Catch Waves, Not Sunburns: The Best Women’s Rash Guards

Rash guards help keep your shoulders and back covered while surfing or enjoying the water. Photo: Tommy Pierucki//The Inertia

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Time in the sun is almost guaranteed to make you happier. But while it’s great to soak up rays and get some much-needed vitamin D, there’s nothing worse than a blistering sunburn. On days when the UV index is high, and you don’t have a buddy to sunscreen your back, reach for a rash guard to stay protected.

Not only do rash guards keep off the sun, but, as their name implies, they prevent rashes that can occur from paddling while surfing, making them a great option for cloudy days as well. We tested the most popular women’s rash guards on the market and rounded up our favorites in this article.

Navigate to: Comparison Table | Buyer’s Guide
Related: Best Rash Guards (for men) | Best Women’s Wetsuits | Best Sun Shirts | More Surf Reviews

Editor’s Note: We most recently updated this article in December of 2025, adding two new rash guards after testing, some new photos, and making sure all of our links are in order.

The Best Women’s Rash Guards

Best All-Around/Most Stylish Rash Guard: Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard
Best Budget Rash Guard: Hurley Rash Guard
Best Performance Rash Guard: Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved RØ Surf Top
Best Cropped Rash Guard: Patagonia Swell Seeker Cropped Rash Guard
Jump To Best of the Rest

Best All-Around/Most Stylish Rash Guard

Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard ($60)

Pros: Versatile and stylish
Cons: Runs large, not the highest performance option

The Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard is one of the most stylish rash guards we have ever come across. Featuring a half zip, a subtle collar, and shirred sides with ties, this shirt is worthy of wearing both on and off the water. The material is thin and breathable, unlike most rash guards, so it works well for dry land activities as well. The zipper is nice if you want to air out a bit, but it can dig in while paddling, so just make sure it’s zipped up high when you wear it surfing.

Made from recycled water bottles, the fabric is soft against the skin and has just the right amount of stretch. Long sleeves and a UPF 50+ rating ensure maximum sun protection. Some folks have complained that the Cruz isn’t the most durable rash guard out there, but so far, we haven’t had any issues (we will update in the future if that changes).

The Cruz does run large and fits more like a loose sun shirt if you order in your standard size, so you might want to size down if you prefer a tighter fit. If you do decide to go with your regular size, the side ties help secure the bottom of the rash guard from riding up, and they add an extra touch of style.

Best Budget Rash Guard

Hurley Rash Guard ($25)

Pros: UPF 50+ sun protection, made from recycled materials
Cons: No sun protection on the arms

Some people wear rash guards with the goal of sun protection, while others wear them to prevent belly rashes. If your main goal is the latter, the Hurley Rash Guard may be right up your alley. The Hurley Rash Guard is a long-sleeve rash guard that provides full arm sun protection and makes sure your stomach is completely covered, similar to the Roxy Whole Hearted or Billabong Postcards from Paradise rash guards, below.

The rash guard offers UPF 50+ sun protection, is lightweight and comfortable in the water, and dries quickly once you’re out of the water. Our tester found that this rash guard was perfect to quickly throw on before surf sessions. If you’re looking for a bit more arm mobility and are willing to sacrifice some sun coverage, Hurley does offer a short-sleeved rash guard as well.

Best Performance Rash Guard

Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved RØ Surf Top ($59)

Pros: Rated UPF 40+, made from recycled materials
Cons: Not the most stylish

Fair Trade Certified sewn and made from a blend of 85 percent recycled nylon from fishing nets and 16 percent spandex, Patagonia’s Long-Sleeved RØ Surf Top is about as eco-friendly as it comes. The material is thin, but the fit is tight. If you prefer a looser fit, order a size up.

The Long-Sleeved Surf Top is a long-sleeved, crewneck style top rated UPF 40+. The flatlock seams and seamless underarms provide a chafe-free surfing experience. Thoughtful features include a security pocket with an internal key loop and a board shorts connector to prevent the top from riding up, which are features we are huge fans of. In terms of looks, the RØ Surf Top isn’t our top pick, but it’s sustainable and functional. If you want something a bit more stylish that still performs well, we’re big fans of the Billabong Postcards from Paradise, below, for its sleek design and fun pattern.

Best Cropped Rash Guard

Patagonia Swell Seeker Cropped Rash Guard ($99)

Pros: Flattering fit, mock-neck
Cons: Pricey, no stomach protection

Like most products from Patagonia, the Patagonia Swell Seeker Cropped Rash Guard was made with the environment in mind. Fair Trade Certified sewn, the Swell Seeker was made from a blend of recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and spandex, similar to the Patagonia Long-Sleeved RØ Surf Top, above. As such, the rash guard is lightweight, soft, and stretchy.

The form-fitting, cropped cut is flattering but doesn’t provide protection from rashes on the stomach. The Swell Seeker sports a slightly high cut neckline, offering additional sun protection on the neck. Our tester found that the Swell Seeker rash guard was comfortable and allowed a full range of motion while paddling and swimming.

Bonus points when a rash guard is stylish, like the Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Best of the Rest

Runner-Up Best All-Around (Discontinued)

Billabong Postcards from Paradise ($48)

Pros: Stylish, made from recycled materials
Cons: Thin material

When it comes to style, Billabong always hits the nail on the head. Part of its Postcards from Paradise collection, this rash guard comes in a fun, floral print and pairs well with bikinis, shorts, and leggings from the collection. Made from 85% recycled polyester, this top is eco-friendly, and the fabric feels buttery soft against the skin. It’s lightweight and breathable, and dries quickly once you get out of the water, so you can wear it for sun protection on the beach as well.

This top offers UPF 50+ sun protection and covers the back, shoulders, and arms, making it perfect for long days in the sun. While the fabric is super comfortable, it is on the thinner side, so it’s not quite as durable when paddling or resistant to snags.

The Postcards from Paradise rash guard is currently only available in a size small on Amazon, and seems to be out of stock basically everywhere else, leading us to believe it’s being discontinued. For a similarly stylish option, the Billabong Classic Long Sleeve Rash Guard currently has all sizes available. If you’re not as concerned with style, the Hurley Rash Guard, above, features a similar fit and is less than half the cost – but it only comes in solids, unlike the fun print on the Postcards from Paradise Rash Guard.

Best Full-Zip Rashguard

Carve Designs Lake Sunshirt ($68)

Pros: Half zip, soft and comfortable, longer cut for added sun protection
Cons: Runs big

Carve Design’s Lake Sunshirt has everything you could want and more. In an effort to provide maximum sun protection, the Lakeshirt has UPF 50 protection and a longer cut for added coverage. The top features a full-length zipper, adding style points and allowing for easy entry and exit, and an easy way to air out. Made from a blend of 82% recycled polyester and 18% spandex, the Sunshirt is equal parts soft and stretchy. The Sunshirt also has two zippered pockets, which are perfect for stashing wax or Chapstick.

The Sunshirt fits a little looser than other rash guards, so order a size down if you prefer a tighter fit. We’re fans of the loose fit because it allows this versatile rash guard to be worn as a sun shirt throughout the day, and it is comfy both on and off the water. But if you’re small and slim, even a size small may be too big on you. If you prefer a slimmer fit for surfing, Patagonia’s Long-Sleeved RØ Surf Top sports a traditional rash guard fit and has features that help it stay securely in place while you shred.

A Bit of Extra Warmth

NRS Long-Sleeve Rash Guard ($48)

Pros: Made from recycled materials, offers UPF 50+ sun protection, antimicrobial elements
Cons: Not the most stylish

Traditionally a river-oriented company, NRS makes gear that transitions well between both the river and the surf. The NRS Long-Sleeve Rash Guard is made from a mix of recycled polyester and spandex and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. The strategic seam placement prevents chafing and allows for freedom of movement while paddling or rowing. With a bit of a heavier-weight fabric, this rashguard adds some warmth for paddling activities where one might be in/out of the water, or have some shade to deal with.

The quarter-zip design allows for quick ventilation, and the hem loop allows you to secure your board shorts to your rash guard, just like the Patagonia Long-Sleeved RØ Surf Top. Another feature we greatly appreciate is the integrated antimicrobial elements that help keep your rashie smelling fresh.

Lightweight, Stylish, and Stretchy

Salt Life Polly in Paradise Performance Tee ($48)

Pros: Moisture-wicking, breathable, versatile
Cons: Not as form-fitting as traditional rash guards

Although the Salt Life Polly in Paradise Performance Tee is technically a sun shirt, it also works well as a rash guard. Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, the Polly in Paradise tee is lightweight and stretchy.

The shirt offers UPF 30 protection, and the fabric is moisture-wicking and dries quickly. The shirt is breathable and comfortable, and our tester liked that she could wear it for surfing, fishing, hiking, and a bunch of other outdoor activities. If you want a sun shirt that is made from a more rash guard style material, the Billabong Postcards from Paradise sits at the top of our list, thanks to its comfort and style.

Basic and Well-Priced

Roxy Whole Hearted Rashguard ($40)

Pros: Available in a short-sleeve and long-sleeve option, UPF 50 protection
Cons: Runs small

The Roxy Whole Hearted Rashguard has everything you could want in a basic rash guard. The crew neck, long sleeves, and UPF 50 rating offer maximum sun protection for long days in the water. The rash guard comes in solid colors with a simple white logo, so it’s easy to match it with board shorts and bikini bottoms.

Made from a blend of recycled polyester and spandex, the rash guard is fitted yet stretchy. Although a rash guard should fit snug, the Whole Hearted runs small, so you’ll want to size up for a good fit. After a long day in the water, the Whole Hearted Rashguard dries out quickly and is ready for more action. It’s also available in a short-sleeve version, if that’s what you prefer.

Best Women’s Rash Guards Comparison Table

Some of the many women’s rash guards we tested: Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

How We Tested The Best Women’s Rash Guards

Our lead tester lives on Oahu in Hawaii, where there is no short supply of sun. As such, a rash guard is an important part of her daily surf wardrobe. In order to test these rash guards, she hit the water and took into account how comfortable each was, the amount of sun protection it provided, how well each stayed in place while surfing, and more. She recruited a friend to help because it’s always good to get a second opinion.

If you’re looking for other women’s surf gear, we’ve done extensive reviews of the Best Women’s Springsuits, Best Women’s Wetsuit Jackets, Best Women’s Board Shorts, and the Best Women’s Swimsuits for Surfing (That Will Stay Put), so you can get out there and stay protected in your warm-water surf adventures.

We first ran this review in the spring of 2023. We updated it in May of 2024, deleting a rash guard that was no longer available and adding three new rash guards that we have been testing (and loving) this spring. We updated this guide once again in September of 2024, adding some additional photos and information to our product descriptions and Buyer’s Guide. We did another update in May of 2025, deleting options that are no longer available and adding the Carve Designs Lake Sunshirt. We updated this guide once again in November of 2025, doing some additional testing in California and adding two more styles.

Best Women’s Rash Guards Ratings Table

Crop rash guards are great for style and comfort, but offer less sun protection. Photo: Tommy Pierucki//The Inertia

Best Women’s Rash Guards Buyer’s Guide

What Makes a Good Rash Guard?

When we’re in the market for a new rash guard, there are a few things that we look for. We want it to be comfortable, durable, stylish, and offer plenty of sun protection.

Rash guards are specifically designed for life on and in the water. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

What’s the Difference Between a Rash Guard and a Sun Shirt?

Although rash guards and sun shirts have a lot of similarities and are often worn interchangeably, there are a handful of key differences between the two. Rash guards are specifically designed for the water, and their purpose is to prevent chafing and rash from a board. As such, they are typically form fitting as a result of the spandex in their construction. Although they weren’t initially designed for sun protection, they do offer coverage, and many have UPF ratings.

Sun shirts, on the other hand, are specifically designed to offer protection from the sun. They sport a loose fit to allow maximum airflow, and the material is typically lightweight and breathable. Sun shirts are designed to block UV rays and typically advertise a UPF rating. Although you can wear a sun shirt in the water, the loose fit doesn’t bode as well for swimming as a rash guard, and when the fabric gets wet, it can reduce the UV rating. If you want to learn more about sun shirts or are looking to add one to your wardrobe, check out our review on The Best Sun Shirts.

The Roxy Whole Hearted Rashguard is a no-frills rash guard that gets the job done. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Comfort
When it comes to choosing a rash guard, comfort is the name of the game. We look for something that fits snug, but not too tight, so it won’t move around, but will also be comfortable while we’re surfing. Some of the most comfortable rash guards we tested are the Carve Design’s Lake Sunshirt, the Billabong Postcards from Paradise, and the Patagonia Swell Seeker Cropped Rash Guard.

The Patagonia Swell Seeker Cropped Rash Guard is comfortable and stylish, but doesn’t offer as much coverage as a non-cropped rash guard. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Sun Protection
There’s really not much point in wearing a rash guard if it doesn’t offer sun protection. We like to check the UPF rating before we buy a rash guard and make sure it will cover enough skin so we don’t have to worry about getting sunburnt or lathering up.

Rash guards like the Carve Design’s Lake Sunshirt and the Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved Surf Top offer full coverage protection, whereas cropped rash guards like the Patagonia Swell Seeker Cropped Rash Guard don’t cover quite as much skin.

Durability
Rash guards are often made from pretty thin material, so they’re not typically the most durable piece of surf equipment. But some are made better than others and will last longer. We look for quality stitching and fabrics because you know we’ll be rocking the same rash guard for years to come.

We always feel well-protected wearing gear from Patagonia like the Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved Surf Top and the Patagonia Swell Seeker Cropped Rash Guard because not only are they well-made, but Patagonia has an incredible repair policy.

The Carve Design’s Lake Sunshirt features a full-length zipper and pockets. Photo: Jenna Miller//The Inertia

Style
When we’re looking for a new rash guard, we want something that comes in a fun print or a bold solid. We also want the fit to be flattering, so it’s something we feel good about wearing.

What Else Should I Look for in a Rash Guard?

Stays Put

We like rash guards for the sun protection they offer, but we often get annoyed with them because they tend to ride up frequently while paddling. To prevent this, we prefer rash guards that fit snugly or that have a board shorts attachment on them. The Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved Surf Top and the NRS Long-Sleeve Rash Guard both have board short attachments, and the Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard has side ties.

Rash guards were made for sunny surfs. Photo: Tommy Pierucki//The Inertia

Cost

Rash guards vary vastly in price. Some are super cheap while others will cost you a pretty penny. We tend to settle somewhere in the middle. We want something that’s made well and will withstand the test of time, but we don’t need a designer rashie. At $25, the Hurley Rash Guard is the most affordable rash guard on our list, whereas the Patagonia Swell Seeker Cropped Rash Guard is the most expensive rash guard at $99.

The Hurley Rash Guard is functional and affordable. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Eco-Friendly

Although it doesn’t typically affect the performance of the rash guard, we always like it when our surf gear is sustainably made. Some of the rash guards on our list were made from recycled materials, which we noted in our comparison table if that’s something that is important to you. Although many of the rash guards on our list include sustainable features, the Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved Surf Top is probably the most eco-friendly all around.

Side ties on the Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard help you find the perfect fit and prevent the rash guard from riding up. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Extra Features

Some rash guards include additional features that can add to their function and comfort. Some rash guards, like the Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard and the Carve Designs Lake Sunshirt, have a zipper, which can be nice for some airflow when you’re getting overheated – this is especially useful when you’re not in the water. Other useful features are side ties that can help you find that perfect fit and secure the rash guard from riding up.

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Related: Best Rash Guards (for men) | Best Women’s Wetsuits | Best Sun Shirts | More Surf Reviews

Editor’s Note: For shoulder season, don’t miss our Best Women’s Springsuits Guide. And if you need a great women’s swimsuit that will stay put while surfing, check out our guide here. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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