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Rashguards

Rashguards

Rashguards

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Buy UPF 50+ rashguards and UV shirts for snorkeling and scuba diving in Canada — long-sleeve and short-sleeve styles for men, women, and kids. A rashguard worn in the water provides more reliable UV protection than sunscreen, never washes off, and doubles as a base layer under a wetsuit to prevent chafing. All styles in our range are rated UPF 50+ and are suitable for snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, paddling, and beach use. 

Choosing a rashguard or UV shirt for me and my family

What to look for in a rashguard or UV shirt

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is a rashguard better than sunscreen for snorkeling?

For areas it covers, yes — a UPF 50+ rashguard is more reliable than sunscreen in the water. Sunscreen washes off, degrades with sun exposure, and requires reapplication every 60 to 90 minutes in water. A rashguard provides consistent UPF 50+ protection for the entire time you are wearing it, with no reapplication. The practical approach is to use both: a long-sleeve rashguard for the torso, arms, and hands, and reef-safe mineral sunscreen for any exposed skin such as the face, neck, and legs. See our reef-safe sunscreen for options that won't harm the reef.

Can I wear a rashguard in cold water?

A rashguard on its own provides negligible thermal protection — it is not a substitute for a wetsuit in cold water. In cool but not cold conditions, such as mild tropical water, a long-sleeve rashguard may add a small amount of comfort at the surface. For Canadian waters or any diving where thermal protection is required, a wetsuit is necessary. A rashguard worn under a wetsuit is popular for the chafing prevention and easy donning/doffing benefits, not for extra warmth.

How do I care for my rashguard?

Rinse your rashguard thoroughly with fresh water after every use in salt water or a chlorinated pool. Salt and chlorine degrade the elastane fibres that give the fabric its stretch over time. Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent — avoid fabric softener, which breaks down the fibres faster. Do not wring the fabric out; instead press out excess water gently. Air dry in the shade — prolonged direct sunlight fades the fabric and degrades the UPF rating over time. Do not tumble dry.

Is a rashguard the same as a UV shirt?

Yes — rashguards and UV shirts are essentially the same thing, they both provide excellent protection from sun exposure. Rashguards and UV shirts are popular for all kids of activities including surfing, kayaking, SUP, stand up paddleboard, and everyday wear on the surface.