Rashguards

UPF 50+ — what it means and why it matters
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how much UV radiation passes through a fabric to your skin. A UPF 50+ rating blocks over 98% of UV radiation — the highest rating available and significantly more effective than sunscreen, which degrades in water and requires reapplication. Unlike sunscreen, a rashguard provides consistent protection for as long as it is worn, with no top-up needed. All rashguards and UV shirts we carry are rated UPF 50+.

Long-sleeve vs. short-sleeve
Long-sleeve rashguards protect the arms and the backs of the hands — the areas most exposed while snorkeling face-down at the surface with arms extended forward. For snorkeling and extended surface time, long-sleeve is the better choice. Short-sleeve styles suit activities where arm mobility is the priority, such as surfing or paddleboarding, or for use as a beach cover-up. Either style protects the torso and shoulders, which are the highest-burn areas during surface swimming.

Fit — snug for in-water use
Rashguards are designed to fit snugly — closer to the body than a regular t-shirt. A loose rashguard will drag and flap in the water once wet, which is uncomfortable and creates resistance. If you plan to wear the rashguard under a wetsuit, a close fit is especially important as excess fabric bunches under neoprene. For purely on-land or beach use, you can size up for a more relaxed fit. Check the sizing notes on each product page — fit varies between styles.

Under a wetsuit — chafing prevention and comfort
Wearing a rashguard under a wetsuit eliminates chafing from neoprene seams at the neck, wrists, and ankles — a significant comfort improvement on multi-dive days. It also makes the wetsuit easier to slide on and off, particularly in full-body wetsuits with tight ankles and wrists. The thermal benefit is minimal — a standard rashguard adds very little insulation — but the comfort benefit is substantial. Many divers keep their rashguard on between dives and simply pull the wetsuit over it.