Snorkeling is one of the most common water activities known to man, the beauty, serenity, and adventure found under the water are uncomparible. While many are forced to cut their beach days short due to cold water or intense sun, those who buy the best rash guard for snorkeling can keep the fun going all day long. In addition to the UV protection, warmth and flexibility, a well fitted rash guard also looks great in the water.
Choosing The Right Rash Guard May Be More Beneficial Than You Think
Rash guards help people stay warm, healthy and comfortable in the water and are a must for all snorkelers. Yet, factors such as loose dragging sleeves, uncomfortable material and bad sun protection can be harmful and even have long term effects. Fortunately, when choosing from a laundry list of the best rash guards for snorkeling, those downsides simply don’t exist.
Best Rash Guard For Snorkeling
1. The Sporti Sport Fit Rash Guard
In addition to the excellent UV protection it provides, the Sporti’s Sport Fit Rash Guard uses special flat lock seams to prevent against chafing. Consisting of 80 percent nylon, the Sporti Sport Fit Rash Guard is also extremely comfortable, even when snorkeling all day.
The soft fabric material used to make this rash guard weights only 6.5 oz. and is skin-tight in order to prevent swimming drag and other difficulties. Whether you’re out snorkeling all day or simply taking laps in the pool, the Sporti Sport Fit Rash Guard will ensure that you’re comfortable when doing so.
The Sporti Sport Fit Rash Guard also comes with a built-in board short connector loop for anyone interested in taking their board out. The Sporti board short connector loop is highly recommended, making it a huge hit with surfers all over the world.
Sporti Rash Guard Highlights
- Sport fit: skin-tight, body conscious fit
- Fabric weight: 6.5 oz (220g)
- UPF UV 50+ protection
- Boardshort connector loop
- 80% Nylon 20% Spandex
- Flatlock seams to prevent chafing
2. The Quiksilver All Time Rash Guard
The Quiksilver All Time Rash Guard is our overall choice for the best rash guard for snorkeling. Quiksilver has been a big name throughout the water world for quite some time and has also delivered some of the best products.
In addition to being protected from the sun, you will look great on the beach with the short-sleeved, low neck design style of the Quiksilver All Time Rash Guard. It provides more of a regular/relaxed fit and is made with flat lock stitching.
The only issue pertaining to the All Time Rash Guard, is that it is incredibly tight and almost too snug for some people.
All Time Highlights
- 6.3 oz. [180 g/m2] stretch polyester fabric
- Super-resistant flatlock seams, stitched close together for a flexible, soft & durable seam
- UPF 50+ ultraviolet sun protection
3. The Body Glove Basic Short Sleeve Fitted Rash Guard
Coming with flat lock stitching, and made from a very strong polyester/spandex material, the Body Glove Basic Fitted Rash Guard even makes some of the largest snorkelers look rather thin. While this is not the most important benefit, it has seemed to resonate positively with many customers.
Even though Body Glove is not much of a house-hold name, they have been delivering quality swim wear for years and are considered to be the best rash guards for snorkeling. This rash guard also provides day-long UV protection and prevents against chafing.
BG Basic Rash Guard Highlights
- 85% Polyester 15% Spandex
- Overlock stitching, anatomically cut
- Elastic on waist and wrists for a comfortable fit
- Boardshort connector, Jersey style collar
- UV protection
4. The Mares Trilastic Short Sleeve Rash Guard
Due to it’s top of the line UPF 50+ sun protection and flat lock seams, Mares’ Trilastic Short Sleeve Rash Guard is considered by many to be one of the best rash guards for snorkeling. In fact, when using this specific rash guard, you can kiss sunscreen goodbye. According to many serious snorkelers, the thin but extremely protective Mares Trilastic Short Sleeve Rash Guard prevents against even the slightest sunburns and sunscreen is usually not needed.
Even though this model is made from a rather thin material, there are still no baggy areas and swimmers do not suffer from any dragging issues when in the water.
Mares Trilastic Highlights
- For scuba diving, snorkeling and water sports
- Offers superior UV protection
- Flatlock stitching seam construction
5. The O’Neill Basic Skins Short Sleeve Crew Rash Guard
Considering it’s been in the watersports industry since the early days it’s no wonder that O’neill has made our list for the best rash guard for snorkeling. To top it all off the O’Neill’s Basic Short Sleeve Crew Rash Guard is incredibly inexpensive.
The O’Neill’s Basic Short Sleeve Crew Rash Guard provides great overall quality and is priced lower than one would expect. In addition to UV protection, seamless paddle zones and the 6 oz. polyester/spandex material that makes up this rash guard, the O’Neill Basic Skins Short Sleeve Crew prevents against rashes and dries very quickly. It allows for extreme flexibility while being very form fitted as well.
Serving as one of the more stylish rash guards available, the O’Neill’s Basic Short Sleeve Crew keeps snorkelers warm and is extremely comfortable. While many describe this as a snug fit drag suit, there are no movement restrictions at all and it is very lightweight.
O’neill Basic Short Sleeve Rash Guard Highlights
- Polyester
- 6oz. Polyester/Spandex Rashguard Crew
- Quick Dry, 4-way stretch
- 50+ UV Protection Factor
- Performance Fit: Form fitting tight layer fits like a second skin
- Flatloc Stitched – To avoid skin irritation
- Strategic Seamless Paddle Zones
6. The O’Neill Basic Skins Long Sleeve Crew Rash Guard
While short sleeved rash guards are great for snorkeling in warm climates, longer sleeved rash guards are more appropriate for cold water. Much like the short sleeved version of this rash guard, UV protection and seamless paddle zones for extreme flexibility are also provided.
The quick dry feature offered by this model is even more convenient when snorkeling in colder water and helps to take the chill off almost immediately. The wind is not an issue either, since the polyester/spandex material help prevents against that as well.
The O’Neill Basic Skins Long Sleeve Crew Rash Guard’s quick dry feature will make the un-comfortability (that’s a word right?) that comes from wet sand a thing of the past.
Additionally, for anyone who truly hates sitting on the beach or getting in the car when they are wet, you’ll be happy to know that this rush guard will be almost all the way dry soon after exiting the water.
Even though the long sleeve model does cater more towards cold environments, it is great in warm areas too.
The Benefits Of Rash Protection
Rash protection is an incredibly valuable, yet often overlooked feature. While many don’t consider this when buying rash guards, protection against unnecessary rubbing and chaffing should be almost top priority.
Even though small rashes aren’t too much of an issue and somewhat common in the water, snorkelers who are out for hours at a time could suffer tremendously if not properly protected. Since most rashes don’t go away immediately and tend to grow over time, snorkeling could become very uncomfortable.
Honorable Rash Guard Mentions
The Maui Clothing Fuse Solid Hawaiian Print Long Sleeved Rash Guard
Featuring UPF 50 UVA/UVB sun protection, quick dry material and seamless stitching, the Maui Clothing Fuse Solid Hawaii Print Long Sleeve Rash Guard is another great choice.
Though it’s not in the top of our best rash guard for snorkeling list overall, many individuals and snorkelers alike swear by this brand and would recommend it to anyone planning to go in the water.
The U.S. Divers Rash Guard
Though this may be somewhat of a surprise due to it’s unpopular brand name, the U.S. Divers Rash Guard is an excellent choice and has received great customer feedback.
Made of 92 percent polyester and 8 percent spandex, the U.S. Divers Rash Guard is incredibly comfortable and also provides great protection against even the strongest rays. No sunscreen needed, even in the sunniest areas.
Choose What’s Right For You
Due to their extreme comfort levels, excellent UV/sun protection and tight fitting material, the choices above are considered by many to be the best rash guards for snorkeling. While this comes as no surprise considering they are made by some of the world’s most highly recommended water-sport brands, many swear by off-brands and refuse to make the switch over. Essentially, it all comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in your rash guard.
See you out there!