Boy’s rash guard shirts with UPF protection

About rash guards

Rash guards are form-fitting athletic shirts that protect your skin from chafing, sunburns, and surfboard rash. They come in long sleeves for maximum protection and short sleeves for increased breathability and movement.

These swim shirts prevent two common irritations during water activities: surf rash and sun rash. Surf rash happens from friction when surf wax, sand, and saltwater rub against your skin. Sun rash shows up as red, raised, painful, itchy bumps from your body's reaction to UV exposure, often pointing to possible sun poisoning.

Every rash guard in our collection uses UPF 50+ fabric to protect you from abrasion and harmful sun rays during water activities.

Our functional rash guards for boys

Our amazing selection of boys' rash guards offers full-length options to meet your coverage needs. These rash guards provide excellent protection and maximum coverage.

Our kids' rashies have a relaxed, comfortable fit—perfect for the pool, water park, or just running around. Long-sleeved designs keep boys cool and covered throughout the day, with thumb holes that add extra sun protection for the hands.

For boys who want a breezier feel and less coverage, you will also find short-sleeve options.

Our full-length rash guard options include front pockets with zipper closures that safely store small items, and the front zipper has a guard to prevent rubbing and irritation. The practical design of our rash guards works for beach days and everyday play.

We also offer rash guard swim shirt sets that pair with swim trunks. These sets provide comprehensive sun protection for aquatic adventures. Matching combinations make it easy to create a coordinated look for your boy, whether he's at the beach or enjoying a day at the water park. Our swim rash guard sets fit toddler boys and older children and provide the same UV protection and stylish designs as our swim trunks.

When to wear a rash guard

Rash guards are great to wear anytime, anywhere. Here are some examples:

Surfing: Rash guards protect against surfboard wax scrapes and discomfort from UV rays and salt water.
Outdoor swimming: During long periods in direct sunlight, a rash guard protects against sunburns.
Snorkeling and diving: The tight fit allows full motion while it shields skin from stings and scrapes. Bright colors improve underwater visibility.
Other water adventures: For kayaking, paddle boarding, and kitesurfing, sun protection and scrape resistance make rash guards a good choice.
Sun safety: Rash guards shield boys' skin for outdoor play without burns.
Outdoor exercise: The light, breathable fabric keeps boys cool during open-air activities.
Contact sports: Rash guards work well in grappling sports such as wrestling and judo. The durable material prevents mat burns and skin problems from constant contact.
Daily tasks: Rash guards shield boys who help with gardening, car washing, and outdoor chores, which gives parents peace of mind during summer activities.

Styling tips for boys’ rash guards

Our rash guards for boys come in a range of colors and cool designs so you can find the perfect mix of protection and style. Choose from bright colors and fun prints to match his taste and favorite color combination.

Here are some ideas on how you can style his beach look with a rash guard:

Pair his rash guard with swim trunks in a complementary color for a coordinated look.
Match a vibrant, colorful rash guard with solid-colored swim shorts for a balanced, eye-catching outfit and maximum comfort.
Choose darker color rash guards for a classic look that pairs well with any swim bottom style.
Choose a rash guard in a fun color and pair it with simple board shorts for a modern, practical beach style.
Opt for a classic navy or black rash guard and combine it with printed swim shorts for a timeless look.
Create matching family outfits with our family collection; dad, mom, and kids can all wear coordinated rash guards for a fun beach day.
Add a sun hat and water shoes to complete his beach-ready outfit while adding extra sun protection.
For cooler days, layer his rash guard with a light zip-up hoodie that he can remove when he gets in the water.
Select high-visibility colors, like neon yellow or orange, if your child will be swimming in open water for easier spotting.
Mix and match solid color rash guards with different swim bottoms to create multiple outfits from just a few pieces.

Our UPF 50+ rash guards keep your child's skin from sunburn, even during extended play in the water. For sensitive skin, choose softer, lighter fabrics that keep skin safe and provide sun protection.

Our high-quality fabrics

SwimZip uses high-quality materials for complete sun protection during swimming, surfing, and other beach activities. Our materials pull water away from your skin, which keeps you comfortable whether you catch waves or lounge on the sand. These water-resistant fabrics stand up to damage from chlorine, salt water, and sun exposure.

For safety in the sun, our ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ technology blocks 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburn, aging, and skin damage during outdoor activities.

The 4-way stretch fabric moves with you through every twist, reach, and swim stroke. It maintains its shape without losing elasticity, so you won't need to tug or adjust it. You'll enjoy ultimate sun protection and freedom of movement whether you play volleyball or build sandcastles.

Our breathable design keeps you comfortable on warm beach days. When it gets chilly, our fabric creates an insulating layer to keep you warm. Durable seams and snag-resistant fibers prevent tears so your swimwear lasts season after season.

Other swimwear from our boy's collection

In our sun-protective swimwear collection for boys, you will also find:

Swim trunks: These shorts feature quick-dry fabric and UPF protection. They pair with our rash guard swim shirts for complete coverage during water activities. You'll find swim trunks in different lengths and with cool patterns for your boy's style preferences.
Euro shorties: These shorter swim shorts have a trendy European-inspired look. They provide freedom of movement for active boys and work well for beach volleyball or running along the shore. Euro shorties dry quickly and often feature fun, bold designs.
Swim pants: Full-length swim pants offer optimal sun protection for the legs. They work great for long beach days or boys with sensitive skin. These pants resist chlorine and salt water so they last in pools and the ocean.
Long swim shorts: A step between regular trunks and full pants, long swim shorts extend past the knee. They provide extra sun coverage and protection from cool water. These shorts work well for various water sports and casual wear.
Sunsuits: All-in-one outfits that function like a rash guard with swim leggings. Sunsuits have comprehensive sun coverage and make dressing for the beach or pool simple while they provide full UV protection.

Boy’s rash guards FAQ

Is a rash guard just a compression shirt?

A rash guard is not just a compression shirt. Rash guards use quick-drying fabrics with built-in UPF sun protection. They protect against rashes, sun exposure, and abrasion. Compression shirts do not have these protective features.

Can you swim in a rash guard?

Yes, you can swim while wearing a rash guard. Their form-fitting, quick-drying design makes rash guards a comfortable, functional choice for water activities.

Do rash guards shrink in the water?

Rash guards do not typically shrink in the water. They consist of stretchy, synthetic materials, such as spandex and nylon, that maintain their shape and fit when wet. The close-fitting design of rash guards prevents them from billowing or riding up in the water.

Do zippered rash guards need special care?

Zippered rash guards require simple maintenance. Rinse after swimming and clean sand out of the zipper. Keep the zipper closed during washing to extend its lifespan and prevent damage to other items.

What swim accessories work best with boys' rash guards?

Popular swim accessories that complement boys' rash guards include water shoes, swim goggles, and sun hats. These items provide additional protection while making beach or pool days more enjoyable.

Are rash guards more comfortable than regular swim shirts?

Rash guards offer more comfortable swim experiences than regular t-shirts. Their quick-drying fabric prevents the heavy, clingy feeling of wet cotton, and their stretchy material allows freedom of movement in the water.

How does a rash guard provide an extra layer of protection?

A rash guard adds a physical layer of protection between your child's skin and the elements. This barrier shields against scrapes, jellyfish stings, and harmful UV rays that sunscreen alone might miss.

Boy’s rash guards by SwimZip