Women's Wetsuits & Rash Guards
Sun protection or insulating warmth, our women's rash guards and wetsuits have you covered.
Rash Guards vs Wetsuits: Which One Do You Need?
A rash guard and a wetsuit solve two different problems. A rash guard is a lightweight, form-fitting top that shields your skin from sun exposure, sand, and board abrasion during water activities. A wetsuit uses neoprene to add insulation and buoyancy in cooler water.
- Rash guard: a lightweight top, often UPF 50+, in short-sleeve and long-sleeve styles for everything from a quick swim to a full day in the sun. Best when you want sun protection and comfort in warm water.
- A wetsuit adds insulation and buoyancy for cooler water and longer sessions in the surf.
Whether you're shopping for a women's rash guard in Canada or building your kit from scratch, sleeve length, coverage, and cut vary by brand, including Rip Curl and Roxy, so compare styles side by side to match the fit to how you'll use it.
Women's and men's rash guards are both designed for a close, second-skin fit that minimizes drag and prevents the fabric from bunching in the water. The difference is in torso shaping and length:
- Women's styles typically use princess seams and a contoured bust panel to shape through the chest and waist, with a slightly longer torso length to prevent riding up during movement.
- Men's styles use a straighter, boxier cut through the torso with broader shoulder and chest allowance, and a shorter overall length.
- Sleeve width and shoulder placement are also proportioned differently between the two to match typical build differences.
Do rash guards protect against sunburn?
Yes, a UPF 50+ rash guard blocks the large majority of UV rays across the area it covers, which is why many swimmers layer one over sunscreen for all-day sun exposure.
Should a rash guard be tight or loose?
A rash guard should fit snugly and close to the skin rather than loose, since a tight fit reduces drag in the water, prevents the fabric from bunching, and keeps UV-protective material in consistent contact with the skin.
Can you wear a rash guard as a regular shirt?
A rash guard can be worn as a regular shirt for everyday casual wear, and many people wear one over swimwear at the beach or pool, or on land, for sun protection beyond watersports use.
Are rash guards quick-dry?
Rash guards are quick-drying because they are made from synthetic fabrics such as spandex, nylon, and polyester, which wick moisture and dry considerably faster than cotton.
Do rash guards prevent sunburn?
Rash guards help prevent sunburn by covering the skin with UPF-rated fabric that blocks the majority of UV radiation, though any skin left uncovered still needs sunscreen.
What are rash guards made of?
Rash guards are typically made from a blend of spandex (elastane) with either nylon or polyester, fabrics chosen for their stretch, durability, and fast drying time.