EDITOR'S PICKS
MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM
- Best For Hot Summer Days | L.L. Bean | Find On Nordstrom
- Hooded Rash Guard | Quiksilver | Find On Nordstrom
- Most Stylish | HUGE SPORTS | Find On Amazon
- Best for Cold Water In Summer | Vissla | Find On Backcountry
- Best For Surfing | Patagonia | Find On Backcountry
- Best for Swimming | Coolibar | Find On Coolibar
- Most Budget Friendly | Speedo | Find On Macys
- Best For Beach Days | Lands' End | Find On Target
- Made from Recycled Polyester | Billabong | Find On Nordstrom
- Best For Snug Fit | Quiksilver | Find On Amazon
Rash guards are protective shirts designed to be worn in and around the water. Their aim: minimize sun exposure and prevent rashes, chafing, and skin irritation. Though originally devised to protect surfers from their board's sandy, wax-covered surface, they're now used for all sorts of water activities: swimming, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more!
Below, we've highlighted 13 versatile rash guards from top brands in the beachwear sphere. We've included styles of every fit, sleeve length, and fabric weight to ensure you find one suitable for your sport of choice.
13 Men's Rash Guards for Skin and Sun Protection
Vilebrequin Regular UV-Protection Rash Guard T-Shirt
Best Overall
overall
Quality
Durability
Comfort
Cost
Features:
Vilebrequin was born in Saint Tropez during the early 70s, and fifty-some-odd years later, the French heritage brand still brings the same free-spirited vibe and forward-thinking approach to its swimwear. This Regular UV-Protection Rash Guard T-Shirt is made from 78% ECONYL® Polyamide, an eco-friendly material made from recycled textile waste. It's sunscreen-resistant, ultra-stretchy, and rated UPF 50+ for superior sun protection.
Material
78% ECONYL® Polyamide, 22% Elasthane
Care
Air-dry your Rashguard and do not use tumble dryer. Do not dry clean.
Best For
N/A
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Nike Swim Long-Sleeve Hooded Hydroguard
Best For Paddling
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Durability
Comfort
Cost
Features:
Long days on the lake deserve Nike Swim's Long-Sleeve Hooded Hydroguard. Its UPF 40-rated Dri-Fit fabric is lightweight, fast-drying, and ideal for boating, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Internal neck tape helps minimize chafing and maximize comfort as you move. Made from 100% recycled polyester, it's a long-lasting, eco-friendly option that won't break the bank.
Material
100% recycled polyester
Care
N/A
Best For
Lake paddling
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O'Neill Reactor-2 Men's Front-Zip Jacket
Best For Water Activities
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Durability
Comfort
Cost
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Cold water surfers will love O'Neill's Reactor-2 Front-Zip Jacket. Cut from 1.55 mm-thick Ultraflex neoprene, its compressive, body-hugging fit feels like a second skin without restricting your range of motion. Flatlock seams prevent irritation, while a board short connector keeps everything in place while you're on the waves. A convenient front zipper allows for easy on-off as you move through the day.
Material
UltraFlex (neoprene)
Care
N/A
Best For
surfing
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L.L. Bean Men's Swift River Cooling Rash Guard
Best For Hot Summer Days
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Quality
Durability
Comfort
Cost
Features:
No matter the water sport or seaside activity, L.L. Bean Men's Swift River Cooling Rash Guard is up for the task. It's cut from lightweight, stretchy polyester fabric that wicks moisture to keep you dry and comfortable in any conditions. Plus, it's UPF 50+ rated to keep you safe from the sun. Contrasting flatlock seams and thumb loops add style while increasing functionality too.
Material
88% polyester, 12% spandex
Care
Machine wash, tumble dry
Best For
land and water activities
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Quiksilver Dredge Long-Sleeve Hooded Rash Guard
Hooded Rash Guard
overall
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Durability
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The Dredge Long-Sleeve Hooded Rash Guard from Quiksilver is the perfect lightweight layer for long, sunny days on the boat. It's made from moisture-wicking performance polyester with UPF 50+ sun protection and 45% recycled content for a reduced environmental impact. Slip it on for a day of fishing, boating, or hanging out at the beach. The hooded long-sleeve shirt is stylish enough to wear off the water too.
Material
46% polyester, 45% recycled polyester, 9% elastane
Care
Machine wash, tumble dry
Best For
beach activities
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HUGE SPORTS Men's Long-Sleeve Rash Guard
Most Stylish
overall
Quality
Durability
Comfort
Cost
Features:
For all-around protection, water enthusiasts turn to HUGE SPORTS' Men's Long-Sleeve Rash Guard. It's made from four-way stretch fabric that's lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. A body-hugging fit and UPF 50+ rating offer sun and rash protection without interfering with your movement. With nearly twenty color options to choose from, there's something to suit everyone's tastes.
Material
80% Polyester, 20% Elastane (Spandex)
Care
N/A
Best For
water sports
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Vissla 7 Seas Long-Sleeve Rash Guard Jacket
Best for Cold Water In Summer
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Quality
Durability
Comfort
Cost
Features:
Vissla's 7 Seas Long-Sleeve Rash Guard Jacket was designed with surfers in mind. It's cut from 1mm thick limestone neoprene for added warmth without added bulk or a restricted range of motion. Flatlock seams prevent chafing, while a lower back zipper makes for easy on-off once you're back on shore. Slip it on to prevent sunburns during long summer surf sessions and to stay warm in cold waters.
Material
100% limestone-based neoprene
Care
N/A
Best For
surfing
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Patagonia R1 Lite Yulex Long-Sleeve Top
Best For Surfing
overall
Quality
Durability
Comfort
Cost
Features:
Those seeking something more akin to a wetsuit should slip into Patagonia's R1 Lite Yulex Long-Sleeve Top. It's cut from Yulex natural rubber for lightweight, stretchy performance and a recycled polyester lining for quick-drying comfort. Sourced from FSC-certified rubber plantations, it'll keep your skin safe from the sun and the world's forests protected from deforestation. A compressive pullover design and adjustable drawcord waist create a secure fit that minimizes chafing.
Material
body: 85% Yulex natural rubber, 15% synthetic rubber (external face fabric), 88% recycled polyester, 12% spandex
lining: 100% recycled polyester jersey
Care
N/A
Best For
surfing
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Coolibar Men's Tulum Long-Sleeve Surf Rash Guard
Best for Swimming
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Durability
Comfort
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Stay fully protected from the sun in this Skin Cancer Foundation-recommended Coolibar Men's Tulum Long-Sleeve Surf Rash Guard. It's made from the brand's stretchy, quick-drying Aqua Classic™ fabric, with a UPF 50+ rating that blocks 98% of UV rays. The innovative material is chlorine- and saltwater-resistant, and its protective treatment won't ever wash out. Strategically-placed flatlock seams and sporty raglan sleeves make for an incredibly comfortable fit.
Material
Polyester
Care
N/A
Best For
swimming and water sports
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Speedo Men's Quick-Dry UPF 50+ Rash Guard
Most Budget Friendly
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Quality
Durability
Comfort
Cost
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Long days at the pool require added protection from the sun. Minimize your risk of sunburn and skin cancer without compromising comfort in this versatile Speedo Men's Quick-Dry UPF 50+ Rash Guard. The short-sleeve t-shirt is cut from water-friendly fabric that dries quickly, washes easily, and resists pilling. Cut close to the body, it can easily be worn under a life vest or windbreaker.
Material
Polyester
Care
Machine washable
Best For
beach and pool
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Lands' End Men's Long-Sleeve Rash Guard
Best For Beach Days
overall
Quality
Durability
Comfort
Cost
Features:
This classic Long-Sleeve Men's Rash Guard from Lands' End works in any season. Throw it on with swim shorts to prevent sunburns on summer beach days, or layer it under your wetsuit for additional warmth in cold waters. The lightweight, water-repellent fabric is UPF 50+ rated and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Material
83% polyester, 17% spandex
Care
machine wash
Best For
beach
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Billabong Men's Short-Sleeve Rash Guard
Made from Recycled Polyester
overall
Quality
Durability
Comfort
Cost
Features:
Tired of your life jacket rubbing your underarms? Slip on this Billabong Men's Short-Sleeve Rash Guard. The ultra-lightweight, ultra-stretchy fabric is made from 85% recycled polyester for a reduced environmental impact and UPF 50+ rated for total sun protection. Plus, it's machine-washable for easy care between trips to the beach. Snag one to stay ready for any water adventure that comes your way.
Material
85% recycled polyester, 15% elastane
Care
Machine wash, tumble dry
Best For
water sports
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Quiksilver Men's All-Time Long-Sleeve Rash Guard Shirt
Best For Snug Fit
overall
Quality
Durability
Comfort
Cost
Features:
This Quiksilver All-Time Long-Sleeve Men's Rash Guard Shirt is versatile enough for any water sport or outdoor adventure. The classic long-sleeve surf shirt is made from a blend of recycled polyester and elastane with UPF 50 sun protection. It's moisture-wicking and chlorine-resistant, making it an excellent option for pool days too.
Material
100% Spandex
Care
Machine Wash
Best For
N/A
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