Plus size rash guards with UV protection
Plus-size rash guards make you look fabulous and protect you from harmful UV rays.
Common swimwear challenges for plus-size women
Plus-size swimwear includes sizes XL–3XL (14–24). With larger sizes, your swimwear's design, quality, fit, and features impact beach-day comfort. Plus-size women run into these common swimwear issues:
- Shoulder straps cut into shoulders and upper back, leading to red marks and pain.
- Poorly sized bust cups spill over at the edges.
- Minimal support creates a drooping silhouette.
- Tops slip down with any active motion or wave impact.
- Cheap fabric chafes and irritates sensitive areas.
- Thin materials become transparent in water.
- Hard underwires poke and prod during wear.
- Stretched-out elastic creates baggy, unflattering areas after washing.
Our plus-size collection features quality fabric, strong support construction, and cuts that accentuate curves without sacrificing comfort or coverage.
About rash guards
Rash guards are tight-fitting, athletic shirts that shield your skin from chafing, sunburns, and surfboard rash. Both long-sleeve and short-sleeve options give you different levels of protection and mobility during water activities.
These swim shirts prevent two common skin issues during water sports: surf rash and sun rash. Surf rash happens when surf wax, sand, and saltwater repeatedly rub against your skin. Sun rash appears as red, raised, painful, and itchy bumps. It's an immune response to UV exposure that often signals sun poisoning.
Stylish plus-size rash guards by SwimZip
Our women’s rash guards deliver uncompromising athletic function and modern style. The cropped styles create a sporty silhouette for unrestricted movement during beach activities, surfing, and swimming. Full-length options keep you covered through long sun-soaked days or add warmth in cool water.
Your active lifestyle needs swimwear that works as hard as you do. The relaxed fit supports you from morning lap swims to afternoon beach walks. Long-sleeved rash guards have integrated thumb holes to protect you down to your fingertips during paddling and kayaking. When temperatures rise, short-sleeved styles shield your core but free your arms.
Zip pockets secure your keys and phone during waterfront activities. The zipper guard prevents skin irritation even during rigorous movement, so you stay comfortable through every activity.
These thoughtful features let you smoothly transition from water sports to beachside cafes without changing. These practical pieces become everyday basics in your fantastic collection of swimwear. From bold to vibrant colors, you will find a piece that fits your unique beach style.
Note: When you choose a rash guard, look for features such as UPF protection, a neck collar for extra sun protection, and quick-drying, breathable fabric for comfort. SwimZip rash guards brings all that and more!
When to wear a rash guard
Modest coverage, complete upper body sun protection, and stylish patterns let you wear our rash guards just about anywhere. Here are some examples:
- A rash guard shields your skin from abrasion and wax burns as you catch waves on your surfboard.
- Your skin stays protected from sun and salt during kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and kitesurfing adventures.
- Outdoor swimmers get excellent UV protection without reapplying sunscreen every hour.
- The snug fit lets you move freely underwater during snorkeling and diving, plus bright colors make you visible to boats.
- Long sleeves and high collars block UV rays during beach volleyball, running, and tennis.
- The light, soft fabric keeps you cool and covered during outdoor exercise and training.
- Athletes in MMA, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and judo wear rash guards to prevent mat burn from constant contact.
- Even yard work gets easier when a rash guard protects you from sun exposure during gardening and car washing.
- Stay comfortable and sun-safe during beach picnics with a lightweight rash guard under your cover-up.
Our high-quality fabrics
SwimZip's high-quality, quick-drying fabric with built-in sun protection keeps you safe and dries fast. The chlorine-resistant material blocks irritation from salt water and UV rays.
The UPF 50+ technology blocks 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburn and skin damage at outdoor activities.
The 4-way stretch fabric follows your body through each twist, reach, and stroke. The fabric returns to shape without sags—no more constant adjustments. You'll move freely through every activity.
Our material retains warmth on chilly mornings and stays cool on beach days. The fabric creates an insulating water layer in cold conditions. Reinforced seams and snag-resistant fibers stop rips and extend the life of your suit.
The breathable fabrics and design elements support natural ease of movement for hours of comfortable water activities.
Women’s plus-size rash guard styling tips
Our plus-size rash guards for women come in bright colors and stylish designs to match your unique beach style. Choose from vibrant shades and prints that reflect your unique style and match your personal preferences.
Create your perfect beach look with these rash guard combinations:
- Pair your rash guard with board shorts for the classic surfer look.
- Mix a bright rash guard with solid swim shorts for a bold beach statement.
- Put a geometric print rash guard with simple bottoms for a modern look.
- Match a black or navy rash guard with patterned high-waisted bikini bottoms for a sophisticated style.
- Combine your rash guard with bikini bottoms for protection and style.
- Add a sun hat, oversized sunglasses, and waterproof sandals to complete your beach look.
- Layer your rash guard over a flowing maxi skirt for an elegant resort outfit.
- Try cropped or fitted styles in different lengths to find the most flattering cut for your body type.
What other women’s swimwear do you offer?
In our collection of women's swimwear, you will find a range of bathing suits with gorgeous options for every style.
- One-piece swimsuits with easy-zip fronts and secure coverage for swimming, surfing, and beach play.
- Swim tops go from long-sleeve rash guards to halter tops with UPF 50+ protection and comfortable features such as zipper garages and tagless comfort.
- Swim bottoms include high-waisted bikini bottoms, beautiful swim skirts, and more.
- Sun hats and visors to shield your face and neck from harmful rays.
Sizing and fit
Our swimwear collection fits every family member, from babies to teenagers. Our size chart provides bust, waist, and hip measurements with simple instructions to find your perfect swimwear size.
Plus-size rash guards FAQ
Should I wear a swim bra under my rash guard?
Your rash guard needs a sports bra (or any swimwear top) underneath for extra support during active sports and water activities. For small busts, the rash guard's built-in support may suffice. Medium to large busts need additional support, especially for running, surfing, or beach volleyball.
How do rash guards provide sun coverage?
Rash guards shield your skin from harmful UV rays and give you the right layer of protection you need during summer days. They cover your shoulders, torso, and arms. All our rash guards have UPF 50+ ratings for maximum sun protection.
Are rash guards comfortable for an active beach lifestyle?
Rash guards are perfect for an active beach lifestyle. They feature breathable, dry fabric that wicks away moisture and keeps you cool. The durable fabric moves with you, providing ease of coverage without restricting movement during water sports or beach activities.
Can rash guards be fashionable?
Modern rash guards combine protective coverage with fashionable appeal. You'll find a variety of stylish designs, colors, and patterns to suit your taste. Sun-protection rash guards blend function and style at the beach.
How do I care for my rash guards?
Rinse your rash guard (and all other swimwear) after each use in cool water. Hand wash it regularly with mild detergent. Avoid machine washing, as it can damage the fabric and reduce the garment's UPF protection (so as the dryer). Lay your rash guard flat to dry in the shade, since direct sunlight can fade colors and degrade the UV-protective properties.
What plus-size modest swimwear options do you offer?
We offer modest plus-size rash guards with an extra layer of modesty, full-coverage swim dresses, high-waisted swim bottoms, swim skirts, swim leggings, and full-coverage tankini tops.
Further reading
SPF 30 vs. SPF 50: What is the difference?
What is the difference between SPF 50 and SPF 70?