Updated September 1, 2024
When you surf you have a lot of exposure to the effects of the sun’s rays as well as the potential for rashes and chafing you can pick up from rubbing the surface of the board or contact with the sand or materials on the ocean’s bottom. Rash guards were designed to protect you from these distractions and let you focus on improving your technique and fully experiencing the joy and excitement of riding the waves.
Surfing and many water sports are dominated by men with the majority of the market for gear and accessories aimed at them, especially for apparel. The differences in physique and styling for women mean that their requirements often command different designs and features.
There is a huge variety of rash guards with women in mind on the market today that can make your selection decision more complicated. Below some of the best models available are reviewed to help in that process. Included are key features and photos followed by a comparison table and a simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For reviews of men’s rash guards and other surfing gear, please check out these popular posts:
Beginner Surfboards Soft Top Surfboards Surfboards Surfboard Car Racks Surf Booties Surfing Wetsuits Surfboard Travel Bags Men’s Rash Guards
Best Rash Guards for Women Review of the Top 10
- AXESEA Women’s Rash Guard Top
- Sbart Long Sleeve
- CharmLeaks Long Sleeve
- Kanu Surf Breeze Short Sleeve
- Scubapro Everflex
- Scubapro Long Sleeve
- Roxy Essentials Zip-up
- Coolibar Lawai Ruche
- O’Neill Premium
- Kanu Surf Keri Long Sleeve
The full-length zipper makes for breathability and easy on and off.
There is a nice range of sizes and 11 colorfast color and print combinations available.
- UPF 50+
- 82% Polyester/18% Lycra
- 4-way super stretch fabric for a comfortable and tight fit
- Flatlock seams (non-friction)
- Zipper front, crew neckline, long sleeves
- 11 colors/prints
- Colorfast grade 4.5
- 7 sizes from US 6 to 16
- 6 swim bottom styles from AXESEA are available
- Price: $
The ruched adjustable sides allow for a quick conversion from shirt to dress and the zipper adds to the breathability of the quick-drying, stretchy nylon/spandex blend.
With UPF 50+ protection it comes in 9 sizes and 9 attractive colors.
- UPF 50+
- 82% Nylon/18% Spandex
- Quick-drying and breathable for a close fit
- Adjustable ruche sides (from shirt style to dress style)
- Zipper at the top
- 9 colors
- 9 sizes from xs to 4xl
- Price: $
With flat-lock seams to avoid abrasion, it is rated at UPF 50+ for protection from the sun’s rays.
The solid color body design has striped sleeves and a complementing solid side panel and is available in 8 lively color combinations.
- UPF 50+
- 82% Polyester/18% Spandex
- 4-way super stretch fabric for a comfortable and close fit
- Flatlock seams (non-friction)
- Quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric
- Crew neckline, long sleeves
- 8 colors combos are available
- 5 sizes from small to 2xl
- Price: $
It is a comfortable, close-fitting, quick-drying, and durable shirt with UPF 50+ protection.
A tremendous range of colors with screen print designs is offered with at least 6 swim bottoms available that match up nicely.
- UPF 50+
- 86% Polyester/14% Spandex
- Soft, 4-way super stretch fabric for a comfortable and close fit
- Durable and quick-drying
- Mock neck, short sleeves
- 34 colors/screenprints
- 5 sizes from xs to xl
- 6 swim bottom styles from Kanu Surf are available
- Price: $
Providing a comfortable form fit with a plush and fleece lining, it can be worn over your swimsuit or under a wetsuit for a layer of warmth that protects from the scrapes and abrasions of coral or rocks, as well.
It is durable and carries the well-regarded Scubapro brand name.
- No UV protection
- Water-repellent, high-stretch, 1.5 mm neoprene construction for warmth
- Plush and fleece lining
- High neck, long sleeves
- Full front zipper
- Assembled in a 100% green, solvent-free process
- Comes in teal or black
- Scubapro Everflex also has matching shorts/pants
- 7 sizes from xs to xxxl
- Price: $$$
The fit-to-form high neck and long sleeves are comfortable and the 6 color combination options are colorfast.
Great by itself, it also performs well under a wetsuit. This attractive quick-drying rash guard is available in 5 sizes.
- UPF 50+
- Polyester construction
- Colorfast
- High neck, long sleeves
- Form fit
- Abrasion-resistant
- Quick-drying
- Comes in 6 color combinations
- 5 sizes from small to large
- Price: $$
This long sleeve form-fit rash guard from the renowned fitness brand, Roxy, is a great match for a variety of water sports.
The stretchy, soft polyester/elastane mix provides UPF 50+ protection and has a comfortable, V-neck, full-length zipper, and flatlock stitching for irritation-free seams.
Stylish with a screen print on the left bust and in designer anthracite or bright white colors, it is available in a range of 5 sizes.
- UPF 50+
- 92% Polyester/8% Elastane
- Soft, resistant stretch fabric
- Fitted design
- Flatlock seams (non-friction)
- Front zipper for easy on and off
- V-neck, long sleeves
- Comes in anthracite and bright white
- 5 sizes from xs to xl
- Price: $
The UPF 50+ coverage can be extended with a stand-up collar and the quarter-zip neckline makes for easy on and off.
The 4-way stretch polyester is soft and resistant to chlorine and saltwater.
This elegant rash guard comes in a choice of 16 colors and designs and a range of 9 sizes.
- UPF 50+
- Polyester
- 4-way stretch, chlorine, and saltwater resistant
- Adjustable ruche sides to change the length
- Stand-up collar
- Quarter zipper
- Straight edging on the cuffs and hem
- Quick-drying
- Comes in 16 color combinations/designs
- 9 sizes from xs to xxl
- Price: $$
The 4-way stretch nylon/spandex is durable and form-fitting with non-abrasive flat-lock stitching suitable stand-alone or as an underlayer.
A little loop has been included to attach to your shorts to keep the shirt from riding up and there are a fantastic 23 different color combinations to choose from in 6 sizes.
- UPF 50+
- 6-ounce Nylon/Spandex construction
- Strategic seam placement
- 4-way stretch, form-fitting
- Flat-lock stitched, breathable seams
- Quick-drying
- High neck, long sleeves
- Boardshort loop (to prevent riding up)
- Comes in 23 color combinations
- 6 sizes from xxs to xl
- Price: $
The polyester/spandex blend is stretchy, soft, breathable, and quick-drying.
It comes in 5 sizes and 14 attractive colors and combinations.
- UPF 50+
- 86% Polyester/14% Spandex
- Long raglan-seam sleeve, mock neck
- Slimmer, rash guard fit
- Soft, 4-way super stretch fabric for a comfortable and close fit
- Durable and quick-drying
- 14 colors and combinations
- 5 sizes from xs to xl
- Price: $
Best Women’s Rash Guard Comparison Table
| Rash Guard | Picture | Material | UPF | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXESEA Top |   | Polyester/Lycra | 50+ | $ |
| Sbart Long Sleeve |   | Nylon/Spandex | 50+ | $ |
| CharmLeaks Long Sleeve |   | Polyester/Spandex | 50+ | $ |
| Kanu Surf Breeze Short Sleeve |   | Polyester/Spandex | 50+ | $ |
| Scubapro Everflex |   | Neoprene | None | $$$ |
| Scubapro Long Sleeve |   | Polyester | 50+ | $$ |
| Roxy Essentials Zip-up |   | Polyester/Elastane | 50+ | $ |
| Coolibar Lawai Ruche |   | Polyester | 50+ | $$ |
| O'Neill Premium |   | Nylon/Spandex | 50+ | $ |
| Kanu Surf Keri Long Sleeve |   | Polyester/Spandex | 50+ | $ |
| Rash Guard | Picture | Material | UPF | Price |
Best Rash Guards for Women Buying Guide
The term “rash guard” emanated from the idea that surfers were prone to getting rashes from rubbing against the surfboard which historically often used wax on the surface which became the home of embedded sand and grime. Frequent contact the body made with it often resulted in rashes and chafing.
Today important functions include protection from the sun’s rays and stingers in the water and can be as a layer of insulation over a swimsuit or under a wetsuit.
Usage
As indicated, the primary purpose of a rash guard is skin protection against rubs and scrapes against the board and resulting rashes as well as stingers and abrasions that happen in the water. A second goal is protection against UV rays. In addition, there can also be thermal insulation against the cold, though most rash guards are thin and don’t offer much in this regard.
Most rash guards are pretty versatile and can find good use in other water sports, exercises, and land sports, and for general purposes, in some cases.
In addition, they can serve as a layer under a wetsuit for additional thermal and UPV protection and to increase comfort.
Materials
Rash guards are usually made of materials that can provide a combination of durability, elasticity, fast drying, and moisture-wicking (drawing moisture away from the skin). Nylon, Polyester, Elastane, Lycra, and Spandex are often used in blends to achieve these qualities. Neoprene can also be used especially on rash guards that are used for thermal protection.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor
The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a key feature of most rash guards. Surfers spend a lot of time in the sun and in spite of often feeling cool due to the effects of being in the water they are at constant risk of sunburn and eventual skin cancer. Most of the top rash guards will have UPF protection built-in. UPF 50+ is the level to look for. This guide on ratings can give you a more detailed description and explanation: UPF Protection
Style and Fit
- Most rash guards are stretchy and designed to fit fairly closely. There are those that are very tightly conforming to the body and others a little looser. The closer-fitting or form-fitting versions can be useful under a wetsuit as they add breathability and relieve the suction fit of neoprene. The looser fitting style can be more comfortable for many and not as revealing for the more modest.
- Range of movement is extremely desirable in surfing and other water sports that are better facilitated by features like raglan sleeves and 4-way stretch fabric.
- Higher necklines and long sleeves are a consideration for cooler weather and for more complete UPF protection.
- Full-length and shorter zippers can make it easier to get on and off.
- Flatlock stitching is a technique that is useful to avoid rubbing or chafing against the seams and is a worthwhile feature to look for.
For reviews of men’s rash guards and other surfing gear, please check out these popular posts:
Beginner Surfboards Soft Top Surfboards Surfboards Surfboard Car Racks Surf Booties Surfing Wetsuits Surfboard Travel Bags Men’s Rash Guards
Here are some other posts regarding exposure protection:
- 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 women’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<<
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.
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 Quicksilver Performer Long Sleeve Rash Guard is a stylish snug-fitting shirt of polyester/elastane blend.
This short-sleeved rash guard from O’Neill has its Thermo-X design capable of providing a little insulation in cooler conditions.
This lightweight, wrinkle-free Polyester T-shirt by Speedo is comfortable, and loose-fitting.
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.
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.
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.
