If there’s a better way to spend a relaxing summer day than hitting the beach with your buddies, your grill, and a cooler full of cold ones, then we’d like to know it. But in our hurry to make the most of the day, we often neglect to look after our bodies. Of course, we don’t always know about it until the following day.
For surfers or paddleboarders, the abrasion from being up and down on your board can be like sandpaper against your skin, and we’ve all learned about the dangers of UV damage. We can layer up with the right sunscreen all we want — and you definitely should — but sometimes we need a little more protection. These swim tops and rash guards are the best choices for summer beach wear this year to protect your torso from the sun, wind, sand, and waves.
Quiksilver All-Time Short Sleeve Rashguard
Put your trust in a brand that knows a thing or two about delivering the best surfing gear on the market. This short sleeve rash guard has stood the test of time, protecting you against those harsh UV rays, as well as from your surfboard, wetsuit, any anything else you come up against.
Rip Curl Wettie Logo Short Sleeve UV Shirt
Now, we love a swim shirt that is as functional as it is stylish. The Rip Curl Wettie looks and wears like a normal t-shirt but is equally at home whether you’re lounging on the beach or hitting the surf. The best part about the Wettie? It’s UV protective, made for those long days under the big blue.
Speedo Easy Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt
Speedo seems like a no-brainer when it comes to the best swimming gear out there, from your trunks to this handy and protective long-sleeve shirt built with UPF50+ protection. Wear it all day long to shield your skin from harmful rays. Consider picking up multiple options for your next beach getaway, too.
O'Neill Hyperfreak Rashguard
If you want a close-fitting, long-sleeve rash guard, then look no further than the O’Neill Hyperfreak. This UPF 50-rated rashguard is designed to help your body regulate temperature effectively when you’re in and out of the water.
Vuori Long-Sleeve Uluwatu 2.0 Water Shirt
There are any number of watersports you can engage in, from surfing to plain old swimming and, of course, boating or hopping on a jet ski. For a day on the water that involves a bit of everything, get this performance water shirt with an athletic fit and versatile design.
NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt
This polyester/spandex blended shirt is UPF 50+ protective, keeping you safe for long days out on the beach or paddleboarding. As a paddlesports brand, NRS has positioned the seams of the H2Core shirt in a way that reduces friction, whether you’re swimming, paddling, or just having a chilled day on the beach.
TYR SunDefence Hooded Shirt
It’s not always tropical weather when you hit the beach, but you still need protection from those harsh UV rays. The TYR SunDefense Hooded Shirt is a break from your traditional rash guard, providing UV protection from a more relaxed feeling, super lightweight hooded top. This is a great choice if you’re hitting the beach for your early morning workout.
Patagonia R0 Long-Sleeve Shirt
Patagonia is assuredly best known for trail-ready hiking and camping gear, but it turns out that it’s quite useful to have a swim shirt from the legendary outdoor brand on your person as well. It offers plenty of mobility and weather-ready protection and comfort.
NRS HydroSkin
This heavier-duty rash guard from NRS is made with a hydrophobic neoprene inner. This makes the NRS HydroSkin the ideal beach t-shirt of choice for those early-season days when the water is too warm to need a wetsuit but still has a bite to it.
