SwimOutlet carries rash guards and swim shirts for the whole family, in long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless, and zip-front cuts. Most are rated UPF 50+, so the fabric blocks sun while it dries fast and resists chlorine and salt. Shop by who it is for, then narrow by sleeve length, fit, and whether you want a top or a full rash guard swimsuit.
Shop Rash Guards by Wearer
- Men's: Sport-fit and loose-fit tops for surfing, paddling, and lap swimming. Shop men's rash guards and swim shirts.
- Women's: Fitted and relaxed swim shirts in long and short sleeve, plus zip-front styles. Browse women's rash guards and swim shirts.
- Boys and girls: UPF 50+ sun-protection tops and sets sized for kids and toddlers. Shop boys' rash guards and girls' rash guards.
Rash Guard Swimsuits
A rash guard swimsuit combines the sun-protective top with matching or built-in bottoms in a single piece. These suit swimmers who want full coverage without layering a separate top. Browse women's one-piece rash guard swimsuits for long-sleeve and short-sleeve coverage in one suit.
Sleeves, Fit, and Care
Pick long sleeves for the most sun and snorkeling coverage, short sleeves or sleeveless for active lap swimming, and a snug sport fit to prevent chafing under a wetsuit or on a board. Rinse rash guards in cool fresh water after each swim and lay them flat to dry to protect the UPF finish and the stretch.
Rash Guard FAQs
What is a rash guard?
A rash guard is a fitted athletic shirt made from stretch fabric like nylon, polyester, and spandex. It protects the skin from sun, chafing, and board rash during surfing, swimming, and paddle sports. Most rash guards are rated UPF 50+ and dry quickly in and out of the water.
What is the difference between a rash guard and a swim shirt?
A rash guard has a snug, compression fit that stays flat against the skin to prevent chafing and drag, which suits surfing, wetsuit layering, and lap swimming. A swim shirt has a looser, relaxed fit worn mainly for casual sun coverage at the pool or beach. Both offer UPF sun protection; the difference is the fit and the activity.
Do rash guards protect you from the sun?
Yes. Most rash guards are rated UPF 50+, which blocks about 98% of UV rays and does not wash out the way sunscreen does. A long-sleeve rash guard covers the torso and arms, so you reapply sunscreen only to exposed skin. This makes rash guards a practical choice for all-day sun exposure on the water.
How should a rash guard fit?
A traditional rash guard fits snug and close to the body, like a compression layer, so it does not ride up, trap water, or rub against a surfboard or wetsuit. If you want a looser feel for casual swimming, size up or choose a relaxed-fit swim shirt instead. The right fit depends on your priority, performance or comfort.
Can you swim in a rash guard?
Yes. Rash guards are made for the water. The stretch fabric moves with you, dries fast, and resists chlorine and salt, so they work for lap swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and general beach wear. Short-sleeve and sleeveless cuts suit active swimming, while long sleeves give the most sun and abrasion coverage.
What should you wear under a rash guard?
Under a rash guard, wear swimwear: a swimsuit, bikini top, or swim trunks. Because the fit is snug, most people wear it directly over a swimsuit with nothing else underneath. For surfing or cold water, a rash guard also works as a base layer under a wetsuit to prevent zipper and seam rubbing.
