Kids Rash Guards with UV Protection

About rash guards

Rash guards are form-fitting athletic shirts that shield your skin from chafing, sunburns, and surfboard rash. Surf rash stems 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 protect your skin from uncomfortable irritations. They come in short-sleeve and long-sleeve styles and (like ours) include fabric with a high ultraviolet protection factor for maximum abrasion and sun protection.

Our stylish rash guards for kids

Our water-resistant rash guards protect kids during summer months. They include a full-length zipper with a zipper garage to prevent chin irritation and simplify dressing.

Boys’ rash guards

SwimZip boys' rash guards pack UPF 50+ sun protection into sporty, comfortable swim shirts. These athletic tops shield the skin from sunburn, chafing, and board rash during outdoor play.

Our boys' collection includes full-length and short-sleeve options for different coverage needs. Full-length rash guards provide maximum sun protection with practical features such as front zipper closures that simplify dressing and thumb holes that keep sleeves in place during active swimming.

Short-sleeve variants give boys more arm freedom while maintaining torso protection. Many styles include bright colors that increase visibility in the water, so parents have peace of mind during beach and pool days.

Girls’ rash guards

SwimZip girls' rash guards mix sun safety with stylish designs your daughter will love. Each top includes UPF 50+ protection that blocks harmful UV rays all day long.

Our girls' collection features cropped and full-length styles to match their preferences. Cropped rash guards create a trendy, athletic look with plenty of freedom for active water sports. Full-length options deliver comprehensive coverage with handy front pockets and protective zipper guards.

For girls who want less coverage, our short-sleeve rash guards maintain sun protection while letting them show off their arms. Pair with matching bottoms for coordinated swim outfits that transition smoothly from beach to street.

When to wear a rash guard

All pieces from our collection of rash guards keep children safe during any aquatic adventure. These UPF 50+ tops block harmful rays while your child enjoys:

Beach day fun during hours of sun exposure.
Water park visits.
Boating trips where water reflection intensifies UV rays.
Swimming lessons in outdoor pools.
Lake or river activities with minimal shade.
Snorkeling or paddleboarding.
Family vacation water adventures.
Cloudy day swimming (UV rays still penetrate clouds).

Children enjoy ultimate sun protection during their summer activities, swimming freely without interruptions for sunscreen application. Parents appreciate the peace of mind, while kids love our charming designs.

Styling tips for rash guard swim shirts

SwimZip kids' rash guards come in a variety of colors and stylish patterns that provide protection and fashion. From bright solids to playful prints, you'll find something that matches their personality and preferences.

Try these styling ideas for their next water outing:

Pair a rash guard with board shorts for an athletic, sporty look that stays put during active play.
Wear a rash guard in a vibrant, sun-safe color with solid swim bottoms for visibility in water and all-day comfort.
Match a rash guard featuring vibrant patterns with simple bottoms to create a playful, balanced outfit.
Combine a rash guard in classic solids such as aqua or coral with patterned swim bottoms for a coordinated beach style.
Layer a swim top underneath a rash guard in complementary colors for a dimensional look with extra sun coverage.
Combine a long-sleeve guard with swim leggings for maximum coverage during extended water sessions.

Complete your kids’ beach-ready outfit with practical accessories, like a wide-brimmed sun hat, UV-protective sunglasses, or comfortable water shoes.

How to care for your rash guard

Proper care extends the life of your kids' rashies and maintains their protective qualities. Follow these simple steps to keep your rash guards in top condition:

Rinse your rash guard in cold water immediately after use to remove salt, chlorine, and sand. This prevents fabric breakdown and color fading.
Hand wash your rash guard with mild soap rather than harsh detergents that break down UV-protective properties. Gently squeeze (don't wring) the fabric to remove excess water.
Air dry your rash guard away from direct sunlight. The heat from dryers or sun exposure can damage elasticity and reduce UPF protection.
Store rash guards flat or hung up rather than folded to prevent permanent creases that weaken fabric structure.
Avoid rough surfaces that might snag or tear the material. The protective qualities work best when the fabric remains intact.
Replace rash guards that show signs of thinning fabric, as sun protection diminishes when the material stretches or wears out.

Follow these care instructions to maintain your SwimZip rash guards' sun protection and appearance through multiple swim seasons.

How to find the right size

Our size chart simplifies finding the perfect fit for your wiggly toddler or growing child with measurements for height, weight, and chest circumference. Select one size up if your child falls between sizes for longer wear as they grow.

Our high-quality fabrics

SwimZip uses premium materials for reliable sun protection during swimming, surfing, and other beach activities. Our fabrics pull water away from your skin, so you stay comfortable whether you catch waves or lounge on the sand. These durable fabrics withstand damage from chlorine, salt water, and sun exposure.

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

The stretchy saltwater-resistant 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. You'll enjoy freedom of movement whether you play volleyball or build sandcastles.

Our quick-dry material keeps you comfortable on warm beach days. When temperatures drop, our fabric creates an insulating layer to keep you warm. Strong seams and snag-resistant fibers prevent tears, so your high-quality materials protect you season after season.

Kids’ rash guards FAQ

What is the difference between a rash guard and a swim shirt?

Rash guards contain UPF protection for water activities and feature tighter fits to prevent chafing. Swim shirts typically provide looser fits with less UV protection and use fabrics not necessarily made for prolonged water exposure.

What do girls wear under a rash guard?

Girls typically wear swimsuit tops or one-piece suits under rash guards. This extra layer creates maximum coverage while swimming. For younger girls, a simple bathing suit bottom works well with a rash guard top.

Check out adorable swimsuit options for girls to find what works best for your little gal.

What is the difference between a rash guard and a compression shirt?

Rash guards focus on UV protection and water performance with quick-drying properties. Compression shirts prioritize muscle support and performance enhancement for land sports, with tighter fits but lack the sun protection that rash guards provide.

How long do kids' rash guards typically last?

With proper care, SwimZip rash guards last 2–3 swim seasons. The UPF protection remains effective for approximately 500 wash cycles when cared for correctly, making them a durable addition to your child's swimwear collection.

Can kids wear rash guards for activities other than swimming?

Our rash guard collection works for multiple outdoor activities beyond swimming. They protect children during hiking, biking, playground time, and sports practices where sun exposure occurs but swimwear isn't necessary.

Are rash guards good for kids with sensitive skin?

Rash guards benefit children with sensitive skin by creating a physical barrier against irritants, like sand, salt, and pool chemicals. The smooth, soft fabrics reduce friction that irritates, to make water activities more comfortable.

Do rash guards keep kids warm in cold water?

Rash guards provide a thin insulation layer that helps maintain body temperature in cool water. For cold conditions, thicker wetsuit-style rash guards offer better thermal protection while maintaining UV benefits.