Zipper rash guards for your family

What is a rash guard?

A rash guard is a form-fitting athletic shirt that shields your skin from chafing, sunburns, and surfboard rash. It often features long sleeves, but short-sleeve options exist for those wanting more breathability and range of motion.

A rash guard gets its name from its ability to protect the body against rashes. The tight-fitting swim shirt prevents two common water-activity issues—surf rash and sun rash.

Surf rash results from friction with surf wax, sand, and saltwater. Sun rash is an immunological reaction to UV light, causing red, raised bumps that are often painful and itchy. It can be a precursor for (or can accompany) sun poisoning.

Rash guards provide extra coverage, preventing uncomfortable irritation. Every rash guard in our collection is made with UPF 50+ fabric that offers an extra level of protection against sun damage.

Zipper rash guards for the whole family

In our zip-up rash guard collection, you will find:

Men’s rash guards
Women’s rash guards
Girls’ rash guards
Boys’ rash guards

Men's rash guards

Our men's rash guard collection features short-sleeved and long-sleeved styles for varied body coverage. Short-sleeved rash guards give you enough skin protection and freedom of movement for active water activities or casual beach days.

Long-sleeve rash guards provide full arm and torso protection and offer ultimate sun protection during outdoor adventures.

Women's rash guards

Our women's rash guard line includes cropped and full-length options to match your style and coverage preferences. Cropped rash guards for women and girls offer a trendy, sporty look, while full-length rash guards provide maximum coverage for premium sun protection.

These rash guards boast a relaxed, comfortable fit—perfect for pool days, water park visits, or running errands. Long-sleeved designs keep you cool and covered, with thumb holes for extra protection of your hands.

We also offer short-sleeved rash guards for women who prefer a cooler fit and want to showcase their arms.

Our full-length rash guards feature front zipper pockets for valuables. The front zipper closure includes a guard to minimize rubbing for all-day comfort and sun-filled adventures.

Girls' rash guards

Our girls' rash guard collection offers long-sleeved and short-sleeved styles that shield against UV light and skin irritation. For warmer days, our cropped rash guards are an amazing choice. Girls can choose from vibrant colors and patterns to express their style.

Whether your girl is at the beach or engaging in outdoor sports, our rash guards provide the UV protection she needs without compromising style.

Boys' rash guards

Start summer in style with our boys' rash guards, available in short and long-sleeve options for any occasion. These protective rash guard shirts prioritize your little guy's comfort and safety. They feature cool designs and bright colors he'll love wearing all season.

The snug, comfortable fit and quality fabric offer a full range of motion. Rash guards are perfect for active infants, toddlers, and energetic boys who love to explore. With built-in UPF sun protection, their skin stays safe from irritation while they enjoy water activities to the fullest!

When to wear a zipper rash guard

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

Surfing: Rash guards shield against surfboard wax abrasion and irritation from UV light and saltwater.
Outdoor swimming: During extended sun exposure, a rash guard provides the ultimate sun protection against sunburns.
Snorkeling and diving: The form-fitting design allows complete freedom of movement while protecting skin from stings and abrasion. Bright colors improve underwater visibility.
Other water activities: For kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and kitesurfing, proper sun protection and abrasion resistance make rash guards a great choice.
Sun safety: Rash guards shield your skin so you can enjoy the outdoors without getting burned.
Open-air workouts: The lightweight, breathable fabric promotes comfort during outdoor exercise.
Contact sports: Rash guards are popular in grappling sports such as mixed martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and judo. The durable material prevents mat burn and skin irritation from constant contact.
Everyday tasks: Rash guards protect gardeners, car washers, and those doing outdoor chores, offering peace of mind during summer adventures.

Rash guard vs. swim shirt

The terms “rash guard” and “swim shirt” are used interchangeably; a rash guard is a type of swim shirt. We like to think of the terms as follows:

Rash guards offer protection during aquatic sports and recreation. They shield the skin from abrasion and harmful UV rays.
Rash guards feature form-fitting, quick-drying fabrics such as spandex and nylon blends that often include premium sun protection.
Swim shirts prioritize modesty and coverage while swimming, with less emphasis on protective features.
Swim shirts may have a looser fit, made from lighter fabrics such as polyester. These dry reasonably quickly but don't cling as tightly, allowing for more comfortable movement in and out of the water.

The main difference is that rash guards generally fit tighter and are made of slightly thicker material than swim shirts.

Rash guards FAQ

Do rash guards protect the same as SPF?

Rash guards with UPF 50+ provide more protection than SPF sunscreen. UPF 50+ swim shirts block 98% of UV rays, while SPF 50 sunscreen blocks about 98% of UVB rays but less UVA. Rash guards also maintain protection even when wet clothes rub against the skin.

What is so special about rash guards?

Our rash guards stand out for their sleek design and multifunctional nature. They provide excellent upper body protection from UV rays and shield against chafing. Their quick-drying fabric and 4-way stretch properties support optimum performance during water activities and active lifestyles in the summer.

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

Rash guards focus on sun protection and preventing skin irritation during water activities. They often have UPF ratings and are saltwater resistant. Compression shirts primarily aim to improve blood flow and muscle support. Rash guards typically have looser fits than the tighter sleeves of compression shirts.

How should I care for my zipper rash guards?

Rinse your rash guard with fresh water after use. Use a gentle wash cycle or hand wash with mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach. Air dry or use low heat in a machine wash. Close zippers before washing to prevent snags. Proper care helps them last season after season.

Can you swim in a rash guard?

You can swim in a rash guard. They're excellent for swimming laps, recreational swimming, and other water-based activities. Rash guards increase comfort during aquatic activities and protect against UV rays. They also dry quickly for a smooth transition from water to land, boosting your sun-safe day during pool and beach trips.