Rash guards for women by SwimZip

What is a rash guard?

Rash guards are form-fitting athletic shirts that protect your skin from chafing, sunburns, and surfboard rash. They typically feature long sleeves, but short-sleeves are available for those who want more breathability and range of motion.

Rash guards are the perfect swim shirts for active water activities. The tight-fitting surf shirts prevent two common rashes that can occur during water sports and beach activities—surf rash and sun rash.

Surf rash is caused by friction and abrasion from surf wax, sand, and saltwater rubbing against the skin. Sun rash is an immunological reaction to UV exposure, causing patches of red, raised, often painful, and itchy bumps. It can be a precursor to (or can accompany) sun poisoning.

Rash guards protect against uncomfortable irritation. Every rash guard in our women’s collection uses UPF 50+ fabric, providing premium abrasion and sun protection.

Our stylish and functional rash guards for women

Our women's rash guard collection offers cropped and full-length options to cater to your style preferences and coverage needs. Cropped rash guards offer a trendy, sporty look for active women who prefer more freedom of movement, while full-length rash guards provide excellent protection and maximum coverage.

Our rash guards have a relaxed, comfortable fit—perfect for hitting the pool, going to the water park, or simply running errands. Long-sleeved designs keep you cool and covered throughout the day, with convenient thumb holes that provide extra sun protection for your hands.

For those who prefer a breezier feel and want to showcase their arms, our selection of women's rashguards also includes short-sleeve options.

Our full-length rash guards for women include front pockets with zipper closures that offer a secure space for essentials, and the front zipper includes a guard to reduce rubbing and irritation. The versatile design of our rash guards makes the beach-to-street transition a breeze.

Whatever style you choose, you'll find the perfect rashguard swimsuit to keep your arms safe and your style on point.

When to wear a rash guard

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

Surfing: Rash guards are worn to prevent abrasion from surfboard wax and irritation from the sun and saltwater.
Other water activities: Sun and abrasion protection comes in handy while kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, kitesurfing, and more.
Swimming outdoors: When swimming in the sun for extended periods, a rash guard protects against sunburn.
Snorkeling and diving: The tight fit gives freedom of movement while covering the skin from stings and abrasion. Vibrant colors boost visibility.
Sun protection: Rash guards protect your skin from the sun, offering peace of mind to enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities.
Workouts outdoors: The lightweight, breathable, and soft fabric keeps you cooler when exercising outside.
Sports activities: Rash guards are worn in grappling sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA), Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and judo. The tight and durable material prevents mat burn and skin irritation from constant contact.
Around the house: Rash guards offer protection while gardening, washing the car, and other outdoor chores.

Women’s rash guard styling tips

Our rash guards for women come in a range of color options and stylish designs, so you can find the perfect blend of protection and fashion. Choose from bright colors, and stylish prints to match your personal style and favorite color combination.

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

Pair your rash guard with some board shorts for the classic surfer look.
Pair a vibrant, colorful rash guard with solid-colored swim shorts for a balanced, eye-catching look and ultimate comfort.
Choose a rash guard with a bold, geometric print and match it with simple, understated bottoms for a modern, trendy vibe.
Opt for a classic black or navy rash guard and combine it with printed or patterned high-waisted bikini bottoms for a timeless, sophisticated style.
Mix and match rash guards and bikini bottoms to create a functional, sultry beach outfit.
Accessorize your rash guard look with a wide-brimmed sun hat, oversized sunglasses, and waterproof sandals for the ultimate beach-ready ensemble.
Dress up your rash guard by wearing it with a long, flowy maxi skirt or palazzo pants for a more elevated, resort-inspired look.
Experiment with different rash guard lengths and fits, such as cropped or fitted styles, to find the most flattering silhouette for your body type.

What is UPF?

Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is a rating system that measures a fabric's ability to block UV rays from reaching the skin. Ratings go from 15 to 50+, with higher numbers meaning greater protection.

Fabrics rated UPF 50+ block at least 98% of UV rays, while a 30 rating blocks around 96.7%. Dermatologists recommend choosing UPF 30 or higher for good sun protection.

All our sun-protective swimwear features UPF 50+ fabric—the maximum UV protection level a fabric can offer. The tight weave allows less than 2% of UV radiation to pass through, significantly reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

Women’s rash guards FAQ

Is a rash guard just a compression shirt?

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

Can you swim in a rash guard?

You can swim while wearing a rash guard. Their form-fitting, quick-drying construction makes rash guards good for your next water adventure.

Do rash guards shrink in the water?

Rash guards do not typically shrink in the water. Rash guards are made of stretchy, synthetic materials, such as spandex and nylon, that maintain their shape and fit even when wet. The close-fitting design of rash guards is meant to prevent them from billowing or riding up in the water and losing their form.

Do rash guards protect from jellyfish?

Rash guards can provide some protection against jellyfish stings. The tight-fitting, synthetic material of a rash guard creates a barrier between the skin and any jellyfish tentacles. Rash guards are not a complete defense, and thicker options, such as wetsuits, may be necessary in areas with high jellyfish activity.

Are rash guards and swim shirts for women the same?

Rash guards and swim shirts for women are similar but not the same. Both offer complete sun protection and coverage, but rash guards are typically tighter-fitting and made for surfing or other water sports. Swim shirts are looser-fitting and more versatile for different beach and pool activities.

How do rash guards provide sun coverage?

Rash guards offer amazing sun protection by shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. The protective clothing covers your torso and arms for extra coverage during beach activities. 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. Rash guards blend function and style at the beach.