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Best Rashguards Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
There seems to be a growing number of design styles on the market. It used to be either a long sleeve or short sleeve shirt. Now you can choose between those plus a full body suit or even a vest. The right one for you will turn out to either be a personal preference or suited to your situational needs. The short sleeve version can be used as an undergarment or alone on warmer days. The long sleeve type is good for added insulation when the water is cooler. You will typically see users wearing these as a stand-alone, as the sleeves tend to bunch underneath a wetsuit.
The full body design is great for many water activities. You can choose to use them separately or under your wetsuit. The full body version is known for reducing the amount of bunching that goes on under the suit. As for the vest, they are great for rigorous activities in the water. They provide you with a sense of freedom in your movements as there is no coverage to the shoulders or arms. This selection will definitely provide warmth to your core are but keep in mind it is not the best option for cold water.
However, there is one last option for this type of protective clothing. For some, this will be the better fitting option as it is made to fit slightly looser than typical protective water gear. The swim or surf shirts can offer much of the same protective qualities. Making this a great option for those who prefer a fit not quite as snug.
Along with the style options, comes your sense of style. With the growing popularity of this product, you will notice that color and designs are more widely offered. When fashion is your thing there are plenty of choices out there for you to be the inspiration at the beach.
Effectiveness
Aside from the obvious protection from rashes caused by skin irritation, this style of clothing can also be made to perform in two other categories. They will offer you two added lines of defense while enjoying your time in the great outdoors. You can choose to use this clothing option for its thermal benefits. Adding a layer of warmth between you and your wetsuit or the water. Then there is the protection from the sun, basically, all types of this garment will provide you with this feature. There are some options on the market that tend to offer slightly more than others in this area. Below you will find some facts for both the thermal and sun protective clothing.
Thermal: Many will use these as an option for surfing when a wetsuit is too warm to be used but they need a layer for warmth. Another way to be sure that the material is thick enough to provide warmth is to look for the short phrase “thermo” on the tag. The main material option for the thermal version is neoprene, which is measured by its thickness. The thicker the label states that the material is the more warmth it will provide. One thing we learned is that some labels will have two numbers appearing to be in fraction form. This is two separate thicknesses, the first number will identify the thickness of the core section. The second is the thickness along the sides and the arms of the garment.
Sun Defense: This category is pretty general as far as the information goes. These come as either a short or long sleeve option. They are made to be snug fitting. For a looser version, the surf shirt may be the better option for you. Choosing a short sleeve option means a little less restriction to your movements. While the long sleeve selection will provide a little more coverage. Look for materials that offer you an SPF rating. The higher the rating, the more defense against the sun you will have.
Materials
The most popular material selection for warmth is neoprene. The thicker the material the more warmth you will get from it. It is best to choose a material that will provide you with an SPF factor. This ensures that your exposure to the sun will be a safer one. The SPF can be added to the material in one of two ways. The first is an application that is added to the fabric after the garment is created. The second occurs while the garment is being made, as the protection is blended by knitting it in.
Another quality the material needs to have is breathability mixed with the ability to dry quickly. After all these two qualities are what creates the best line of defense against getting a rash. The apparel can be made from a combination of several material choices to get these to traits. Spandex, polyester, and nylon are all good materials for this type of protection. Spandex is known for its stretching abilities this is where the snug fit comes in. Polyester gives the garment the breathability it needs to dry quickly.
UV Protection
Here we come to another important aspect of choosing the right protection. When choosing this type of gear for participating in sports, you will need one that provides you with a snug fit. Now we know that not everyone is comfortable in this style of clothing. Just keep in mind that the less rubbing that occurs during activities, reduces the chance for getting a rash. Which is why this type of apparel was created in the first place. A tighter fit will also give you less resistance when traveling through the water. Making your movements less restricted for better performance possibilities. You also want to choose one that has a seam construction that will not rub against you. Garments with flat seam construction are the best-suited option for watersports.
For those using this as an option for lounging on the beach or by the pool, you won’t need one that fits quite that snug. You can certainly choose one that allows for more room that makes for a more comfortable feel. You will, however, want one that has some defense from the sun. Especially if you will be outside for longer periods of time. The rating for the SPF should be found clearly written on the label for the garment of your choice. A good choice for defense against the sun will have a rating of SPF 50 or higher.
Fit
Some of these will come with added material to protect your neck from the sun as well. The neck is the area of the body that gets forgotten about when applying sunscreen. You can choose an option that has a higher neckline much like the turtleneck fashion. No matter which neck style you go with, you just want to be sure that you try the top on for fit. Some can’t stand the tight feel of a high neckline. Trying on before you buy can help you decide this factor before hitting the water.
10 Best Rash Guards
1. Kanu Surf
The first selection we come to is not what you would consider being of the typical variety. Comfort and protection are a part of this selections end game for you.
The Fit
Not what you would typically think of for this type of gear, this one is designed to fit differently. You get some of the same great features with a looser fit. Perfect for those who are uncomfortable with the more contouring version.
UV Protection
The main focus of the garment is to provide you with protection against the sun. That goal focus has been achieved as the material offers you 50 UPF. That is a ton of protection from one article of clothing.
Cost and Value
This is an excellent choice for comfort as well as potential benefits. It dries quickly reducing the amount of irritation your skin will have. The most valuable asset to this gear is the high UPF rating. Keeping you protected from the suns harmful rays.
2. Speedo
Here is another great option for those who seek a more relaxed fit. Made with added comfort levels while remaining as functional as the rest. The truth is that you will hardly even notice that you have this one on.
Comfort
Aside from the more relaxed design, the way the fabric is put together will provide you with the feeling of comfort as well. Add to that the fact that this is a lightweight option and you have a heck of a deal.
Quick to Dry
Most of the time the irritation that can occur to the skin is due to the shirt being wet. Making it hard to go from water to land activities. The material selected for this option will dry quickly so the irritation level will not exist.
Cost and Value
With this option, you gain sporting apparel that will allow you to remain comfortable during all your activities. All of this while still offering you a decent amount of protection as well.
3. O'Neill Basic Skins
The material blend used to construct this option will provide you with a fit that we haven't discussed yet. When seeking an option out for performance it is best not to pass this one up.
Material Blend
Made from a blend of polyester and spandex material, you get a fit that is more contouring than the previous two choices. These two materials offer you a breathable option without movement restrictions.
Performance Option
When you are an avid water sports participant you need an option that will perform as well as you do. The seam construction for this option will deliver in the performance area for sure. They come equipped with specialized stitching to reduce the irritation without adding restriction.
Cost and Value
When it comes to big named manufacturers you can bet that the quality of the product will not be compromised. With that great quality often comes at a higher cost. You have to decide whether you want to sacrifice the quality.
4. Legend
Next on the list is an all-around great option for all your sporting needs. Made to quickly wick the sweat away you will stay dry during periods of sweat. While the shirt will also dry quickly when using it in the water.
Chaffing
Chaffing is an age-old skin irritation that can now be prevented. With a garment selection such as this, you get a form-fitting option to reduce the amount of chaffing that can occur.
All Year Option
Many who have selected this product have decided to wear it on land and in the water. The materials that are chosen by the manufacturer have been found to keep you warm during the offseason as well.
Cost and Value
Here is an option that will definitely give you your money worth. As you can use it for all your sport, work, or exercise needs. Making this one of the most efficient options we have looked at yet.
5. DRSKIN
The next selection has plenty in store for the user as well. The material blend provides plenty of durable attributes while still remaining breathable.
Durable
Made from a combination of polyester and spandex you get a comfortable fit with a high level of durability. This garment selection is also stretchy enough to reduce the amount of irritation to your skin.
Protective
The manufacturer claims that this has one of the highest UPF ratings available. With the ability to block out 98.8% of the suns harmful rays. That is a rather large amount of protective potential in one small package.
Cost and Value
For a fraction of the cost as most of the others on the list, this option packs a punch. Offering you a high level of sun protection while reducing the amount of irritation to your sensitive skin.
6. Quiksilver
Here is an option designed to give you a snug fit. Which is perfect for catching the next wave. With a short sleeve style, you can freely paddle when you need to.
Short Sleeves
The style of sleeves you have on your gear is an important factor for your activities. Which is why this should be your next choice for paddling or swimming. The sleeves for this option are short so they won't restrict your motions.
Snug Fit
Although some will prefer a less tight feel one that is snug has plenty to offer as well. With a snug fit, you get more freedom of motion. As the material moves with you rather than working against you.
Cost and Value
At an average cost to the consumer, this option has plenty of potential benefits. Allowing you to move more freely when you're out on the waves giving it your all.
7. Tesla
Next, we have an item that gives us a totally fresh look at the subject. You can use this one for lounging on the beach. Offering your skin an amazing amount of protection while keeping you in style.
The Look
This is the first design that we have come to that is offered in hoodie fashion. It is easy to take on and off, as it is also a zip closure design. With the sleek design and colors offered you will be the stylish one on the beach.
Protective
Just because the look is different doesn't mean it has no potential. This has a UPF rating of 50 which is great for blocking the sun. The materials used will offer you resistance to abrasion as they will dry quickly.
Cost and Value
When you want to look great while remaining protected this is the choice for you. With the sleek design style and colors offered you will be hanging on the beach in a stylish fashion.
8. Baleaf
Now comes a garment that was built to suit many sporting needs. The material make-up alone has the potential to be one of the best out there. Many have stated that they hardly realize they have this one on.
4-Way Stretch
When you need to move fabric that is restrictive can be a real pain. Not with this gear selection. The fabric can stretch in four directions making motion a thing of ease.
Flat-Lock Seams
Seams can pose a problem when it comes to rubbing and irritation. In order to prevent this issue, these seams have a slightly different construction style. They have been stitched in the flat-lock fashion, basically ensuring that the seams lay flat. This will reduce the amount of rubbing while you are moving around.
Cost and Value
This particular selection can become the next valuable asset to your watersport gear. The stretching ability of the fabric will allow you to move freely while in the water. The seams will reduce the amount of rubbing that occurs during movement. Making this one potentially great purchase.
9. Sanabul Essentials
The next one we come to offers you some potential health benefits as well as protection. Added to the design of this selection are some amenities used for comfort.
The Benefits
Not only can this be used as a layer of protection it is also beneficial to your overall health. Here is an option that also serves as a compression shirt. Compression shirts are great for promoting good blood flow through your muscles. Which in turn will speed up the time it takes you to recover.
Added Amenities
When the sweat gets the best of you bacteria can start to grow. This can produce some funky odors within your sporting gear. Not with this option, it was built to combat that issue with its antimicrobial properties. Not only that but there are mesh panels included in the underarm area. These panels allow air to circulate reducing the amount of sweat.
Cost and Value
Exceeding the expectations of many, this option will have more than what you have bargained for. Great for your overall recovery and health this option will work just as hard as you do.
10. Hayabusa Metaru
The last one on the list is a game changer for performance. Here is an option that will work to keep you in great physical condition both inside and out. Not to mention the fact that we have found this to be the best looking option thus far.
Performance
When you work hard you expect the same from your equipment. This is exactly what you get from this selection. It will keep the juices flowing while regulating the temperature of your body. Keeping you in pristine condition during your workout.
The Look
All too often the reason a person works out is to achieve the look they want. A gear option such as this can enhance that look tenfold. It is a compression option so you can be sure it will accentuate your muscles to the best of its ability.
Cost and Value
The performance that this offers will cover the higher cost all on its own. Not all of these options are for use in the sun or water. Sometimes we need friction protection while working out as well. This option will deliver when it comes to performance.
