Top Rash Guard Brands for Optimal Comfort and Style

When it comes to selecting the best rash guards, quality and comfort are paramount considerations. These protective garments are essential for a variety of water sports, offering sun protection and reducing skin irritation. Numerous brands on the market offer top-notch options that marry functionality with style, making them a favorite among water enthusiasts. To find out which brands have made the cut in our list of top recommendations, read on below.

Illustration of rash guard

Best brands of rash guard in 2025

Rip Curl

Rip Curl is a prominent brand in the rash guard market, known for its high-quality, sun-protective, and comfortable athletic wear. The global rash guard market, which includes brands like Rip Curl, was valued at $9.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $12.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.4%. Rip Curl's products, such as rash guards, are popular among surfers and swimmers due to their UV50 sun protection and durable materials like polyester and elastane. The brand's focus on technological advancements and stylish designs has contributed to its strong market presence, particularly in regions like North America and the Asia-Pacific. Swimming is a leading application for rash guards, and Rip Curl's products are well-regarded in this segment.

O'Neill

O'Neill is a leading brand in the rash guard market, renowned for its high-quality, sun-protective clothing that offers exceptional comfort and protection against the sun's harmful rays, sand, salt, and chafing. Their rash guards, available in various sleeve lengths and styles, are designed for water sports enthusiasts and provide UV50 sun protection, ensuring no sunburn. The brand's commitment to innovative designs and materials, such as flat seam construction and comfortable fits, has made it a favorite among athletes. As part of the growing athleisure trend, O'Neill's products contribute to the rash guard market's projected growth to $12.7 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 3.4%. O'Neill's focus on style, comfort, and protection has solidified its position as a key player in the market.

Roxy

Roxy is a prominent brand in the rash guard market, known for its high-quality and stylish products. The Roxy rashguard stands out with its UPF 50+ protection and a high polyester percentage of 92%, enhancing its chlorine resistance. This garment is popular for its snug fit and eye-catching designs, such as the heart graphic on the front. Roxy's rash guards are favored for their comfort and performance, making them a top choice for swimming and other water-based activities. The brand's focus on innovation and customer preferences has contributed to its strong presence in the market since its inception. For a detailed comparison and expert review of top SPF 50 rashguards, you can visit SwimOutlet's official blog.

Billabong

Billabong is a prominent brand in the rash guard market, known for its high-quality athletic shirts that provide UV50 sun protection and comfort. The brand caters to surf, skate, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of rash guards that are popular for their stylish attributes and functional benefits such as odor resistance and high comfort. In the context of the broader rash guard market, valued at $9.1 billion in 2021 and projected to reach $12.7 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 3.4%, Billabong's products are particularly favored for swimming and surfing applications. The brand's online sales, although experiencing fluctuations, highlight its strong presence in the market. Billabong's rash guards are available through various distribution channels, including online platforms like Zappos.

Quiksilver

Quiksilver is a leading brand in the rash guard market, known for its high-quality, innovative products that offer superior sun protection and comfort. Their rash guards, such as the Everyday UPF 50 Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve models, are made from a recycled polyester-elastane blend, providing UV50+ sun protection and moisture-wicking properties. These products are engineered to be chlorine resistant and feature a snug fit, making them ideal for surfing, swimming, and other water activities. Quiksilver's commitment to using recycled materials aligns with the growing demand for sustainable apparel. The brand's products are popular among both athletes and casual users, contributing to the overall growth of the rash guard market, which is projected to reach $12.7 billion by 2031.

Patagonia

Patagonia stands out as a leading producer of rash guards, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Since 2019, Patagonia has been launching products with DWR finishes made without intentionally added PFAS, a significant step towards environmental and health safety. By Fall 2024, 99% of Patagonia's fabric with water-repellent chemistries is made without PFAS. Their rash guards, such as the Women's Swell Seeker Rashguard, are made from 83% recycled nylon or polyester, ensuring both durability and eco-friendliness. Patagonia's products are also Fair Trade Certified, supporting ethical labor practices.

Under Armour

Under Armour is a prominent player in the rash guard market, known for its high-quality athletic apparel. The brand has seen significant growth, with apparel sales accounting for approximately 66.5% of its worldwide revenue in the financial year ended March 31, 2024. Under Armour's focus on performance products and its response to consumer preferences for active lifestyles have contributed to its success. The company's footwear segment, which includes running shoes that lead in sales, also complements its apparel offerings. Under Armour's global net sales exceeded $5 billion for the first time in 2018, reflecting its strong market presence.

Hurley

Hurley is a prominent brand in the rash guard market, known for its high-quality and performance-driven products. The brand is part of the broader market that was valued at $9.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $12.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.4%. Hurley's rash guards are popular for their UV50 sun protection and comfort, making them a favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The brand's products are segmented into various types, including T-shirts and shirts, which held a significant share in the market in 2021. With its strong presence in North America, Hurley contributes to the region's dominance in the rash guard market. For more details about Hurley's lineup, you can explore their rash guards collection.

Volcom

Volcom is a prominent brand in the rash guard market, known for its high-quality, sun-protective, and abrasion-resistant athletic shirts. The brand offers a variety of rash guards, including long-sleeve and short-sleeve options, which provide UV50 sun protection, a crucial feature for surfers and athletes. Volcom's products are made from materials like polyester and elastane, ensuring durability and comfort. The global rash guard market, which includes brands like Volcom, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2022 to 2031, reaching $12.7 billion by 2031. Volcom's commitment to innovative designs and functional features contributes significantly to the market's growth.

Nike

Nike is a leading producer of rash guards, known for its high-quality athletic wear that combines comfort, protection, and style. In the global rash guard market, which was valued at $9.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $12.7 billion by 2031, Nike's innovative designs and marketing strategies, such as the "Da Ding" campaign, have significantly contributed to the market's growth. The company's products are popular among both men and women, with the women's segment expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period. Nike's rash guards are particularly favored for swimming, which held nearly two-fifths of the global market share in 2021. The brand's strong presence in North America, which holds more than two-fifths of the global rash guard market, further solidifies its position as a market leader. For more information on their products, you can visit their official rash guards page.