Long-sleeve vs short-sleeve rash guards
The choice between a long-sleeve or short-sleeve rash guard is mostly a personal preference. Rash guards protect against abrasion and UV exposure, but they only work over covered skin. In most situations, a long-sleeve rash guard is the safer option. If you don’t mind applying sunscreen and being a little more exposed, short-sleeve rash guards are similarly effective and a bit more comfortable.
We’ll look at some of the situations where sleeve length matters, some of the other things you should consider when shopping for a rash guard, and recommend some products that protect you and your family.
SwimZip offers stylish UPF 50+ swimwear for men, women, and children, from newborns to teens.
Cold water activities
Long-sleeve rash guards maintain warmth in water below 70°F. The extra fabric reduces heat loss from your arms. If you're surfing, paddleboarding, or swimming in cool water for extended periods, long sleeves help you enjoy longer sessions that would otherwise be cut short by the cold.
Short-sleeve rash guards work fine in warm water (above 75°F) but offer less thermal protection. Save short sleeves for tropical vacations and heated pools.
🚶 See our men’s long-sleeve rash guards for maximum protection.
Scuba diving
Sleeve length for scuba diving comes down to personal preference. Divers have different comfort levels with water temperature and varying concerns about skin protection from marine life, coral, and equipment.
Long-sleeve rash guards provide extra warmth in cooler tropical waters (72–78°F) where a full wetsuit isn't necessary but bare arms feel chilly after 30+ minutes underwater. The sleeves also protect against accidental coral scrapes, jellyfish stings, and abrasion from BCD straps and hoses. Some divers prefer maximum coverage to avoid direct contact with the underwater environment.
Short-sleeve rash guards are often more comfortable in warm tropical waters (80°F+) where thermal protection isn't needed. If you run warm or dive in bath-like conditions, short sleeves prevent overheating during surface intervals.
👫 We also carry short-sleeve rash guards for men and women.
Abrasive sports and activities
Long-sleeve rash guards are helpful for activities that involve friction against your arms.
- Surfing causes board wax burns on your torso and arms when you paddle.
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA cause mat burns during ground work.
- Rock climbing and rope swings create friction burns on forearms.
Short sleeves leave your arms exposed to abrasion. If your activity involves repeated contact with rough surfaces, long sleeves are protective equipment you’ll be happy to have.
Note: Some wrestlers prefer short-sleeve rash guards because they increase slipperiness and defence.
🏄 The Cannonball King men's long-sleeve rash guard in Scuba blue handles board wax and saltwater without losing shape or protection.
Young children and babies
Dermatologists recommend long-sleeve rash guards for children under 8. Young skin burns faster and more severely than adult skin. Kids also won't reliably tell you when they start to burn, and they resist sunscreen reapplication.
Babies under 6 months shouldn't wear sunscreen at all, which makes full-coverage sun-protective clothing their only defense against UV damage. Long-sleeve rash guards with UPF 50+ protection eliminate the sunscreen struggle.
👶 SwimZip's kids’ rash guards feature front zippers and complete arm coverage in styles your child is bound to love.
High UV index and extended sun exposure
Check the seasonal UV index in your area. UV index above 8 is common in summer months, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. Short sleeves require disciplined sunscreen reapplication every 2 hours and expose too much vulnerable skin on high-risk days.
Sensitive skin and sun allergies
Long sleeves protect against sun rashes, polymorphous light eruption, and other photosensitive conditions. People with lupus, rosacea, or taking photosensitizing medications need maximum skin coverage to prevent flare-ups.
Short sleeves leave reactive skin exposed to UV triggers. If you've experienced sun-triggered skin reactions before, stick with long sleeves.
Other important factors
Fabric weight and thickness
Thicker fabrics provide better abrasion protection but trap more heat. If you're surfing in cold water, a heavier long-sleeve rash guard adds welcome warmth. For tropical snorkeling, lightweight moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cooler.
SwimZip's rash guards use mid-weight fabrics that balance durability, sun protection, and breathability. The material is thick enough to resist board wax and pool deck friction but light enough to dry quickly and regulate temperature.
Chlorine resistance
Pool swimmers need chlorine-resistant polyester or nylon blends. Regular fabrics lose elasticity, fade quickly, and eventually lose their UPF protection. Purpose-built swimwear maintains its protective properties through hundreds of pool sessions.
👕 SwimZip's women's rash guards and men's rash guards use pool-proof materials that hold their shape and UPF 50+ rating season after season.
Snug fit
Rash guards should fit snugly against your skin for proper thermal protection and maximum UPF effectiveness. A tight fit eliminates gaps where UV rays can reach your skin and prevents fabric from bunching or riding up during movement. The compression also reduces drag in water and keeps the garment in place during active sports.
Flatlock seams
Flatlock seams lie against your skin instead of creating raised ridges. This construction prevents chafing during extended wear or repetitive movements. Regular seams can rub and irritate your underarms, sides, and shoulders after an hour or more in the water.
Zipper placement
Front zippers make rash guards easier to get on and off when wet. They also allow venting; you can unzip a few inches to release heat during intense activity. SwimZip's signature zip rash guards use corrosion-resistant zippers that withstand saltwater and chlorine. The zippers also simplify dressing young children.
👩 The women's crop long-sleeve rash guard features a front zip for easy on/off and a modern cropped cut.
UPF rating and certification
Any rash guard you choose should have a UPF 50+ rating, which blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Verify that your rash guard has the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation, which confirms independent testing and real-world effectiveness.
SwimZip's entire sun-protective swimwear collection meets this standard. Every product blocks 98% of harmful UV radiation, whether you choose long sleeves or short sleeves.
Buy rash guards from SwimZip
SwimZip's rash guards feature UPF 50+ sun protection, chlorine-resistant fabrics, flatlock seams, and corrosion-resistant zippers. From newborns to adults, we offer sizes and styles for the whole family. Whether you rock short-sleeves or long, SwimZip swimwear comfortably protects you all day long.
Rash guards FAQ
What's the difference between a rash guard and a swim shirt?
Rash guards use a snug compression fit that eliminates drag, stays in place during vigorous movement, prevents snagging, and minimizes chafing.
Swim shirts use a relaxed fit intended for casual sun protection during low-intensity swimming or beach lounging. The looser cut provides more comfort for non-athletic activities but can bunch up or create resistance during aggressive movements.
Do I still need sunscreen with a rash guard?
Yes. Rash guards reduce the area you need to cover with sunscreen, but they don't protect exposed skin. Apply SPF 30+ to your hands, feet, face, neck, and any other uncovered areas.
Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming. The hands and feet are frequently forgotten but receive intense UV exposure during water activities.
Are darker colors better for sun protection?
Yes. Darker colors absorb more UV radiation than light colors, which means less UV reaches your skin. Bright colors like neon yellow, orange, and pink also provide excellent protection by absorbing UV rays. Pale colors like white, light blue, and pastels allow more UV to pass through the fabric.
☀️ SwimZip's neon swimwear collection combines high-visibility safety benefits with superior sun protection.
Do rash guards keep you warm in the water?
Long-sleeve rash guards provide light thermal protection by reducing heat loss from your arms and torso. They're not a substitute for wetsuits in cold water but add noticeable warmth in water temperatures between 70–75°F. The snug fit traps a thin layer of water against your skin, which your body heats.
🥶 Learn whether or not rash guards keep you warm.
What should I wear under a rash guard?
Most people wear nothing under a compression-fit rash guard—the snug fabric is designed to sit directly against your skin for maximum comfort and protection. Women often wear bikini tops or sports bras underneath for modesty and support. Avoid cotton undergarments, which stay wet and cause chafing.
🎽 Learn what to wear under a rash guard.
Further reading
What is the safest swimsuit color?
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