Top 8 Women’s Rash Guards for UV Protection & Performance

For any serious water enthusiast, from the seasoned surfer carving waves to the casual paddleboarder enjoying the coastline, a high-quality rash guard is non-negotiable.

These essential garments protect your skin far beyond standard sunscreen, acting as a barrier against damaging UV rays, abrasive materials like surfboard wax, and even oceanic irritants such as jellyfish.

Women’s rash guards today combine paramount protection with modern style, offering options in various fits—short-sleeve, long-sleeve, zip-up, and fitted silhouettes—made from comfortable, high-performance fabrics like spandex, neoprene, and polyester.

Investing in a durable, comfortable rash guard ensures extended, worry-free enjoyment of all your aquatic adventures, maximizing comfort and minimizing risk.

1. Roxy Women’s Whole Hearted Long Sleeve UPF 50 Rashguard

This long-sleeve rash guard is an excellent pick for those seeking the perfect blend of style and dependable solar defense.

Offering a stellar UPF 50 protection rating, the garment is designed to shield you completely from the sun’s harmful rays during long hours spent outdoors.

We found the material to be exceptionally light and stretchy, contributing to a comfortable, all-day wear experience.

The classic Roxy logo provides a stylish visual accent, enhancing its appeal both in and out of the water. Its high-quality performance stood out during beach testing, offering necessary coverage without feeling bulky.

To achieve the best fit, note that the sizing tends to run small, so we strongly recommend sizing up. While the design is highly functional, be aware that some wearers have reported a tighter fit around the neck area.

Best For: Classic style enthusiasts prioritizing reliable sun coverage.

Pros

• Excellent UPF 50 sun protection.
• Material is light and stretchy.
• Stylish classic Roxy logo accent.
• Comfortable for all-day wear.
• Great performance and quality.

Cons

• Sizing runs notably small.
• Hand washing is inconvenient.
• Neck area fit can be tight.

2. Deerose Womens Gradient Rash Guard UPF 50+ Swim Shirts Surfing Top with Thumb Hole Medium Aqua

The Deerose Gradient Rash Guard is an exceptional choice for those prioritizing comfort and outstanding UV protection.

This top features a high UPF 50+ rating, ensuring maximum safety from sun damage while you enjoy the water.

The fabric is designed to be quick-drying and breathable, making it suitable for continuous, comfortable wear throughout a full day of activity.

A standout feature is the addition of thumb holes, which serve the dual purpose of keeping sleeves securely in place and providing extra coverage for your hands.

The material is soft and pleasant against the skin. Although the overall quality is impressive, potential buyers should know that the sizing often runs small, necessitating ordering a size up.

Best For: Day-long beach sessions requiring quick-drying performance.

Pros

• Outstanding UPF 50+ protection.
• Fabric is quick-drying, breathable.
• Thumb holes offer hand protection.
• Soft, comfortable material feel.
• Overall quality is impressive.

Cons

• Sizing frequently runs small.
• Material lacks sturdy feeling.
• Colors appear less vibrant.

3. COOTRY Womens Plus Size Rash Guard Short Sleeve Swim Shirt UPF 50+ Sun Protection Swimsuit

If you require robust protection combined with inclusive sizing, the COOTRY Plus Size Rash Guard is a high-quality contender.

This short-sleeve swim shirt boasts UPF 50+ sun protection, offering essential coverage for extended periods in sunny conditions.

We found that the garment fits admirably and is generally true to size, providing excellent coverage without feeling overly restrictive.

The quality of the material is good and contributes to the rash guard’s durability. It is specifically designed to stay securely in place, even during active water sports.

While it performs highly on coverage and fit, it is important to realize this top does not include padding and requires a swim bra or sports bra underneath for added support.

Best For: Plus-size women seeking durable, secure, and reliable UPF 50+ protection.

Pros

• High-quality, durable material.
• UPF 50+ sun protection.
• Fits true to size accurately.
• Provides great secure coverage.
• Stylish and highly comfortable.

Cons

• Slightly high price point.
• No integrated padding included.
• May be slightly tight overall.

4. Daci Women Two Piece Rash Guard Long Sleeve Swimsuits UV UPF 50+ Swim Shirt Bathing Suit

The Daci Two Piece Rash Guard offers a complete bathing suit solution, pairing a long-sleeve swim shirt with a boyshort bottom.

This combination delivers excellent coverage and high protection, featuring a UV UPF 50+ rating. A significant advantage of this set is the integrated built-in bra, which supplies comfortable and necessary support without needing an additional layer.

The boyshort bottom is designed to offer ample coverage, ensuring confidence during activities. While this is a comfortable and stylish option, be aware that the shorts may feel too brief for individuals who prefer maximum coverage.

Furthermore, like some other options, the sizing might run small, and tightness could be felt specifically in the shoulder area.

Best For: Users wanting a stylish, supported two-piece set with long-sleeve protection.

Pros

• Long sleeves maximize sun protection.
• Built-in bra offers great support.
• Boyshorts provide adequate coverage.
• Comfortable and great fitting.
• Stylish two-piece swimwear option.

Cons

• Shorts may feel too short.
• Sizing might run small.
• Material tight in shoulders.

5. Hurley Women’s Standard Hoodie Zip Rashguard X-Small Beach Break

The Hurley Standard Hoodie Zip Rashguard is a premium option designed for maximum mobility and style.

Constructed from a high-quality blend of 84% nylon and 16% spandex, it feels wonderfully soft and comfortable against the skin.

With a reliable UPF 50 rating, it ensures your skin is shielded from harmful rays. The design features a relaxed fit and stretchy fabric, allowing for unrestricted movement essential for dynamic activities like surfing or swimming.

This is a zip-up hoodie featuring a hood, a zip front, and the signature Hurley logo on the forearm. Note that its care instructions specify hand-washing only, which some users may find inconvenient.

Best For: Active users requiring unrestricted movement and a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Pros

• Reliable UPF 50 rating protection.
• Premium blend feels soft, comfortable.
• Relaxed fit allows free movement.
• Zip-up hoodie adds style/utility.
• Durable quality, built to last.

Cons

• Requires inconvenient hand washing.
• Pull-on closure less secure.
• Design lacks bright color options.

6. Roxy Women’s Essentials Long Sleeve Zip-Up Rashguard Medium Anthracite 21

This Roxy Essentials Zip-Up Rashguard is an exceptionally functional piece perfect for performance in the water. It is innovatively crafted from a blend including recycled REPREVE fabric and elastane, emphasizing both comfort and durability.

The fitted design guarantees flexibility, enabling a complete range of motion necessary for rigorous activities.

For ultimate convenience, it features a front zip closure, making the process of putting it on or taking it off effortless, even when the garment is saturated.

We were impressed by the flatlock seams, which are integral for minimizing water entry and maximizing comfort throughout wear. Be aware that this high-performance piece comes with a slightly higher price tag than some competing rash guards.

Best For: Performance-driven users seeking flexibility and easy removal post-activity.

Pros

• Fitted design allows full motion.
• Front zip closure simplifies removal.
• Flatlock seams minimize water entry.
• Made from durable recycled fabric.
• Comfortable and highly flexible.

Cons

• Higher price point generally.
• Sizing often runs small.
• Sleeves are somewhat long.

7. Soothfeel Women’s Long Sleeve UV Sun Protection Rash Guard Shirts UPF 50+ Swim Shirt Swimsuits

We highly recommend the Soothfeel Rash Guard for its comprehensive protection and thoughtful utility features. The design incorporates long sleeves to ensure excellent coverage against the sun’s harsh UV rays.

The garment is crafted from a lightweight and breathable fabric, making it extremely comfortable for wearing over prolonged periods.

A particularly convenient detail is the zippered pockets, perfect for securely storing essential small items such as keys or a phone while you enjoy the pool or beach.

Although this shirt is styled to be fitted, which provides excellent sleek lines, individuals who prefer a looser, more relaxed silhouette may find this fit less ideal.

Best For: Water travelers who need secure storage for essentials while maintaining sun protection.

Pros

• Long sleeves give great coverage.
• Zippered pockets are very convenient.
• Fabric is lightweight, breathable.
• Provides excellent sun protection.
• Comfortable for extended wear.

Cons

• Fitted style may feel tight.
• Tapered waist unflattering for some.
• Arms/sleeves run quite long.

8. Ewedoos Rash Guard for Women

The Ewedoos Rash Guard stands out for its unique blend of function, comfort, and customizable fit. It offers full coverage and robust UPF 50+ protection, making it superb for various outdoor activities like fishing, surfing, or hiking.

Made with lightweight, breathable fabric, it remains comfortable even in high temperatures. Key functional attributes include a zipper closure and adjustable cords on the sides, which allow you to effortlessly customize the fit.

Additionally, the stylish ruchings on the sides add a fashionable element while strategically helping to conceal minor imperfections. While highly functional, some users looking for bold patterns might find the design too plain.

Best For: Users seeking a customizable fit and excellent sun protection in diverse climates.

Pros

• Excellent UPF 50+ sun protection.
• Adjustable cords customize fit.
• Lightweight, breathable fabric.
• Ruching adds a stylish touch.
• Collar zips up for full coverage.

Cons

• Chest seam placement uncomfortable.
• Sleeves potentially too short.
• Plain design lacks flair.

Buying Guide

Material

Rash guards primarily utilize synthetic compositions such as nylon, spandex, or polyester, chosen for their inherent qualities. Seek out materials that are quick-drying and breathable to maintain comfort throughout the day.

Excellent materials will also provide inherent UV protection, and some may feature antimicrobial properties to effectively counteract odor development.

Fit

Achieving the right fit is crucial for both comfort and function in the water. A rash guard must fit snugly against the body to prevent bunching or riding up during movement, yet it should never feel overly restrictive or tight.

When selecting a size, check the manufacturer’s specific sizing chart and carefully compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to ensure accuracy.

Design

Modern rash guards offer a vast spectrum of designs, ranging from sophisticated solid colors to vibrant, eye-catching patterns.

Beyond aesthetics, functional details are important; look for desirable additions such as a built-in bra for support, thumbholes for superior hand coverage, or convenient zippered pockets for securing small essentials.

UPF Rating

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) quantifies the fabric’s ability to shield your skin from harmful UV radiation.

Prioritizing a rash guard with a high UPF rating ensures maximum solar protection during prolonged exposure. According to experts, a UPF rating of 50+ is deemed the gold standard, providing exceptional skin defense.

Care

Proper care dramatically enhances the lifespan of your rash guard, maintaining its performance features. Though many are machine washable, it is critical to avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these chemicals can degrade the material.

To best preserve the garment’s integrity and fit, always hang your rash guard to air dry instead of using a machine dryer.