The Best Rash Guards for Women

Learn all about the benefits of rash guards for women as well as UV Skinz's best and highly rated women's rash guards on our blog today.
Woman on the beach in a UV Skinz's rash guard

If you enjoy spending time with your family in the sun, you're not alone. After all, who doesn't love spending time in the sun? But how do you keep your family safe while enjoying summer activities like surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and playing in the waves?

This is where a rash guard can help! A rash guard, also known as a swim shirt, is a versatile sun-protective shirt that can keep your shoulders, chest, and torso safe from the sun's harmful rays. 

Today, we're going to go over why rash guards are so great at protecting you from the sun as well as the best, most loved rash guards for women, 

What Is a Rash Guard?

Rash guards, which were originally created to avoid chafing when surfing, are swim shirts that offer sun protection. Additionally, they offer other advantages, including sweat-wicking properties and quick-dry material, which makes them popular among anyone who loves water sports. Chances are you've seen them - especially if you frequent the beach.


Factors You Should Consider Before Purchasing a Women's Rash Guard

Fit

Rash guards often come in one of two fits. The first is a slim fit that forms a second skin over your body. It won't ride up or move, and the extra fabric won't get in the way, making it perfect for water sports like surfing and other more energetic water activities.

The second design has a looser, more casual fit. This is a great option for leisurely beach days, whether swimming with the kids, boating, or paddle boarding. The kind you select depends on your activity and intended use. Of course, you can have more than one to accommodate all of your leisure activities!

Comfort

The most important factor to consider when selecting a rash guard or surf suit is comfort. In order to prevent shifting when surfing, your clothes should be comfortable and fit snugly.

Sun Defense

If a rash guard doesn't provide sun protection, it actually doesn't serve much of a purpose to wear one. Remember to check the UPF rating to make sure it will provide enough skin coverage to prevent sunburn or excessive lathering. A UPF rating of 50+ is best!

Durability

Rash guards are not normally the most durable piece of surf gear because they are typically composed of rather thin material. However, some are more durable and manufactured better than others.

Fabric

Rash guards offer the best thermal protection, rash prevention, breathability, and quick-drying properties provided by these materials. The fabric's ability to block out sunlight is, however, what you should pay the most attention to. The best choice is rash guards certified with a UPF 50+ rating. 

Style

Rash guards come in a variety of designs and hues, so pick one that appeals to you and meets your requirements. There are variants with long sleeves, and those with short sleeves. Different cuts can allow for more flexibility, and a higher neckline can provide you with more sun protection. 

Drying Factor

In order to avoid spending hours on end in wet clothing, it is essential to opt for quick-dry fibers while selecting your rash guard. In addition to possibly making you feel cold, moist fabric is more likely to chafe and be irritating. Most nylons and polyesters have a quick-drying property.

Sleeve Design

The choice between long sleeves and short sleeves partly depends on the climate where you live. Short sleeves have the advantage of increasing airflow around your arms in really hot weather, keeping you a little bit cooler. 

Sun Protection

After avoiding surfing rash, sun protection is the rash guard's second most important advantage. To get the greatest results, look for rash guards with a UPF rating of 50+ because they will protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and last longer than other materials. 

Thermal Protection

Some rash guard models also offer some form of thermal protection, however, many are made to keep you cool. The lining in thicker alternatives is designed specifically to assist in trapping your body heat. Standard rash guards, especially those with a snug fit, are ideal for layering under a wetsuit when surfing in colder climates for extra warmth.

UV Skinz's Best Rash Guards for Women

Check out some of our best-selling, most-loved rash guards for women. Whether you're an avid surfer looking to protect yourself from the sun or a pregnant momma looking to keep her skin safe from skin conditions like Melasma, check out our curated list. 

Women's Long Sleeve Full Zip Rash Guard

Women's Long Sleeve Full Zip Rash Guard

 

For swimming and surfing, this UV Skinz original rash guard is ideal. It employs high-density fabric that offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun and excellent breathability, as well as moisture sensing and wicking to keep you cool and dry in addition to protecting against scratches and chafing. 

With this rash guard from UV Skinz, you can protect yourself from the sun's damaging rays and look oh-so-stylish doing it too.

This rash guard comes in a variety of colors, like dark teal, sapphire, and black. The cut is more relaxed than more conventional rash guards, making it ideal for mellow beach days or more laid-back water activities, like paddle boarding or swimming. Thanks to our sweat-wicking technology and quick-dry fabric, you can even wear this when running.

 

Women's Convertible Swim Shirtdress

Women's Convertible Swim Shirtdress

 

With this long-sleeved rash guard for women, you will be protected and kept dry. Featuring beachy colors and designs, like black palms, Caribbean prism, and Batik Geo, this will likely be your go-to beach dress. This convertible swim shirt dress is perfect for a day at the beach.

It filters UVA and UVB radiation with a UPF rating of 50+. Additionally, it is lightweight, moisture-wicking, incredibly breathable, and dries quickly. 

Pair this with our women's active sport swim tights to show complete the look. These swim tights are perfect for active sports and go with any daily dress.

Women's Active Swim Shrug

Women's Active Swim Shrug

 

Take a look at this incredibly soft and comfortable active shrug or cropped rash guard! It's made from durable stretch fabric and features a cropped fit that will support you during all your family activities. 

Designed with UPF 50+ sun protection, this swim top is ideal for long days in the sun. The top looks great when worn with board shorts or leggings if you prefer more coverage. 

Women's Long Sleeve Swimsuit - Half Zip

Women's Long Sleeve Swimsuit - Half Zip

 

Our Women's Long Sleeve Swimsuit is designed for those who love to spend their days in the sun.

Stylish, comfortable, and sun-protective this suit/one-piece rah guard has your back. It's available in a variety of fun colors and can be worn at the beach, on the water, or even under the water. It's chlorine resistant as well so you can rest assured that this UPF swimsuit will be around for a long time. 

Women's Long Sleeve Crew Sun and Swim Shirt

Women's Long Sleeve Crew Sun and Swim Shirt

 

Our Women's Long Sleeve Crew Sun & Swim Shirt Rash Guard offers excellent coverage and pairs so well with board shorts and/or your favorite swimsuit. It's comfortable and won't ride up as you walk, swim, or do any of the other activities you love. It also has a UPF 50+ rating, which is the best UPF rating you can possibly get to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. 

Women's Long Sleeve Quarter Zip Sun & Swim Shirt

Women's Long Sleeve Quarter Zip Sun and Swim Shirt

 

Our Long Sleeve Quarter Zip Swim Shirt is a versatile rash guard and can be worn on the beach, in the water, or out and about. 

This is one of our best sellers as it's comfortable, breathable, and offers you a UPF rating of 50+, so you're safe in the sun. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Women's Rash Guards 

What Are Some Features to Look for in Women's Rash Guards?

When shopping for women's rash guards, it's important to look for features such as UPF sun protection, moisture-wicking fabric, a comfortable fit, and a range of colors and styles.

What Types of Water Activities Are Women's Rash Guards Suitable For? 

Women's rash guards are suitable for a wide range of water activities, including but not limited to the following: 

  • Snorkeling
  • Paddle boarding
  • Kayaking
  • Surfing
  • Swimming
  • Lounging at the beach
  • Volleyball
  • Hiking

 

How Do You Care for Women's Rash Guards?

To care for women's rash guards, it's important to rinse them thoroughly with cold, fresh water after each use. They should be washed with a mild detergent and hung to dry in the shade. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can damage the UPF protection and moisture-wicking properties of the fabric.

Are Women's Rash Guards Expensive? 

The cost of women's rash guards varies depending on the brand, quality, and features. Some can be quite expensive, while others are more affordable. However, investing in a high-quality rash guard can provide long-lasting protection and comfort, making it a worthwhile investment for women who spend a lot of time in the water.

 

Rash guards help protect you from harmful UV rays. Be sure to browse our selection of women's rash guards today to stay safe this summer season.