Certified UPF 50+
Women's rash vests & swim shirts
UPF 50+ sun protection swim shirts for women, also called rash vests, in short and long sleeves with a high collar. Each one is certified to block at least 98% of UV rays.
- Dermatologist recommended
- Free UK delivery over £70
- 14-day returns
More women's styles
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Stingray Long Sleeve UV Swim Shirt UPF 50+
Regular price £48.00Regular priceUnit price per -
Stingray Short Sleeve Zipped UV Swim Shirt UPF 50+
Regular price £48.00Regular priceUnit price per -
Stingray Short Sleeve UV Swim Shirt UPF 50+
Regular price £44.00Regular priceUnit price per
What customers say
4.7 average from over 12,500 customer reviews
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“I teach swimming everyday in Cyprus where the summer temperatures get very hot, these shirts protect me while i'm working, dry quickly & wash well.”
Short sleeve UV swim shirt
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“I love the colours! The swim shirt protects me very well from any sunburn in and out of the water. Just noting - I wish they had more colourways”
Long sleeve UV swim shirt
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“The zip makes the swim shirt so much more breathable and also looks quite smart. Of couse, love the sun protective fabric and it feels good on the skin.”
Zipped UV swim shirt
How to choose a women's swim shirt
Every swim shirt covers the neck, chest and back. Choose the sleeve length to your desired level of coverage.
Coverage A long sleeve swim shirt covers the most. A short sleeve swim shirt covers less however it can be paired with UV arm sleeves for the best protection.
Sizes Sizes run from S to 7XL in swim shirts.
Dermatologist recommended
“UPF clothing is an essential part of any sun protection strategy. It offers consistent coverage and long-term UV defence, especially for those at higher risk of skin cancer. equatorsun helps make that protection both effective and practical.”
Common questions about women's rash vests and swim shirts
What is the point of a rash vest?
A rash vest, also called a swim shirt or rash guard, is a close-fitting top you wear in the water to keep the sun off your back, shoulders and arms. A certified UPF 50+ rash vest blocks at least 98% of UV rays for as long as you wear it, which sun cream on wet skin cannot do. The equatorsun swim shirts also have a high collar, so the back and sides of the neck are covered.
Finally, rash vests are excellent at stopping surfboards or wetsuits rubbing against your skin.
Is a rash vest meant to be tight?
A rash vest should be close-fitting but not restrictive. It sits against the skin so it does not drag in the water or ride up when you swim, but you should be able to move your arms freely and breathe without the collar pulling. The fabric stretches and recovers, so if you are between sizes take the larger one, and check the size guide on the product page because sizing varies between styles.
Do you wear anything under a rash vest?
That is up to you. Many women wear a bikini top or a swimsuit under a rash vest, and some wear it on its own. The fabric is opaque, quick-drying and comfortable against the skin, so nothing underneath is needed for cover. For sport, a sports bra can fit underneath to provide support.
Do rash vests keep you warm in the water?
A little, but that is not their job. A rash vest is thin, so it does not insulate like a wetsuit, but it cuts the chill of wind on wet skin and keeps the sun off, which is why swimmers, paddleboarders and swimming teachers wear one all day.
Why choose equatorsun for women's rash vests and swim shirts?
Ordinary swim tops are rarely tested for UV and they can let through up to 10 times more UV than UPF 50+ swim tops. Every equatorsun piece is tested to the AS/NZS 4399 or EN 13758 standard and certified UPF 50+, which means the fabric blocks at least 98% of UVA and UVB rays from reaching the skin it covers. Leading UK consultant dermatologist Dr Dev Shah recommends the equatorsun range. We're a UK family business and have specialised in sun protective clothing since 2006. Customers rate us 4.7 out of 5 across more than 12,500 reviews.
