Shop from five categories of rash guards for ultimate skin protection and style.

Rash Guards For Women

If you’re planning to participate in water activities or all-day beach affairs during your summer vacation, you’ll want to pack a rash guard. This is a garment made to protect your skin from the sun and other irritations, like salt water, and surf or paddle boards. However, just because something is protective doesn’t mean it can’t be fashionable! Here are our shopping suggestions for stylish rash guards.

Best Long Sleeve Rash Guards

Rash guards with long sleeves protect your arms and keep your body warmer than short-sleeved rash guards. This will be a major benefit if you plan to be under water, especially for activities like scuba diving.

1.

Citrus 1/4-Zip Long-Sleeve Rashguard – UPF 50+ Sun Protection

Shop Now at Neiman Marcus

This rash guard features a one-quarter zip front, giving it adjustable coverage.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

2.

Cossie + Co The Leigh Long Sleeve Rash Guard

Shop Now at Matches

Feminine gathered sleeves are our favorite part of this rash guard by Cossie + Co.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

3.

La Blanca Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Top

Shop Now at Amazon

A striking aspect of this rash guard is the dramatic black and white floral print.

Find Matching Swimsuit HERE

4.

Marysia Swamis Scalloped Recycled Seersucker Rash Guard

Shop Now at Net-a-Porter

This full-coverage rash guard by Marysia resembles a timeless black turtleneck, and we love the scallop trim.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

5.

Sea Level Swim Wildside Long Sleeve Rash Vest

Shop Now at Neiman Marcus

Take a trip on the wild side in our favorite leopard print rash guard.

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6.

Tommy Bahama Tropi-calling Half-zip Rash Guard

Shop Now at Neiman Marcus

We love the relaxing tropical print of this rash guard by Tommy Bahama.

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7.

Roxy Sea Skippin’ Rash Guard

Shop Now at Nordstrom

This bold floral-printed rash guard features our favorite tropical colors on a black background.

Find Matching Swimsuit HERE

8.

Cover Swim Scalloped Stretch Recycled Rash Guard

Shop Now at Net-a-Porter

Navy is a beautiful color choice when you’re surrounded by bright blue skies and clear water.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

Best Short Sleeve Rash Guards

Short sleeved rash guards will restrict your arm movement less and keep your body cooler. This is important for activities where the sun may be beating down on you.

1.

Johnny Was Mayflower Short sleeve Surf Shirt

Shop Now at Bergdorf Goodman

This short sleeve rash guard by Johnny Was features fun butterflies, flowers, and tropical leopard print.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

2.

Roxy Whole Hearted Short Sleeve Rash Guard

Shop Now at Nordstrom

With the Roxy signature logo, this rash guard is classic and casual.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

3.

Body Glove Women’s Standard Smoothies in-Motion Solid Short Sleeve Rash Guard with UPF 50+

Shop Now at Amazon

You’ll look easy-going in this low-profile rash guard by Body Glove, available in so many bright colors.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

4.

Sea Level Swim Short Sleeve Multifit Rash Vest

Shop Now at Neiman Marcus

This rash guard is extra supportive, including an internal bra sheath with cups.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

5.

Johnny Was Nanya Short Sleeve Surf Shirt

Shop Now at Bergdorf Goodman

The colorful eclectic print of this Johnny Was surf shirt, including florals and geometric pattern, is exciting and vibrant.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

Best Cropped Rash Guards

Wearing a cropped rash guard is one of the best ways to protect your skin while keeping up with swimwear fashion. Combined with a high-waisted or even a low-rise bikini bottom, you’re sure to stay on trend.

1.

Out From Under Pacifica Rash Guard Cropped Top

Shop Now at Urban Outfitters

You’re sure to turn heads in this bright pink color-blocked rash guard cropped top! Our favorite detail is the cutout at the front.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

2.

Citrus Cropped Crossover Rash Guard

Shop Now at Neiman Marcus

With a flattering crossover silhouette, this cropped rash guard is in a beautiful deep jade green with a subtle floral print.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

3.

Vitamin A Cleo Keyhole-back Rash Guard

Shop Now at Bergdorf Goodman

A truly special rash guard with a tan colorblock design and trendy keyhole back.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

4.

Seea Palomar Crop Top Rash Guard

Shop Now at Free People

The Palomar Crop Top rash guard is available in tons of fun prints, and the eco-friendly fabric is UPF 30+ to 50+.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

5.

Peony Gingham Stretch-econyl Rash Guard

Shop Now at Net-a-Porter

Burgundy and pink gingham checks made this cropped rash guard a true classic fit for a vintage-style beauty. 

Find Matching Bottom HERE

Best Zip Up Rash Guards

Rash guards that zip up are an excellent choice because of their ease when putting them on and taking them off. These rash guards can be worn just like a jacket, giving you the option to wear more or fewer layers.

1.

Tommy Bahama Island Cays Tropical Long Sleeve Rash Guard

Shop Now at Bergdorf Goodman

This is the rash guard you need for your tropical vacation, with beautiful foliage and hibiscus flowers on a deep blue background.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

2.

Tommy Bahama Island Cays Full Zip Piqué Rash Guard

Shop Now at Nordstrom

You can’t go wrong with a simple black zip-up rash guard that will match all of your swimsuits.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

3.

Sea Level Swim 3/4-sleeve Multi-fit Rash Guard Top

Shop Now at Neiman Marcus

With a timeless striped pattern, this rash guard will support your chest with an internal bra with cups.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

4.

Gigi C Bikinis Missy Surf Jacket

Shop Now at Gigi C Bikinis

Missy Surf Jacket is so stylish, with its black and white color blocking, and can double as a trendy top for your entire vacation.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

5.

Tommy Bahama Scrolls Full-zip Long Sleeve Rash Guard

Shop Now at Bergdorf Goodman

The scroll print on this Tommy Bahama zip-up rash guard features a refreshing blue color on a pure white background, perfect for an afternoon in the water.

Find Matching Bottom HERE

Pro Tip

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Rash guards are made from synthetic materials such as nylon, neoprene, and spandex. This enables the fabric to stretch and give a skintight fit, but can be difficult to put on if it’s still wet. When wet, gently roll it off your body to remove and roll it up or down to put it back on. For a one-piece, get it on your hips first and then roll up; for a top, shimmy it on to your shoulders and then roll down.

Best Rash Guard Swimsuits

Nothing beats the simplicity of a one piece, including when it comes to rash guards. There’s no need to worry about coordinating colors with a rash guard swimsuit in both long and short sleeves.

1.

Mara Hoffman Reese Long-sleeve Surf Suit

Shop Now at Neiman Marcus

You’ll look like a walking work of art in this “Reese” rash guard, featuring long sleeves and a back zipper.

2.

Cover Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swimsuit

Shop Now at Shopbop

The coral color of this rash guard swimsuit is brighter than a neon sign, with a convenient front zipper.

3.

Camilla Xanadu Rising One-Piece Paddle Suit

Shop Now at Neiman Marcus

This is a truly glamorous paddlesuit from Camilla, with hand-placed crystals adorning its wild animal print.

4.

Sea Level Short Sleeve Front Zip One-Piece Swimsuit

Shop Now at Nordstrom

Perfect for a casual look, this swimsuit has sporty short sleeves and powermesh support.

5.

LoveShackFancy Olessia Floral Rash Guard

Shop Now at Neiman Marcus

In classic LoveShackFancy fashion, the Olessia rash guard is sweet and feminine with pastel floral fabric.

FAQ

1. What do you wear under a rash guard?

It’s up to do what you’d like to wear underneath your rash guard — if anything. Some women may appreciate wearing a swimsuit or bikini top as their first layer, especially if they rely on the support of an underwire. However, it’s also fine to wear your rash guard solo.

2. Are rash guards supposed to be tight?

A skintight rash guard is recommended as the most comfortable fit for water activities, as this should minimize any possible chaffing. Try on your rash guard to make sure that it’s not so tight that it’s uncomfortable to wear, or puts stress on the seams.

3. How to care for your rash guard?

  • Because chlorine and sunscreen can cause discoloration, rinse your rash guard after every wear 
  • Use gentle biodegradable soap, and never bleach or harsh chemicals
  • Hang to air dry instead of tumble dry, as heat can weaken the fabric
  • Be careful not to snag the fabric with sharp objects like rocks or long fingernails

All products featured on Viva Cabana are independently selected by our editorial team, and the company may earn commission through affiliate links.