The Best Snorkeling Shirts/Rashguards Review
If you’re planning a trip to the beach or to snorkel in Hawaii, you might be wondering what you need to pack for your trip.
The obvious things you’ll need are a good pair of swim trunks and some reef-safe sunscreen, but there’s actually something that a lot of people don’t consider. Something to provide your skin extra protection from the elements and nature.
But what should that something be? A rashguard/snorkeling shirt/sun shirt is an excellent choice!
Our Top Picks For Best Snorkeling Shirts:
Many people don’t understand why they need a rashguard when snorkeling. It’s not just about keeping your skin protected from sunburns while you’re in the water, but also protecting yourself against stings and bites from jellyfish or other sea creatures that might get too close!
See also: The Best Snorkeling Shoes Guide
The best rashguards are made of flexible material that stretches well and dries quickly after getting wet. They protect against UV rays (50+ Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF), which means they will help prevent burns on your skin (even when it’s wet).
We’ve done our research and have tested many different brands of rashguards so that we can share with you only the very best options available today! Below I’ll walk through our top picks for men and women.
Note: I have included a buying guide section towards the end of the article explaining why it’s essential to wear a rashguard while snorkeling. I have also provided more information on what to look for when choosing a snorkeling shirt.
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Best Rashguards for Women
ATTraco Women’s Long Sleeve Rashguard
Material: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex
SPF Protection: UPF 50+
If you’re looking for a stylish rashguard that will also protect you from the sun, the ATTraco Women’s Rashguard is an excellent option.
The design is delicate and feminine, which we like. We also love that it’s made from high-quality material and does not chafe when you move around.
It’s made from specially designed fabric that also dries quickly and protects you from UV rays, making it perfect for water sports and snorkeling!
Why we love this rashguard:
✅ Sun protection: UPF 50+: The Attraco Women’s Rashguard offers protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, and protection that will not absorb into your skin (like how sunscreen does).
I have personally worn this shirt on a two-week trip to Hawaii and can confirm that I did not get sunburnt.
✅ Made from Lightweight and Stretchy Material: This rashguard offers a soft feel against your skin without losing its shape. It is excellent for all types of users because it won’t inhibit movement due to it being an ultra-stretchy material.
✅ Quick to Dry: Because of the material, this rashguard dries quickly after being in contact with water, so you don’t have to worry about wearing damp clothing.
✅ Flattering on ALL body types: This rashguard shirt offers a flattering cut that accentuates curves and hides the things you don’t want to show off.
✅ Sleeve length: Long enough to cover the shoulders and arms
✅ Durable Stitching: This is what holds the shirt together and prevents it from coming apart or losing its shape. This rashguard has a high-quality stitch that does not irritate your skin.
Cons:
❌Sizing Issues: There were multiple mixed reviews from customers stating that this rashguard is not true to size. Most of these reviews came from women who wear sizes Large+.
The reviews were a little conflicting, as some mentioned that it runs small and others mentioned that the sizing runs large.
I usually wear a size small, 34B and weigh about 125 pounds. I ordered the size small and it fits perfectly fine.
Please reference the sizing chart on Amazon and order the size you believe is best for you. If the sizing is off you can always return it for a different size.
O’Neill Women’s Basic Skins Short Sleeve Sun Shirt
Material: Polyester, Spandex
SPF Protection: UPF 50+ Ultraviolet Protection
This is the best option for those of you who love a sleeveless option. It’s lightweight and ideal for warmer weather.
It has an excellent feminine fit that flatters your body type and won’t get in the way of your range of motion.
I wore this shirt while snorkeling at Two Step Beach on the Big Island and some of Oahu’s best snorkeling spots, and it worked great.
Why we love this rashguard:
✅ Sun Protection: The O’Neill Women’s Sun Shirt offers UV protection of UPF 50+ to protect your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays.
✅ Functional Stitching: The stitching on this rashguard is designed to prevent chafing, sticking, or harmful rubbing against your skin while you are out in the water.
✅Quick-Drying Material: It’s made from a material specifically engineered to dry quickly, making it comfortable to wear even after swimming.
✅ Comfortable and Durable: Soft and stretchy material that is designed to last with breathable stitching to protect from rubbing or irritating your skin.
✅ Slim Fit: Not baggy or too large. It’s designed to be form-fitting and flattering on any body type.
Cons:
❌Misleading Color: There were multiple reviews stating that the sea glass color is not the same mint color shown as the picture on Amazon.
The color shown in the image is much brighter than what you receive (more green color than aqua).
❌ Size Issues: There were multiple reviews from customers who stated that the sizing was off. Most of these reviews mentioned that the shirt was too small, even after ordering 1-2 sizes larger than they usually wear.
It’s worth noting that this shirt is a tight-fitting shirt, but it’s not too tight. If you are looking for a looser shirt, this might not be the best fit for you.
Again, I wear a small and have this shirt in size small and it fits perfectly fine. I think it all comes down to personal preference.
Best Rashguards for Men
O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Rash Guard
Material: Spandex, Polyester
SPF Protection: UPF 50+ Ultraviolet Protection
This shirt is perfect for men that want a short sleeve shirt that offers a flattering cut and a lightweight material that dries quickly.
Why we love this rashguard:
✅ Sun Protection: UV protection UPF 50+ to protect your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays.
✅ Functional Stitching: The stitching on this rashguard is designed to prevent chafing, sticking, or harmful rubbing against your skin.
✅ Comfortable and Durable: Soft and breathable material that is designed to last.
✅Extra Stretchy: Designed with 4-way stretch fabric to give you a greater range of motion without chafing or irritating your skin.
✅Quick Drying Material: This shirt was made with a high-quality material designed to dry quickly.
Cons:
❌ Size Issues: There were multiple reviews from customers stating that the size runs small.
Quiksilver Men’s Solid Streak Long Sleeve Rashguard
If you prefer a looser fit, this is the rashguard for you. It has the perfect fit that will flatter your body type.
Material: 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane
SPF Protection: UPF 50+ Ultraviolet Protection
Why we love this rashguard:
✅Sun Protection: UV protection UPF 50+ to protect your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays.
✅ Functional Stitching: The stitching on this rashguard is designed to prevent chafing, sticking, or harmful rubbing against your skin.
✅ Comfortable and Durable: Soft and stretchy material that is designed to last, with breathable stitching to protect from rubbing or irritating your skin.
✅ Quick Drying Material: This shirt was made with a high-quality material designed to dry quickly.
Cons:
❌ Sizing Issues: Multiple customers left reviews stating that the sizing was off. Most of these customers mentioned that the shirt runs large.
Different Types of Snorkeling Rashguards
Below are the most common types of rashguards:
Upper Body Rashguard
The upper body swim shirt will cover your chest, back, and/or arms and shoulders (depending on the sleeve length) so you can be confident that you won’t get sunburnt or severely stung by a jellyfish.
You have the option of choosing a tight or loose-fitting shirt. Depending on your preferences, you can also choose from a long sleeve shirt or a short sleeve shirt.
Full Body Rashguard
This rashguard type is designed to provide more coverage than the rashguard shirt. These usually are tight-fitting and can be partial or full leg, depending on your preferences.
They are similar to a wetsuit, but are much lighter and thinner and do not provide as much warmth as a wetsuit.
Rashguard Shorts
The rashguard swim shorts are similar to regular swim shorts that you would typically wear.
They will provide protection from the sun, but they offer less coverage than a full body rashguard.
They help prevent chafing and rashes, so they are perfect for activities like surfing or snorkeling.
Of course, there are many other types of rashguards for water sports depending on what you will be doing, but these are the most common types.
Things to Look for When Purchasing a Rashguard
There are many factors to consider here, but it mainly comes down to your personal preference and the activity you will be doing.
✅Fit: You want a shirt that fits tightly but not too tight if you do water activities such as snorkeling. You should be able to move easily and comfortably in the shirt.
✅A tight-fitting rashguard will not ride up as much as a loose-fitting one.
A loose-fitting rashguard is perfect for non-water activities such as lounging at the pool, going to the beach, or just running around. It’s also perfect for people that do not like tight-fitting clothes!
✅Material: Most rashguard shirts are made of polyester and nylon. These materials do not absorb water, so if you need a shirt that dries quickly this is the material you’ll want to purchase. Another good option is stretchy lycra, neoprene, or spandex if you want a shirt with more freedom of movement.
Make sure the material is comfortable and flexible enough for you.
✅Protection from the Sun: You want a shirt that protects you from the sun not only on land but also when you’re splashing around in the ocean. Choose a shirt that offers UPF of 50+ for maximum protection. This is especially important for people who are fair-skinned or have sensitive skin.
To learn more about UPF Rating you can visit this article from REI.
✅Sleeve Length: If you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun, you might want to get a shirt with long sleeves.
✅Thermal Protection: Some shirts also give you thermal protection in the colder months. If you are doing winter sports such as surfing, consider getting a rashguard with wind-resistant or thermal properties. This will help maintain your body temperature when you’re out in the cold water.
✅Stitching: Ensure that the stitching does not irritate or poke into your skin, especially if you are wearing this shirt for long periods of time! Ensure that the stitching lies flat and is not scratchy against your skin.
✅Gender: Make sure to get a rashguard designed for your gender type. This is important because the fit is different based on your body type. Try to avoid the Unisex ones and go for ones designed specifically for men or women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UV Snorkeling Shirt/Rashguard?
Rashguards are also sometimes referred to as sun shirts or swim shirts. They are mostly made of nylon, lycra, or polyester and offer UV protection so they can prevent you from getting sunburnt while snorkeling in the sun.
A rashguard gives you comfort, is typically stretchy and provides coverage when in the sun. They dry quickly after getting wet, making them perfect to wear while surfing or snorkeling!
Why Should You Wear a Snorkeling Shirt?
Rashguards help protect you while in the water by repelling water (instead of absorbing it like many other fabrics), which means that they stay light and dry quickly, helping to prevent chafing.
They are designed to be worn underneath your PFD during windsurfing sessions, but also snorkeling or even kayaking!
They cover your skin to protect you from the sun, jellyfish stings, scratches, cuts, rashes, or any other irritation that might occur when in the water.
They are also great at wicking moisture away from your body, keeping you cool and dry!
Do You Need a Rashguard to Snorkel?
The short answer is no, you do not need a rashguard to snorkel, but if you do a lot of snorkeling you might want to consider investing in one.
Or, if you want to be eco-friendly, a rashguard is a great item to add to your packing list.
A rashguard will protect you from the sun, which means that you don’t have to apply sunscreen to the covered areas. If you don’t already know, Hawaii now requires reef-safe sunscreen. This is good for you and the environment, which is especially great if you’re snorkeling in a reef area like Hawaii.
If a jellyfish tentacle has ever grazed you, you know how painful it can be! A rashguard can prevent this from happening to you while swimming around in the ocean.
Do You Wear a Life Vest While Snorkeling?
It depends on many factors, such as where you are snorkeling and how deep the water is. Are you an experienced swimmer? Is a life jacket required where you are snorkeling?
For me personally, I have worn a life jacket 80% of the time while snorkeling in some of the places on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.
I chose to wear one because I am not a strong swimmer. On the other hand, my boyfriend doesn’t wear one unless it’s a requirement.
When in doubt, opt for a life vest!
Does a Rashguard Keep You Warm?
A rashguard is not designed to keep you warm. You will still need a wetsuit if you are in very cold water.
A Typical rashguard/swim shirt is not thick or strong enough to keep you warm.
The Verdict: The Best Snorkeling Shirts/Rashguards
In conclusion, the best snorkeling shirt is one that not only protects your skin from harmful rays but also is comfortable.
A good snorkeling shirt will dry quickly and will offer UV protection of UPF 50+. If you are looking for the perfect rashguard, the below options will not disappoint:
ATTraco Women’s Long Sleeve Rashguard
O’Neill Women’s Basic Skins Upf 50+ Short Sleeve Sun Shirt
Quiksilver Men’s Solid Streak Long Sleeve Rashguard
O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Rash Guard
Thank you for reading our post, and happy snorkeling!
