Updated October 22, 2022
Getting out on the water surfing is one of the most invigorating of activities but the potential for bad effects from exposure to the sun is great. In addition, rashes and chafing from contact with the board, elements in the water, and on the bottom can be a major irritation. A good rash guard is designed to minimize the dangers of these distractions and medical conditions so you can fully enjoy the experience.
There is an overwhelming number of rash guards for surfing and other water sports out there on the market today that can make the selection process for the most suitable to your needs daunting. To help you do the research, some of the best models representing the scope available are reviewed below. Included are descriptions, photos, and a comparison table, followed by a buying guide.
If you have any questions or ideas, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom of the page. I’d love to know what you think.
For a review of rash guards specifically designed for women, please check out this article:
For more reviews of surfing gear, here are some more popular posts:
Beginner Surfboards Soft Top Surfboards Surfboards Surfboard Car Racks Surf Booties Surfing Wetsuits Surfboard Travel Bags
Best Rash Guard for Men Review
- O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins Long Sleeve Rash Guard
- Kanu Surf Platinum Long Sleeve Rash Guard
- Quicksilver Performer Long Sleeve Rash Guard
- O’Neill Thermo-X Short Sleeve
- Speedo Easy Short Sleeve Swim Tee Rash Guard
- Scubapro Long Sleeve Rash Guard
- Kanu Surf Men’s CB Swim Shirt Rash Guard
- O’Neill Premium Skins Ozone
- O’Neill Hybrid Sleeveless Sun Shirt
- Kanu Surf Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Shirt
O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins Long Sleeve Rash Guard
The O’Neill Basic Skins Long Sleeve Rash Guard is a stretchy, form-fitting shirt with UPF 50+ protection.
The 4-way stretch polyester/spandex with seamless undersleeve panels, and flat-lock stitching, make for a flexible, comfortable, rash-free fit.
This premium brand model is durable and comes in a range of sizes and colors. It’s a great choice to wear under a wetsuit, as well.
- UPF 50+
- 6-ounce Polyester/Spandex construction
- Seamless undersleeve panels
- 4-way stretch, form-fitting
- Flat-lock stitched
- Quick-drying
- Comes in 12 colors
- 9 sizes from S to 4XL
- Price: $
Kanu Surf Platinum Long Sleeve Rash Guard
Surf and swim lifestyle brand Kanu Surf has this attractive form-fitting UPF 50+ long-sleeve rash guard great for surfing and life on the beach.
The stretchy and comfortable Polyester/Spandex blended fabric shirt has raglan sleeves, is quick-drying, and is machine washable.
It comes in a choice of 6 pastels and darker colors in 5 sizes and features a chest logo.
- UPF 50+
- 87% Polyester/13% Spandex construction
- Raglan sleeves
- Standing collar
- Form-fitting
- Machine washable
- Quick-drying
- Comes in 6 colors
- 5 sizes from S to XXL
- Price: $
Quicksilver Performer Long Sleeve Rash Guard
The Quicksilver Performer Long Sleeve Rash Guard is a stylish snug-fitting shirt of polyester/elastane blend.
Stretchy and moisture-wicking for a comfortable fit, it’s great for a day in the sun surfing with a UPF 50+ rating.
Chlorine-resistant it comes in 3 appealing color combinations and 4 sizes.
- UPF 50+
- 92% Polyester/8% Elastane
- Form-fitting
- Chlorine resistant
- Moisture-wicking
- Hand washable
- Comes in 3 color combinations
- 4 sizes from XS to XXL
- Price: $
This short-sleeved rash guard from O’Neill has its Thermo-X design capable of providing a little insulation in cooler conditions.
The Nylon/Spandex material is not only stretchy and flexible, but it’s also water-repellent and odor-resistant with non-abrasive and breathable flatlock seams.
Under even cooler conditions, the low neckline fits nicely under a wetsuit.
You’ll be warm but look cool in the black style.
Sizes range from XS to XXL.
- UPF 50+
- Nylon/Spandex construction
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Water-repellent
- Odor-resistant
- Quick-drying
- Low neck – no interference with a wetsuit
- Form-fitting
- Flatlock stitching, breathable seams
- Comes in black
- 6 sizes from XS to XXL
- Price: $$
Speedo Easy Short Sleeve Swim Tee Rash Guard
This lightweight, wrinkle-free Polyester T-shirt by Speedo is comfortable, and loose-fitting.
For your days surfing it will protect you from rashes while providing safety from the sun’s rays with UPF 50+ protection.
Quick-drying and durable it comes in a range of sizes and colors.
- UPF 50+
- 100% Polyester
- Raglan short sleeves
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Loose-fitting
- Wrinkle-free
- Hand washable
- Comes in 7 colors and combinations
- 7 sizes from S to 4XL
- Price: $
Scubapro Long Sleeve Rash Guard
Made from durable, form-fitting, soft-to-the-touch polyester, the Scubapro Long Sleeve Rash Guard provides excellent protection from UV rays and against scrapes and abrasions.
Suitable for a variety of board sports, scuba diving, and snorkeling, in addition to surfing, it also performs well under a wetsuit for a comfortable inner layer.
This attractive rash guard comes in two solid colors or two with color panels in a range of sizes.
- UPF 50
- Polyester construction
- Form-fitting
- High neckline, long sleeves
- Quick-drying
- Comes in 4 color schemes
- 5 sizes from S to 2XL
- Price: $$
Kanu Surf Men’s CB Swim Shirt Rash Guard
Great for surfing and a variety of recreational sports, the Kanu Surf CB Rash Guard Swim Shirt is designed to be a very loose-fitting, comfortable model.
Moisture-wicking and fast-drying, it provides high-level UV protection and comes in 13 attractive colors with contrasting side panels in a wide range of sizes.
- UPF 50+
- 100% Polyester
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Loose-fitting
- Crew neckline
- Moisture-wicking
- Machine-washable
- Comes in 13 colors with contrasting side panels
- 7 sizes from S to 4XL
- Price: $
The O’Neill Premium Skins Ozone long-sleeve hooded rash guard provides fuller UPF protection from the sun’s rays for your neck and head and a visor helps keep them out of your eyes on a really bright sunny day, as well.
The flexible form-fit is comfortable with flatlock stitching and breathable seams.
Ear holes in the hood keep hearing impairment to a minimum and you have a place for storage in the zippered utility pocket in the back.
It comes in a range of sizes in 2 color schemes.
- UPF 50+
- 6-ounce 92% Nylon/8% Spandex construction
- Ergonomic seam placement
- 4-way stretch, form-fitting
- Hood with hood-cinch and visor
- Zippered utility pocket
- Boardshorts connector
- Flatlock stitched with breathable seams
- Quick-drying
- Comes in 2 color combinations
- 5 sizes from S to XXL
- Price: $$$
O’Neill Hybrid Sleeveless Sun Shirt
The O’Neill Hybrid Sun Shirt is not only sleeveless but also has durable 4-way stretch for excellent flexibility.
The fabric is soft and cotton-like to the touch as well as being exceptionally quick drying and has durable overlock stitching.
It protects well from board rash and exposure to the sun and comes in 5 sizes and 4 colors
- UPF 50+
- 5-ounce Heathered Hyperdry Fabric (a proprietary term)
- Extra quick drying
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Slim fit, sleeveless
- Overlock stitched (durable)
- Boardshorts connector
- Comes in 4 colors
- 5 sizes from S to XXL
- Price: $$
Kanu Surf Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Shirt
This loose-fitting rash guard comes in 8 possible solid colors and is a long sleeve version with similar characteristics to the Kanu Surf CB Rash Guard reviewed above.
It is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and very comfortable with strong UV and rash protection great for surfing and any activities involving water and sun.
- UPF 50+
- 100% Polyester
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Loose-fitting
- Crew neckline
- Moisture-wicking
- Machine-washable
- Comes in 8 solid colors
- 5 sizes from S to XXL
- Price: $
Best Rash Guards for Men Comparison Table
Best Rash Guards Men – A Buying Guide
Rash guards were designed originally to protect surfers against getting rashes from rubbing against the surface of surfboards or bodyboards which can hold wax, sand, grime, and debris that can exacerbate the problem. Today people are well aware of the dangers of ultraviolet ray absorption on health, and protection from that has become a major factor in rash guard design, as well.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)
The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is an important measure of how well the garment protects from the sun. UPF 50 is a level commonly used in the best rash guards that indicates very significant protection. This guide on ratings can give you a more detailed description and explanation: UPF Protection
Materials
Materials used in the design of rash guards should be durable, quick-drying, moisture-wicking (drawing moisture away from the skin), and oftentimes elastic. Many synthetic fabrics are used to best achieve these outcomes. Polyester, Nylon, Lycra, Spandex, and Elastane are commonly used. Rash guards that aim at thermal protection also often include neoprene.
Rash Guards as Undergarments or Casual Wear
Rash guards are also frequently used as undergarments for a wetsuit as an additional thermal layer, for UPV protection, and to add to comfort. They also serve very well in most water-related sports and in some cases as casual activewear.
Fit and Style
Rash guards are often designed to be stretchy and elastic. Some have a closer more body-conforming fit and others are looser. The closest fitting models tend to work well worn as an undergarment for a wetsuit as they add some breathability and alleviate the suction of neoprene. Many appreciate the comfort and airiness of a more relaxed fit.
Range of movement and flexibility are important for surfing and other water sports. 4-way stretch fabric and raglan sleeves can facilitate this. Obviously short-sleeved and sleeveless models allow more freedom of movement.
Long sleeves and higher necklines can provide extra warmth and additional UV protection, as well.
Other Related Information
Here are some posts on board sports where a rash guard could come in handy:
Here are some other posts regarding exposure protection including one for women’s rash guards:
- Best Rash Guards Women
- Best Surfing Wetsuits
- Best Lycra Dive Skin
- Best Spearfishing Wetsuits
- Best Scuba Diving Wetsuit Reviews
- Best Scuba Wetsuits for Women
- Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits – Features and Description
- Top 10 Drysuits Compared and Reviewed
- Best Scuba Drysuits – Features Described and Compared
- Best Drysuit Undergarments
- Best Cold Water Diving Equipment
Feedback and Comments
I hope you have found this review of men’s rash guards to be useful. If you have any questions, ideas, or personal experiences, please feel free to share them in the comments. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
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