Best Rash Guards for Women of 2024

Rashes, sunburn, chafing. Not things that immediately spring to mind when we think of surfing, right? This is where our trusty friend the rash guard comes in. Finding the right one for you means you can stop worrying about the above and start focusing on riding waves and having fun, in style. But finding the best rash guard for women can be challenging in the male-dominated sport of surfing. That’s why we here at the Adventure Junkies have tasked our team of expert lady surfers to do the research for you. We’ve already surfed the peaks and troughs of the market to bring you the 10 best women’s rash guards so you can get back to ripping the waves in no time!

For more of our top surfing gear recommendations, check out the Best Rashguards.

Reviews - Best Rash Guards for Women

O’Neill Women’s Premium

Specs

• Material: Nylon/Spandex
• Fit: Tight
• Style: Long-sleeve, High Neck
• UPF: 50+

Features

• Skin Cancer Foundation Recommended Product
• Reduces Fatigue from Sun Exposure
• Boardshort Connector (to stop your rash guard riding up)

BEST FOR: SUN-LOVING SURFERS

This is a fantastically effective product from O’Neill. It’s a Skin Cancer Foundation Recommended Product and is designed to reduce fatigue from sun exposure, meaning you can be out shredding waves for as long as you like stress-free. Ergonomic stitching and 4-way stretch fabric means this top will fit you like a second skin, so you can wear it comfortably as an underlayer or a bikini cover-up. The top even features a loop to connect to your boardshorts to stop it from riding up! What’s not to like?

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Seea Hermosa

Specs

• Material: Recycled Polyester, Nylon and Spandex
• Fit: Tight
• Style: Long-sleeve, One-piece
• UPF: 30-50+

Features

• Made From Recycled Materials
• Fashionable Fit
• Original Print Design

BEST FOR: THE STYLISH SURFER

This elegant one-piece is proof that style needn’t be compromised over function. The sweetheart bust, belted waist and keyhole back make this piece of gear a flattering addition to your wardrobe, all the while being made from recycled materials. UPF protection will protect you from the sun’s rays all day long so you can surf tropical waves or lounge on the beach without worrying about burning up.

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Roxy Neon Tide

Specs

• Material: Polyester/Elastane
• Fit: Close-to-body
• Style: Long-sleeve, Crew-neck
• UPF: 50+

Features

• Form-fitting (fits to your body shape)
• Flatlock Stitching (sits flat on the garment to prevent chafing)
• Quick-drying

BEST FOR: THE WATERSPORTS DABBLER

This is a great all-rounder from renowned watersports and fitness brand Roxy. It’s close-to-body fit and fashionable pop design make this rash guard the perfect option for someone who likes to do a bit of everything. Surfing, swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing would all be enhanced with this top. Its long-raglan style sleeves (sleeves that extend in one piece of material from the collarbone) allow for a broad range of movement and flatlock-stitching (stitching that lies flat to the garment) enable chafe-free freedom.

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AXESEA Top

Specs

• Material: Polyester/Lycra
• Fit: Tight
• Style: Long-sleeve, Crew-neck, Zipper-front
• UPF: 50+

Features

• Advanced Flatlock Stitching (sits flat on the garment to prevent chafing)
• Zipper-front (for easy removal and breathability)
• 4-Way Stretch Fabric (for superior comfort and dexterity)

BEST FOR: THE ALL-DAY SURFER

Surfing is tiring. Sometimes it’s nice to dip in and out over the course of the day and rest between, which is where this top comes in handy. The zipper front means it’s easy to take off or adjust so you won’t be continuously wrestling a wet top over your head! What’s more, AXESEA’s unique Pentashell Breeze Fabric combines soft breathability with advanced flatlock stitching, meaning it will feel like a second skin and not rub or chafe uncomfortably against your skin.

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CharmLeaks Long Sleeve

Specs

• Material: Polyester/Spandex
• Fit: Close-to-body
• Style: Long-sleeve, Crew-neck
• UPF: 50+

Features

• Various Colors Available
• Quick-drying
• Moisture-wicking

BEST FOR: THE HOLIDAY SURFER

If you think you’d love to try surfing but might only spend a few days a year on holiday trying it, you probably don’t want to spend a fortune on a rash guard. The CharmLeaks Long Sleeve Rashguard combines all of the core features a rash guard should include without breaking the bank. A classic combination of raglan sleeves (to enhance a broader range of movement), quick-drying fabric, and solid UPF 50+ protection (to protect you from the sun’s rays) will make this top an essential piece of watersports gear. And there’s a range of colors to choose from so you can even coordinate with your swimwear.

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Patagonia Microswell

Specs

• Material: Recycled Nylon/Spandex
• Fit: Close-to-body
• Style: Long-sleeve, Crew-neck
• UPF: 50+

Features

• Fair Trade Certified
• Quick-drying
• Made From Recycled Materials

BEST FOR: THE ECO-CONSCIOUS SURFER

Sustainably sourced and ethically sewn, the Patagonia Micro Swell is the go-to choice for the sustainability conscious shopper. Its strategically-placed seams prevent chafing in all the right areas and stretchy raglan sleeves allow for a broad range of movement whether you’re surfing, swimming, or knocking a ball around on the beach.

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NRS H2Core Silkweight

Specs

• Material: Polyester/Spandex
• Fit: Casual
• Style: Long-sleeve, Crew-neck
• UPF: 50+

Features

• Casual Comfortable Fit
• Silkweight Fabric (moisture-wicking and quick-drying)
• Versatile Use

BEST FOR: THE ACTIVE WATER LOVER

Quick-drying and comfortable to wear, this top will be your trusty friend in any water-based situation. The high polyester:spandex ratio in this top means it has a loose, casual fit and can be put to use as a cover-up from the sun, active workout top, swim shirt, or protective layer whilst participating in active watersports. Friction-free zones under the arms mean you can paddle, swim, row, run, or stretch chafe-free.

 

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Scubapro Everflex

Specs

• Material: Neoprene
• Fit: Tight
• Style: Long-sleeve, High-neck
• UPF: None

Features

• Neoprene Thermal Protection (for extra warmth in colder waters)
• Combination of Plush and Fleece on Inside (for extra warmth and layering)
• Assembled in a Solvent-Free, 100% Green Process

BEST FOR: COLDWATER DIVERS AND SURFERS

This rash guard is a cozy option for coldwater surf lovers or divers alike. Fleece-lined neoprene will keep your core nice and warm. You could put this over a swimsuit if you’re diving deep down to cooler waters or you could wear it under a wetsuit as an extra layer of insulation while surfing or paddling. This top is also a great option if you’re surfing or diving around rough coral or rock as it will keep you protected from getting scraped and scratched. The high neck will also keep the cold water out.

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Kanu Surf Breeze

Specs

• Material: Polyester/Spandex
• Fit: Close-to-body
• Style: Short-sleeve, Mock Neck
• UPF: 50+

Features

• Soft Fabric
• Available in Lots of Colors
• 4-Way Stretch Fabric (for superior comfort and dexterity)

BEST FOR: THE SURF AND YOGA LOVER

Simple, versatile and budget-friendly, the Kanu Surf Women’s Breeze Rashguard will be the perfect addition to your suitcase for that surf and yoga retreat you’ve always wanted to go on! UPF protection will keep your torso shielded from the sun’s rays as you swim, and quick-drying, stretchy fabric makes it the perfect post-surf yoga top. And there’s a huge range of colors to choose from, so you can even coordinate with the rest of your gear.

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Sbart Long Sleeve

Specs

• Material: Nylon/Spandex
• Fit: Close-to-body
• Style: Zipper-fronted, shirt or dress style
• UPF: 50+

Features

• Adjustable Style
• Versatile Use
• Soft, Breathable Material

BEST FOR: THE FASHIONABLE BEACH-GOER

If it’s versatility on the beach you’re after, the Sbart Women’s Long Sleeve Rashguard ticks a fair few boxes. With ruched adjustable cords on either sides you can quickly and easily convert this rash guard into a stylish dress. The zipper on the front also allows for a different look and increased breathability. And style doesn’t have to be at the cost of performance in this case; stretchy, UPF 50+ fabric means you’ll be just as comfortable and protected as you are fashionable.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A RASH GUARD

Rash guards were originally created to prevent surfers from getting rashes from the constant chafing against the wax on their boards, though they can come in handy for a lot of reasons these days.

Different styles, materials, fits and thicknesses mean they are just as often used for sun protection, as an extra layer of insulation under a wetsuit or over a swimsuit, and even for protection against stings. Given the amount of variables, it can seem a daunting task to try and work out which one might be best for you. Make sure to read through the following considerations before deciding which rash guard is right for you from the list above.

USE

With so many styles of rash guards out there, it’s important to give some thought to how and when you’re likely to be using one.If you think you’ll predominantly be using your rash guard in colder seas, it might be useful to have a tighter-fitting, long-sleeved top to keep you warm. With a tight-fitting, long sleeve rash guard, you can use it comfortably under a wetsuit as an extra layer of insulation.

If you’re after a bikini cover up to protect your shoulders from the sun’s harmful rays, then perhaps a shorter-sleeved, zipper-fronted rash guard might suit you best. Perhaps you’re someone who travels to both tropical and colder climates, in which case you might consider a long-sleeved one-piece to use as a warm layer under a wetsuit or as a protective option from the sun.

Most rash guards are pretty versatile and some will even double up as active workout tops, given their moisture-wicking qualities. So have a good think about what you want to get out of your rash guard and start looking for one that ticks those boxes!

MATERIALS

Most rash guards are made from a combination of synthetic fibers such as Nylon, Spandex, Polyester, Elastane, and occasionally Neoprene if they’re a little thicker. Spandex, Lycra and Elastane have stretchy, form-fitting qualities while Polyester and Nylon tend to be fast-drying and moisture-wicking. A combination is usually a safe bet. Look for a composition such as 82% Polyester, 18% Spandex, or 78% Nylon, 22% Elastane. Check out The Clymb’s buying guide for a breakdown on the properties of each material.

UPF PROTECTION

This is one of the main benefits of owning a rash guard. Not only are the sun’s rays stronger when you’re in water, but the cooling effect of the water can often deceive you into thinking you’re not getting burnt. This is why looking for a top with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is vital. Most rash guards will have UPF 50+ protection, but some cheaper options won’t have any at all, so look out for this! LeisurePro offers a great guide on what different ratings mean and how much you’ll be protected.

FIT AND STYLE

The thought of wearing tight-fitting lycra on a beach all day can to many be a daunting prospect. But not to fear, function doesn’t always need to compromise style; there are looser-fitting styles of rash guards out there. A ‘close-to-body’ or ‘form-fitting’ style is sometimes preferable as they fit snug under a wetsuit whilst allowing breathability so you don’t feel as if you’re being sucked in at every angle! If your main priority is to stay warm however, a tight fit is the best option.

Most rash guards often have a high or crew neckline. High necklines are great in colder weather as they will prevent water from entering through the top. A crew neckline offers a more breathable option for summertime or warmer water conditions. Which you decide to go for just depends on what you’ll be wearing your rash guard for. You should consider the type of surfboard you prefer to ride — whether it’s a hard top or a soft top — and your experience level — whether you’re a beginner surfer or you’ve been riding the waves for years. 

You might also see features such as 4-way stretch, raglan-sleeves and garments made from 6 panels of material. These are all great features as they allow for a great range of movement and stretch.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

UPF PROTECTION

Ultraviolet Protection Factor. A top with UPF 50+ will allow 1/50th of the sun’s rays to pass through to the skin.

RAGLAN SLEEVES

Sleeves that extend from the collar in one-piece. The diagonal seam from collarbone to underarm allows for a broader range of movement than normal sleeves.

FLATLOCK STITCHING

This means the stitching on the garment lies flat, which prevents rubbing and chafing.

MOISTURE-WICKING

As well as drying quickly, fabric with moisture-wicking qualities draws moisture away from the skin. The combination of these factors means you will feel less sweaty and your body can more effectively regulate its temperature.