If someone is a serious athlete, whether they are doing activities on the land or in the water, one of the best things they can invest in is a dependable rash guard. This applies especially when you are a Stand Up Paddler, a Bodyboarder, or a Surfer! But when looking at investing in this piece of gear, they will soon realize that there are a plethora of options, and the process is actually a lot harder than one may think.
Not only do many of the big-name brands offer a wide array of different types of rash guards and silhouettes, but there are performance specifications that have to be paid attention to as well.
Below is an in-depth look at a few of the best rash guard options available on the market today. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it.
best Rash Guard – complete Reviews
LFROI Long Sleeve Rash Guard
The first rash guard on this list is designed with a long-sleeve profile and with a high-quality performance-fit compression material. The shirt comes in a wide variety of colours, including patterns, to allow the athlete to show a bit of their personality. Crafted with an 80/20 blend of nylon and spandex, it is crafted to be easily pulled on. Because of the lightweight and quick-dry fabrics, this rash guard is perfect for both indoor and outdoor activities.
The use of the nylon and spandex blend gives this a form-fitting compression style silhouette and makes it incredibly comfortable to wear over extended periods of time. The two materials create a quick-dry effect that will reduce rashes and chafing no matter what type of activity you are involved in. In order to make this rash guard perfect for outdoor activities, the shirt is treated to have 50+ UV protection so that there is a reduced risk of sunburn. On top of all that, it is super easy to care for because it is machine washable.
But where the benefits of the nylon-spandex mix come into play with the fit and comfort, the sizing does take a hit. Most people have found that they either have to go up one or two sizes to make it feel comfortable. Though it does need to be tight, the person also needs to be relaxed when wearing the shirt. Along those same lines, many guys, especially those with a longer torso, find that the shirt is a bit short.
Pros
- Designed with a nylon-spandex mixture for improved comfort
- Crafted with fabric that has UV protection to help reduce the risk of sunburn
- Machine washable for easier and simpler care
- Elastic closure makes it easier to put on and take off
Cons
- Rash guard runs very small
- Some find the length of the shirt to be a touch on the short side
O’Neill Basic Skins Rash Guard
O’Neill is one of the brands that many people turn to when it comes to any water sports athletic gear. It has crafted a reputation that gives it a place in the upper echelon of athletic wear. This model is designed with a long-sleeved silhouette and materials that help with a performance fit so that not only is it comfortable to wear, but it also comes with a quick-dry capability and a four-way stretch. The shirt is designed with flatlock seams and comes in a multitude of colours so that the athlete will be able to find just the right rash guard for their gear.
A lot of the excellent benefits one can take advantage of by investing in this rash guard come from using high-quality materials and a design executed for comfort. Because of the UV protection treatment, the user will benefit from a 50+ UPF. This is why the Skin Cancer Foundation has recommended this shirt for outdoor activities.
Apart from that, the shirt is designed with a flatlock stitch seam system that not only makes it super comfortable to wear but also helps the fabric dry quicker due to better air circulation. Many rash guards suffer from sizing issues, but the polyester-spandex blend used in this rash guard offers a four-way stretch that makes it fit better than a majority of its competitors.
Even though that is the truth, there is yet one sizing issue that many people find with this rash guard. Many people find the body to be a little short, which could leave bellies exposed to rashes and chafing. Another issue with this shirt is that there is no board short loop built into the silhouette. This means that there may be a chance for it to crawl when in mid-activity.
Pros
- The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the shirt
- Designed with flatlock stitched seams for more comfort
- Seams also help create a quick-drying capability
- Crafted with a poly/spandex blend for increased stretch
Cons
- Some find that the shirts don’t run long enough
- Not designed with a board short loop
Scubapro Eco-Rash Guard
This rash guard is designed with many features that elevate the functionality and comfort of the athlete wearing it. Designed with an original asymmetric design and crafted with high-quality polyester, this rash guard gives a four-way stretch and is finished with flatlock stitching. Along with this, to ensure the athlete is protected from the harmful rays of the sun, the rash guard is treated with UV protection, which makes it great for all types of sports, including water sports.
Because of the materials and treatment of the rash guard itself, even after wear and wash, you won’t have to worry about the silhouette losing its shape or fading in colour. Though this has nothing to do with the overall performance of the rash guard, it is important for those who are concerned with the upkeep and care of their investment.
The silhouette of the rash guard is designed with long sleeves and a higher neck, which makes it perfect for those looking for a rash guard to wear under a wetsuit, as it will prevent neck chafing from the suit itself. Along with this, the material used is high quality, so it is highly durable, and it is finished to be abrasion-resistant for more extended wear. Maybe one of the best things about this rash guard is that, unlike other models on the market, the size fits true to the wearer’s regular size.
Now, although this sounds like a fantastic rash guard, there are still a few issues that some may find a problem. Although the neck silhouette of this shirt is perfect for those who are looking to do a little diving or other activities involving wetsuits, this rash guard may not work well for those who need a little bit of breathability when engaging in land sports. On top of that, for such a simple design, the price tag can be a little expensive for some.
Pros
- The rash guard will maintain shape and colour even after prolonged use
- Has a higher neck that helps prevent wetsuit chafing
- Designed to be durable and abrasion-resistant
- The silhouette of the rash guard fits true to size – very comfortable
Cons
- Some may find the price to be a bit on the steep side
- The neck may be a problem for some when it comes to comfortability
O’Neill Women’s Rash Guard
This high-quality version of the Men’s rash guard is designed specifically for women. It is cracked in the same polyester-spandex blend as its partner, which gives it ease of care and a comfortable fit. The silhouette of the shirt is finished with a minimal seam placement that offers a heightened level of rash protection and, once again, adds to the overall comfort of wearability. The rash guard comes in a wide range of very flattering colours so that the woman who is looking to protect themselves from both the sun and chafing has the option to match with the rest of their gear.
Just like any other O’Neill product, this rash guard is designed with premium-grade materials to be comfortable and offer the best performance possible. The tight fit is designed to act like a second skin, and this model, unlike many other rash guards, is perfectly created to do just that. It fits like a glove and offers no movement during the height of any water activity.
This rash guard is also finished like every other rash guard by O’Neill, with an ultraviolet protection coding that allows for 50+ UPF coverage. The seams of this unit are also unique as they are designed with off-centre seams so that the wearer is comfortable no matter what type of activity they are doing.
There’s a lot to love about this woman’s rash guard. However, there are a few issues that should be addressed before any decision is made. The first is that although this is a great rash guard, it is really designed specifically for water activities. That means that those women looking for a versatile rash guard may want to look at another model. The only other issue is that this is designed to fit very snugly, which may not be flattering for all body types.
Pros
- Doesn’t move during athletic activities
- Designed to protect the wearer from the harmful rays of the sun with optimal coverage
- Finished with off-centre seams for more comfortable wear
- Polyester spandex blend allows for excellent mobility in water
Cons
- It is not ideal for all athletic activities, especially those not in the water
- The tight fit may not be flattering for all body types
Scubapro T-Flex Rash Guard
The final rash guard on this list is a woman’s model designed in a long-sleeved silhouette and featuring heightened UV protection levels. Crafted with a nylon-spandex blend, it is perfect for water activities but can easily be used for other types of athletic activities as well. Available in multiple colours and designed with a form-fitting sleek aesthetic, this rash guard has not only high performance but also looks good.
Like everything else from this brand, the rash guard is crafted in a high-quality, premium-grade nylon-spandex blend. This blend gives it a heightened level of durability and makes it a rash guard that is able to stand up to just about any activity a woman is getting into. Along with this, that blend also means that a woman can have a wide range of motion while remaining comfortable throughout the day. All of that combines to make this a good investment for those who are looking to watch their budget.
That being said, this rash guard is by no means perfect. The first is that there is no thermal protection included in this design for those who like to do water activities during the colder months of the year. On top of this, the silhouette is not designed with any connector for board shorts. This means that though it fits snugly if you are involved in a raucous activity, you might find it sliding up a bit, which could leave you exposed to chafing and rashes.
Pros
- Crafted with materials that are treated for a high UPF rating of 80
- Designed with durable and long-lasting material for years of use
- The material blend used in construction offers flexibility and movement as well as comfort
- Price versus value is outstanding in comparison to its competitors
Cons
- The rash guard does not offer any thermal protection for cold water activities.
- Silhouette is not designed with any connector for board shorts
Final Thoughts
For athletes looking to invest in a dependable rash guard, the models above are some of the best available. When choosing the right rash guard, you not only have to look at the fabrics used in the design but also the silhouette, as well as other features like UV protection and comfortability.
The above options have all of these to varying degrees, and we’re sure amongst them is one that will be the right choice for any athlete looking for a high-quality rash guard that will last for many years.
