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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 on Nordstrom: Sizes XS-XL
Tommy Bahama Long Sleeve Rash Guard Womens
This Tommy Bahama rash guard has a full front zipper, so you don’t have to pull it over your head. 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.
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 lifejackets or for snorkeling. Available in sizes XS (4) -XL (16). Shop here.
Shop: Amazon
Scubapro Womens Rash Guard Long Sleeve
This eye catching Scubapro 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.
Roxy Women’s Long Sleeve Rash Guards
This form fitting Roxy rash guard womens style has striped long sleeves and 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 Sizes 12W-22W: Volcom
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.
Shop: 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 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. Top remains in great condition even after a great deal of use.”
Shop: 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 around four hours in the ocean swimming with stingrays and it worked great. Love it!”
Shop: 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
Cressi Women’s Short Sleeve Rash Guard
This Cressi swim rash guard is available in a range of colors and it’s 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.
Billabong Rash Guard Womens Short Sleeve
These short sleeve Billabong 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: Amazon
Nike Rash Guard Womens Short Sleeve Tee
This short sleeved Nike swim shirt has UPF 40 coverage and is made of a quick-dry blend of 91% polyester and 9% 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 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: Amazon
Carve Designs Stella Zip Rash Guard Womens
These Carve cute rash guards are a little thicker in material offering 1mm of warmth, without being made of neoprene. Made of a unique DuckDive material, it has the feel of a wetsuit without the weight. It’s full zipper slips easily over a swimsuit and it has a UPF of 50. The designs are super cute too!
Shop: 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: 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: Amazon
Body Glove Long Sleeve Crop Rashguard for Women
Love the print for this Body Glove 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.
You can wear the top on its own, or team it with the coordinating bottoms, available here.
Best Womens Rash Guards Sets
Shop Sizes S-XXXL: 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.
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: 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: 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
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Best Long Sleeve Swim Shirt for Women | ||
|
Tommy Bahama Long Sleeve Rash Guard Womens |
This Tommy Bahama rash guard has a full front zipper, so you don’t have to pull it over your head. Throw it on over your bikini for extra protection from the sun | Check Price |
|
Scubapro Womens Rash Guard Long Sleeve |
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. | Check Price |
|
Roxy Women's Long Sleeve Rash Guards |
“These women’s rash guards fit great, super comfortable, no sunburn! Perfect for paddle boarding” | Check Price |
|
VOLCOM Women's Plus Size Swim Shirt |
Suitable for a range of watersports, it skims the figure, giving you a sleek silhouette and UPF of 50. | Check Price |
|
O Neill Rash Guard Womens Long Sleeve |
Made from a spandex and nylon blend, it has four-way stretch for flexibility, no matter what you get up to. Plus, it will protect you with built-in UPF50. | Check Price |
|
ATTRACO Long Sleeve Swim Shirt Womens |
“Their womens rashguard fits well, the design makes me look slim, I did not use sunscreen, I wore it around four hours in the ocean swimming with stingrays and it worked great. Love it!” | Check Price |
|
Coolibar Hokulani Women's Swim Shirts |
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+. | Check Price |
| Best Short Sleeve Womens Swim Shirts | ||
|
Cressi Women's Short Sleeve Rash Guard |
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). | Check Price |
|
Billabong Rash Guard Womens Short Sleeve |
They have UPF50 and come in a range of pastel colors, and a classic black. | Check Price |
|
Nike Rash Guard Womens Short Sleeve Tee |
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. | Check Price |
| Best Womens Zip Up Rashguard | ||
|
Scubapro 1.5mm Rash Guard Women’s Long Sleeve |
The neoprene material is flexible and dries quickly. It comes in a range of sizes, up to 3XL. | Check Price |
|
Carve Designs Stella Zip Rash Guard Womens |
These Carve cute rash guards are a little thicker in material offering 1mm of warmth, without being made of neoprene. | Check Price |
|
Roxy Essentials Zip Up Rash Guard Womens |
“Love this top! Great for keeping the sun off or keeping warm in the water.” | Check Price |
| Best Cropped Rash Guard Womens | ||
|
COCOSHIP Crop Rash Guard Womens Set |
“I haven't felt good about being in a swimsuit in years!” | Check Price |
|
Body Glove Long Sleeve Crop Rashguard for Women |
Love the print for this Body Glove 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. | Check Price |
| Best Womens Rash Guards Sets | ||
|
Yateen Long Sleeve Rash Guard Set Womens |
“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” | Check Price |
|
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. | Check Price |
|
KIMI & KAI Two-Piece Maternity Rashguard Swimsuit |
“It’s so flattering and I can say that it has an elegant touch that everyone gave me lots of compliments on.” | Check Price |
| Best Womens Rash Guard Swimsuit | ||
|
Runtlly Women’s Rash Guard Swimsuit |
Like a bathing suit and rash guard in one, it fits comfortably, and still offers the same UPF 50 protection. | Check Price |
|
Skyone Full Bodysuit Rashguard |
With built in leggings, this all-in-one jumpsuit will give you full body UV protection. | Check Price |
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 to use 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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