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Girls’ rash guards with UV protection

Protect your fun-in-the-sun gal in SwimZip’s girls' rash guards.

About rash guards

Rash guards are form-fitting athletic shirts that protect your skin from chafing, sunburns, and surfboard rash. They come in long-sleeve styles, with short-sleeve options available for increased breathability and movement.

These swim shirts prevent two common skin issues during water activities: surf rash and sun rash. Surf rash occurs from friction when surf wax, sand, and saltwater rub against the skin. Sun rash appears as red, raised, painful, and itchy bumps caused by an immunological reaction to UV exposure. This condition often precedes or accompanies sun poisoning.

Rash guards shield your skin from these uncomfortable irritations. Every rash guard in our girls' collection uses fabric with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ for maximum abrasion and sun protection—the perfect swimwear for sensitive skin. 

Our stylish and functional rash guards for girls

Our girls' rash guard collection includes cropped and full-length options with built-in UV protection to match her style preferences and coverage needs. Cropped rash guards provide a trendy, sporty look for active girls who want more freedom of movement, while full-length rash guards deliver extra coverage for maximum protection.

Our rash guards have a relaxed, comfortable fit for pool days, water park adventures, or casual outings. Long-sleeved designs keep her cool and protected throughout the day, with thumb holes that add sun protection for her hands and prevent uncomfortable sleeve rash during active water play, even for baby girl swimmers.

For girls who prefer a breezier feel and want to show off their arms, try our short-sleeve options.

Our full-length rash guards for girls feature front pockets with zipper closures for small treasures, and the front zipper includes a guard to minimize rubbing against delicate skin. The practical design of our rash guards works great from beach to street.

We also offer rash guard sets for girls that include matching bottoms, creating coordinated swim outfits that provide comprehensive sun protection with style.

We carry all styles in short-sleeve, long-sleeve, and full-length options so you don’t have to compromise style or coverage.

Girls’ rash guard styling tips

Our girls’ rash guard tops come in a variety of colors and stylish designs, so you can find the right mix of protection and fashion. Select from bright hues and fun prints to match her style and favorite color combination.

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

  • Pair her rash guard with swim shorts for a classic, sporty look.
  • Match a vibrant, colorful rash guard with solid-colored swim bottoms for a balanced, eye-catching look and total comfort.
  • Select a rash guard with a fun print and pair it with simple bottoms for a cute, playful vibe.
  • Choose a classic pink or purple rash guard and combine it with printed swim bottoms for a sweet, coordinated style.
  • Add a tankini for girls underneath a rash guard in a different color to create a fun, layered look that adds dimension to her beach outfit.
  • Add girls' accessories such as a cute sun hat, sunglasses, and waterproof sandals for a complete beach-ready look.

When to wear a rash guard

A long-sleeve girls' rash guard provides excellent sun protection during any aquatic adventure. The protective fabric blocks harmful rays while your daughter enjoys these activities:

  • Beach days with extended sun exposure
  • Water park visits where reapplying sunscreen is difficult
  • Boating trips where water reflection intensifies UV exposure
  • Swimming lessons in outdoor pools
  • Lake or river activities with limited shade
  • Snorkeling or paddle boarding adventures
  • Family vacation water sports
  • Cloudy day swimming (UV rays still penetrate cloud cover)

Your daughter stays protected while enjoying uninterrupted play without the hassle of constant sunscreen reapplication.

Care instruction

Proper care extends the life of your girls' rash guard and preserves its sun-protective qualities. After each use, rinse the rash guard thoroughly in cool, fresh water to remove salt, chlorine, and sand particles that can damage fabric over time.

Machine wash (if you have to) in cold water on a gentle cycle with similar colors. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these break down the protective fibers. A mild detergent works best for maintaining fabric integrity.

Air dry your rash guard flat or hanging in the shade. Direct sunlight and machine drying can shrink the material and reduce UPF protection. Never iron your rash guard—heat damages elastic fibers and sun-protective properties.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. Folding rather than hanging for long periods prevents stretching.

With proper care, your girls' rash guard should maintain its shape, color, and sun protection for many swimming seasons.

Our swimwear collection for girls

Beyond our protective rash guards, we offer complete sun-safe swimsuits for girls that combine style with protection.

Our girls' swimwear lineup includes:

  • Sun-protective bikinis with coverage options ranging from modest to sporty designs.
  • One-piece swimsuits that provide full coverage with adorable patterns and comfortable fits.
  • Swim dresses that offer extra coverage for thighs while maintaining a cute, feminine look.
  • Board shorts and swim skirts that pair nicely with our rash guard tops.
  • High-visibility neon swimwear to keep her visible in the water for added safety.
  • Matching family sets so she can coordinate with mom.

Our high-quality fabrics

SwimZip uses high-quality materials for complete protection during swimming, surfing, and other beach activities. Our materials pull water away from your skin, keeping you comfortable whether you're catching waves or lounging on the sand. These fabrics withstand damage from chlorine, salt water, and sun exposure.

For maximum sun protection, our highest-rated UPF 50+ technology blocks 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburn, aging, and skin damage during outdoor fun.

The stretchy material 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. You'll enjoy freedom of movement whether playing volleyball or building sandcastles.

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

Why is sun protection important?

Sun protection shields children's delicate skin from harmful UV rays that can cause lasting damage. When kids play outdoors, their skin absorbs radiation that triggers painful sunburns within hours. These burns significantly increase their lifetime skin cancer risk; a single severe childhood sunburn doubles melanoma chances. 

Children's skin has less melanin than adults, so it burns easier. Cloudy days create false security as UV radiation penetrates cloud cover. Establish sun-safe habits early through protective clothing, and enjoy healthier skin for life.

Girls' rash guards FAQ

What makes SwimZip rash guards better than regular swimwear? 

SwimZip rash guards feature UPF 50+ protection that blocks 98% of harmful rays. Our quick-drying fabric prevents chafing and irritation while providing sun protection regular swimwear can't match.

Are rash guards uncomfortable for active children? 

Our rash guards move with your child through every activity. The stretchy, skin-safe materials maintain shape without restriction, and thumb holes prevent sleeves from riding up during active play.

How do I choose the right size rash guard? 

Select your child's normal clothing size for a comfortable fit. Check our size chart to get the right size. Our rash guards offer a slightly relaxed fit to allow growth and easy movement, with full-coverage bottoms available to complete the outfit.

Can my child wear a rash guard for activities besides swimming? 

Our girl safe rash guards work for hiking, playgrounds, or outdoor sports. The lightweight, breathable fabric provides sun protection for any outdoor activity, not just water sports.

Do rash guards come in different styles and designs? 

We offer different colors, from vibrant pink to cool blue. Choose from fun colors, patterns, and designs, including full-length, cropped, and short-sleeve styles to match your child's preferences.

How long will a SwimZip rash guard maintain its sun protection? 

With proper care, SwimZip rash guards maintain UPF 50+ protection for many seasons. Follow our care instructions to preserve the fabric's protective qualities and vibrant colors.

Further reading

Do rash guards keep you warm?

How can I protect my child from drowning?

What are the best tummy control swimsuits?

Rash guards vs swim shirts: Are there any differences?

What are the best swimsuits for larger busts?