will still provide some UV protection.
Despite being “cropped” it’s still super flattering with a ton of users raving about the fit and how it covers up their lumps and bumps, one shares, “I haven’t felt good about being in a swimsuit in years!”
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon
BesserBay Long Sleeve Crop Rashguard for Women
Love the print for this BesserBay rash guard crop top. The vibrant print will have you standing out for the right reasons at the beach and it has a UPF of 50.
The unique swim cropped top with front zipper makes it easy to put on and take off, showing off your attractive waistline.
Best Womens Rash Guards Sets
Shop Sizes S-3XL: Amazon
Yateen Long Sleeve Rash Guard Set Womens
For an inexpensive style, this two-piece Yateen rash guard, Amazon, ticks the boxes. It comes in a wide range of pints and some styles come with a full front zip, if you would prefer, but all have UPF50. The matching bottoms are cut as modest shorts, which are good for stand up paddleboarding and kayaking.
One user raves, “This is the cutest outfit ever, I’ve got so many compliments on my long sleeve bathing suit with shorts. The material is so awesome. It’s comfortable and better than expected”
Shop Sizes XL-3XL: Amazon
LALAGEN Long Sleeve Rash Guard Women
This LALAGEN plus size sport swimwear set is super cute and is available in a range of prints to add a little fun to your next beach trip. It’s perfect for diving or other water activities and has a great fit. You can team it with the matching mid-waist bottoms — available here.
Shop Sizes S-L: Nordstrom
KIMI & KAI Two-Piece Maternity Rashguard Swimsuit
If you have a cute baby bump and want to keep it covered at the beach, check out this cute embroidered KIMI & KAI rash guard set. It has a front half zip closure and a drawstring hem to keep the top secure. This womens rash guard top also comes with coordinating bottoms and keeps you covered with a UPF of 50.
One wearer shares, “It’s so flattering and I can say that it has an elegant touch that everyone gave me lots of compliments on.”
Best Womens Rash Guard Swimsuit
Shop Sizes S-XXL: Amazon
Runtlly Women’s Rash Guard Swimsuit
If you want the best rashguard coverage, but not as a separate ladies swim shirt, try out this Runtly long sleeve rashguard swimsuit. Like a bathing suit and rash guard in one, it fits comfortably, and still offers the same UPF 50 protection. The front zipper allows comfortable access and has lightly padded cups for bust support.
Shop Sizes S-XXL: Amazon
Skyone Full Bodysuit Rashguard
Another alternative to a separate women’s rash guard shirt is this Skyone full body rash guard. With built-in leggings, this all-in-one jumpsuit will give you full body UV protection. Great for wearing underneath a wetsuit, it’s much easier to slip on and off, and ideal for wearing under a rental wetsuit when you want to travel light but still partake in watersports. Users warn it runs small though, so check the sizing chart carefully.
Women Rash Guard Product Comparison Chart
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How to Pack Ladies Swim Shirts
Now that you have some wonderful rash guard women short sleeve and long sleeve picks, packing cubes are a great way to organize and compress your clothing; they will change the way you pack! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you packed everything. The video below demonstrates how to use packing cubes more.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods of using packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This method can help you travel carry-on only!
What do you think are the best rash guards for women? Share your faves below!
For more water activity tips, please read:
- 5 Scuba Diving Essentials for the First Time Diver
- Scuba Gear for Women: Cute Aqua Lung Diving Accessories
- Scuba Gear Packing Tips for Liveaboards and Diving Holidays
- What to Pack for a Galapagos Scuba Diving Trip
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