Do Rash Guards Protect You From the Sun?

Yes, a rash guard protects you from the sun as long as it carries a UPF rating, and a UPF 50+ layer blocks about 98 percent of UV rays across the skin it covers. The catch is that the protection comes from the rating and the fabric, not from the label "rash guard" alone.

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, the fabric equivalent of SPF for sunscreen. A UPF 50+ shirt lets less than 2 percent of UV reach your skin, and unlike sunscreen it does not wash off, sweat off, or need reapplying every two hours. On the water, where glare bounces up off the surface and doubles your exposure, that steady coverage matters.

A rash guard covers the areas people most often miss or burn: shoulders, upper back, and the tops of the arms. It also cuts down on chafing from a board deck, a PFD, or a wetsuit, which is where the name came from in the first place.

Two things to remember. First, protection only covers the skin under the fabric, so you still need sunscreen on your face, neck, ears, and the backs of your hands. Second, a wet, stretched-out cotton tee is not a rash guard: choose a snug technical layer with a stated UPF rating.

The NIXY Women's Rash Guard UPF 50+ ($29) is built for exactly this: a rated UPF 50+ layer for paddleboarding, kayaking, and long days in full sun. A men's version covers the same ground.

Frequently asked questions

What UPF rating should a rash guard have?

Look for UPF 50+, which blocks about 98 percent of UV rays. UPF 30 to 49 is good, and UPF 15 to 29 is basic. Anything without a stated UPF rating offers unknown protection, so check the label before you rely on it.

Do I still need sunscreen with a rash guard?

Yes. A rash guard only protects the skin it covers. Apply a water-resistant sunscreen to exposed areas like your face, neck, ears, and hands, and reapply through the day.

Does a rash guard work when it is wet?

A quality UPF rash guard keeps most of its protection when wet, unlike a thin cotton shirt, whose protection drops sharply once it soaks through and stretches. Choose a snug technical fabric made for the water.