Sunday Edit
  • Beauty
    • Skin
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • Nails
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Health
    • Holistic & Spiritual
    • Love
    • Sex
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Sustainability
    • Culture
    • Fashion
    • Travel
    • Gifts
  • Shop
  • About Us
A woman wearing a multi-color print long sleeve rash guard on a beach.
Amazon

Lifestyle » Fashion

7 Stylish Rash Guards For Your Next Beach Day

Authored by Mellanie Perez
Mellanie Perez
August 18, 2020

If you think a white cotton tee worn over your bikini is protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, think again. The fact is that not all fabrics are created equal. Some are nearly translucent, some are impermeable, and some are UPF 50.

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and has to do with how well a fabric protects your skin from the sun. Fabrics with a UPF of 50 have a very tight weave, like corduroys or dungarees. “The concept of UPF 50 fabrics and swimwear is that you’re getting really powerful protection that’s screening out 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays but that’s a light, breathable, quick-drying fabric,” says Whitney Bowe, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

Not that this excuses the use of sunscreen — you still need to wear it. Most dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours — and even more frequently when exposed to water — but ever since the FDA announced that it was rethinking the safety of most chemical sunscreens out there, dermatologist are advising we protect ourselves with sun-protective clothing. Especially when going to the beach or pool.

Enter: rash guards.

I know, it is hard to turn down the appeal of a bikini worn with a stylish sarong on your next beach outing, but since the National Cancer Institute reports that the rate of new melanoma cases among American adults has tripled since the 1970s, we are not taking the risk.

View this post on Instagram

The longest I’ve ever held my breath is 4 minutes. It certainly wasn’t comfortable (and in the freediving world this even isn’t a lot), but it was and still is a pretty big achievement for me☺️ . Most my passions in life come from this fascination with the duality of comfort and discomfort. As I (attempted to) highline yesterday I realized how consistently stepping between the two brings a greater sense of equilibrium and appreciation to my life. How cool it is what our bodies can do or learn to do, and that maybe this is one of my favorite parts of being human. . This was shot last month while staying at the @westinhapuna on the beautiful #KohalaCoast on the Big Island. Thanks for keeping us extra cozy and well fed on property so we could be our best adventurous selves outside! We dove every morning and it was heavenly 🙂 – Photo by @aliciaunderwater (happy anniversary you two❤️)

A post shared by Chelsea Y.✨🌊 Hawaii + Travel (@chelseakauai) on Sep 13, 2018 at 8:30am PDT

“With sunscreen under close scrutiny and skin cancer on the rise, I’m talking to my clients about sun-protective clothing,” says Bowe. “You don’t have to apply sunscreen anywhere that fabric covers.”

Here are our most stylish recommendations, no matter the adventure.

If You Aren't in the Caribbean but Wish You Were
Amazon

If You Aren't in the Caribbean but Wish You Were

Add a little tropical flair to your beach day — even if you are headed to the Hamptons or another northernmost beach. This style features kangaroo pockets, a full zipper for easy on and off, a high neck and a hoodie (in case beach day turns into rain day or you want less sun to hit your face).

Caracilia Women's UPF 50+ Full Zip Front Long Sleeve Top Rashguard Hoodie Swimsuit
$19.99
SHOP NOW
If You're Also Bringing a Vera Bradley Bag
Cabana Life

If You're Also Bringing a Vera Bradley Bag

For a rash guard that is as cute as anything else you have in your closet, look here. An upgrade from your typical easy summer tee, it features a shoulder zipper that elevates the look while keeping things functional.

Dr. Bowe X Cabana Life Santorini Zipper Rash Guard
$84.00
SHOP NOW
If You'll Be Working Extreme Sports Into The Schedule
Amazon

If You'll Be Working Extreme Sports Into The Schedule

For a surfer look, go with this crew neck cut with a slim fit and traditional tide print. The full zipper makes it easy to take on an off when wet and it adjusts to body temperature.

AXESEA Women Long Sleeve Rash Guard UPF 50+
$27.99
SHOP NOW
If You're Somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea
Amazon

If You're Somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea

If you are bored of the typical crew neck, this rash guard gives the eye a little extra summer-in-Santorini feels, with embroidery at the slit collar. Plus, it can be ruched with side drawstrings.

Cabana Life Women's Long Sleeve Embroidered Ruched Rash Guard
$45.99
SHOP NOW
If You'll Be Sitting Under an Umbrella With Your Beach Read
Amazon

If You'll Be Sitting Under an Umbrella With Your Beach Read

Some people do not like to take risks, even in their selection of rash guard. So, opt for this solid colored style with ruched sides — just pull the cord to convert from dress to shirt.

Sbart Women's UV Sun Protection Long Sleeve Rash Guard
$17.99
SHOP NOW
If You'll Be Squeezing in a Visit to The Museum
Amazon

If You'll Be Squeezing in a Visit to The Museum

Modern art lovers will flock to this colorful style, which features thumb holes at the cuffs, an anti-glide silicone band to keep it in place as you surf and a shoulder zipper. It features a tight-fit and four-way stretch, for style and comfort.

Platinum Sun Women's Rash Guard Long Sleeve Swimsuit Top
$64.99
SHOP NOW
If You'll Be Running After Kids or Building Sand Castles
Amazon

If You'll Be Running After Kids or Building Sand Castles

With padded cups for comfort, this top features a color block design with a crewneck and tribal print that will provide a pop of color to any swim outfit.

lopie Women's Long Sleeves Rash Guard
$24.98
SHOP NOW

We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.

Lifestyle Fashion

Sundays should be special.

Sign up for the Sunday Edit newsletter to stay in-the-know on all things skincare and beyond.

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Most Popular

  • How to Cleanse Your House in 10 Easy Steps

  • What to Do When You’re Bored at Home Alone

  • 5 Apps to Stay in Touch With Friends

Read More
A woman shields herself from the harsh sunlight.

How the New FDA Sunscreen Regulations Affect You

By Mellanie Perez
A young woman sitting on the beach.

Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen; What’s Right for You

By Daley Quinn
A woman wearing a natural straw hat and black bikini floats on an inflatable pizza at the beach.

A Dermatologist on the SPF Trend that Does Not Work

By Drew Carlos
A woman free diving in a bikini swimming underwater in a tropical blue ocean.

These Drugstore Sunscreens are Non-Toxic — And Under $50

By Mellanie Perez
by
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop
  • About Us
  • Our Contributors
  • Terms + Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Contact Us
Make Sundays special! Stay in the loop on all things skincare (and beyond) with our weekly newsletter.
© 2023 Sunday Edit

We use cookies to ensure that you have the best experience on our site. By continuing to use our site, you accept the use of cookies. Learn more here

heart-envelope-email

No more Sunday scaries.

Make Sundays special again! Sign up for the Sunday Edit newsletter to stay in-the-know on topics that spark a conversation for everyone.
No Thank You!

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy