News

Mar 09, 2024

15 best rash vests and cold water swimsuits for women

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Our pick of the best women's swim tops to keep you comfortable, cosy and protected Tempted to try wild swimming? Or

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Our pick of the best women's swim tops to keep you comfortable, cosy and protected

Tempted to try wild swimming? Or maybe you're planning a weekend at the beach and (given it's Britain) want a little more protection from the elements. Either way, it's worth knowing that the benefits of cold water swimming are well documented including stress relief, boosted immunity and the all-important natural high — win.

But before you dive in headfirst, swimming in any temperature will be a whole lot easier if you have the right kit. To get started it's worth investing in a rash vest, wetsuit top or long-sleeved swimsuit to help keep goosebumps at bay as you go about your open water antics.

Hit up any wild swimming spot and you'll see a range of gear - from the ubiquitous changing robe to water shoes and woolly hats - but one item you're likely to see crop up time and time again is the humble rash vest. Designed to combat sunburn, chafing and saltwater sting, a rash vest or well-chosen wetsuit top can keep you comfortable, cosy and protected from harsh open water conditions.

Read on for everything you need to know about rash vests, plus the best ones available to buy now.

Ready to take the plunge? Here are the best rash vests, wetsuit tops and cold water swimsuits at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.

Also known as rash guards or sometimes swim shirts, rash vests are essentially long- or short-sleeved t-shirts you can wear for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding or any other water-based activity. They're also useful as extra coverage or sun protection when on the beach.

'In simple terms a rash vest is a t-shirt style garment made of nylon or lycra that is designed to protect skin from sun exposure and friction caused by sand, saltwater and wax when surfing,' says Ella Foote, aka the Dip Advisor, a swim guiding company offering swimming experiences in outdoor environments. (Her book, How to Wild Swim published by Dorling Kindersley, comes out this November.)

It's not just surfers who can benefit from a good rash vest. 'Traditionally rash vests are worn under a wetsuit to minimise rash when in the water for long periods of time,' explains Georgia Stevens, buyer at Animal. 'However, they have become an extremely versatile piece, being great for keeping the sun and wind off when swimming and paddleboarding.'

Many rash vests are designed to be odour-resistant, protect you from jellyfish stings and act as a general shield against UV rays and wind chill - think of them as your second skin when you're in or on the water. However, in order to bring you the very best wild swimming gear, we've also tested long-sleeve swimsuits, wetsuit tops and paddle suits to see you through any water exploits, whatever the season.

People use rash vests for a number of reasons, but most will come down to preventing chafing, reducing wind chill and sun protection - which is why a lot of rash guards have UV protection built into the fibres.

Whether rash vests keep you warm seems to be up for some debate, and it really depends on the type you wear and the conditions you're in. 'Rash vests don't keep you warm in the same way as a wetsuit, but they do keep the edge off,' says Stevens.

A traditional rash vest will come into its own on a blustery day. 'Some outdoor swimmers wear them to keep warm, but having something cold against your skin could make you feel colder,' says Foote. 'There might be a very small benefit on a windy day, as they will block wind chill.'

Generally if you're looking for warmth, you're better off shopping for a swimsuit or swimming top made from wetsuit-like materials. 'There are neoprene swimsuits and wetsuits on the market that cost more but will keep you warmer,' says Foote. 'Neoprene or Yulex (a plant-based material) suits are are great way to keep your core warm and enable longer swims. They are especially loved by swimmers who feel the cold even in warm seasons, but don’t want to wear full wetsuits.'

A kind of rubber, neoprene keeps you warm by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the suit. Your body heat warms the trapped water, which acts as insulation. 'As well as keeping you warmer, these suits are great at protecting you from UV rays and wind chill,' adds Foote. You might also see swimsuits and rash vests made from Yulex, a natural rubber that performs in the same way as neoprene but is produced by trees which absorb CO₂ emissions - clever stuff.

Dependent on your activity, the time of year and your individual needs, you may be better suited to a neoprene swimming costume or thick wetsuit top instead of a traditional rash vest, so bear that in mind - particularly if warmth is a concern. Whichever you choose, these are the key things to consider when shopping:

If you're someone who blushes merely at the mention of the sun, seek out a rash vest with sun protection. This may be described as UPF, which stands for UV Protection Factor - essentially the same as SPF but for fabric. A UPF rating of 15 will block approximately 93% of UV rays, whereas a UPF rating of 50 will block around 98% of UV rays.

'Fit is key,' says Stevens. 'A rash vest needs to be tight to the body and have a close fit at the neck and wrists. A baggy rash vest is more likely to cause wetsuit rash, which is the opposite of what it's supposed to do.' The wrong fit can also also have an impact on your swimming. 'Extra fabric can wrap around you and pull you in ways that can be detrimental to your swim stroke,' says Foote.

Rash vests, swimsuits and wetsuit tops tend to come with long or short sleeves, while some paddle suits are sleeveless - plus there are also cropped styles available. Which you choose will depend on sun protection, modesty and warmth concerns, or you might want a couple of different sleeve lengths so you can switch it up for different seasons.

As well as a close fit, you want a rash vest that doesn't ride up and still allows for a full range of movement - so stretchy materials are best. Flat lock seams can also help reduce chafing.

Looking for extra cosiness as you hit the cold water? Consider a neoprene or Yulex swimsuit or wetsuit top (basically a more technical rash vest) instead of a traditional surfing-style one.

Many rash vests, swimsuits or wetsuit tops will have a zip to make getting in and out easier, while some may have extras like a board short connector or pockets/a loop for your locker key.

Dependent on your activity, the time of year and your individual needs, you may be better suited to a neoprene swimming costume or thick wetsuit top instead of a traditional rash vest, so we've delivered on all of the above and found the very best of the bunch. You are welcome.

When we say rash vests should feel like a second skin, this baby from Sweaty Betty is what we're talking about. Close fitting and silhouette-hugging, there's no excess fabric to slow you down, while the flattering seam placement gives a sculpted look. The half zip means it's easy enough to pull off when damp and if things do heat up you can open it up for more water flow. Plus the underside of the zip is fabric-backed, so there's no cold metal lying against your skin. It feels premium, doesn't ride up and will keep you protected, with UV50+ resistance. It will stay looking great too, as it's designed not to fade when reacting with chlorine or sun cream.

Also available in black, or pair with the matching paddle shorts for bonus style (and warmth) points.

It's rare lululemon makes something we don't like, so it's no surprise this paddle suit is a winner with the WH team. The long zip pull on the back makes this suit a doddle to get on and off and the zip goes down really far so it's easy to shimmy out of under a changing robe — plus the zip is lined on the underside so it's comfortable against the skin.

The seam placement is super flattering and you feel supported and held in as you swim, but it's still stretchy enough to thrash your way through butterfly should you so wish (we don't, but whatever floats your boat). Made from a mix of nylon, lycra and elastane it doesn't have the warming properties of neoprene but does offer great sun protection (UPF 40+), and there's a small pocket on the left side with a handy elasticated loop inside so you can stow keys safely. We loved the high, t-shirt style neck - it keeps out chill but doesn't feel tight against the throat. There isn't any extra lining on the chest so be prepared to free the nip somewhat with this one, or wear with another swimsuit underneath.

This budget rash vest has the maximum level of UV protection (UPF 50+), which for £15 is an utter bargain - and our fair red-headed tester can vouch for its effectiveness. The slim fit ensures you aren't held back whether you're balancing on a board or cutting through the waves, plus there's a clever loop on the hem of the shirt so you can connect it to your board shorts to prevent it riding up. It feels soft and comfortable, is fast-drying and offers a lot of coverage thanks to the sleeves and longer than average length.

This surfer-girl-cool short-sleeved rash vest offers the maximum UPF 50 and thanks to the polyester elastane blend material has great stretch (imperative with no zip) while keeping a snug fit. Also available in white, it's currently discounted by 40% on Amazon.

Hold the phone, because this here is a thick, warm rash vest, and it's under £40. Not only does it keep you toasty but it also offers great coverage - the sleeves are nice and long (we tucked them right into our swimming gloves), plus the zip pull is tactile rubber so it's easy to operate with numb fingers. It did ride up a tiny bit in front crawl but thanks to the slightly dipped hem our torso stayed covered. Plus there's no zip lining on the inside so it does lie right against the skin which can feel chilly at times. But it's super stretchy and the elastane is chlorine-resistant so it will keep delivering year after year.

We wish it was available in more colours but the navy does pair well with a bright bikini - particularly when the vest is half-zipped, thanks to the dipped v neck - or wear with the matching bottoms.

One for the surfers, this rash vest is super thin and really fits like a second skin, so is ideal for those worried about chafing on a board. With the top rating of UPF 50+ it's better suited for UV protection when surfing or paddleboarding rather than cold water swimming, but you could use it for both - it just won't offer much in terms of warmth (although the tight seal on the arms did help us feel like we were holding some heat in). It's quite tight around the neck so avoid if you don't like that sensation, and as there's no zip and a close fit it does mean it's a bit tricky to get out of, particularly when wet. It's chlorine and saltwater resistant and ocean-lovers will be pleased to hear that it's made from fabric that diverts plastic bottles away from becoming ocean waste.

Available in four on-trend colours, this cropped rash vest from California-cool activewear brand Vuori is a great shout for paddleboarding, playing volleyball or just lounging on the beach, thanks to its sweat-wicking properties. It has a UPF rating of 30+ (that's around 97% of UV blocked) and the neck lies a little lower than some of the other rash vests on this list so it's ideal if you prefer a non-restrictive feel up top. The four-way stretch material is made from mostly recycled materials and you can pair with the matching bikini bottoms.

Also available in a mock neck cropped style.

This Sweaty Betty swimsuit comes with a host of thoughtful features that make it a joy to wear. The zip is sturdy, is chunky enough to handle with cold fingers and feels like it won't break or snag, plus there's a protective fabric cap over the top (a nice touch) and it's lined on the underside so the zip is never against your skin. The suit feels like a quality garment, the high neck keeps out windchill really well and it's reinforced over the chest with an under band for support, so you don't have worry about chilly nips poking through. We're a little short in the torso and the cut-out back did gape a tiny bit, but this shouldn't be a problem for most people.

It also comes in nautical stripes, and we're big fans of this cute colourblock version.

A lot of rash vests and long-sleeved swimwear, while brilliant technically, do tend to look a little drab. Brighten things up with this gorgeously colourful patterned rash vest from women's surfwear brand Seea. It's available in a ton of prints, but it's this fresh green design we'll be sporting all summer long. It's slim-fitting, with a super flattering cropped cut and has UPF 30+ to 50+ protection. It does run a little small so consider sizing up, and it's not ideal for bigger busted ladies.

Layer over a swimsuit or pair with the matching bottoms for bonus beach style points.

If you're wild swimming all year long, you need one of these. Made from insulating Yulex (neoprene's eco-warrior cousin) this wetsuit-style tops keeps you warm while still offering great range of movement - it's very stretchy - plus the recycled polyester lining and flatlock seams keeps things comfortable. The full length zip means it's really easy to get on and off, the length offers good coverage and there's a handy key loop too. It is a snug fit but will loosen once wet as well as over time, but if you are bigger busted it might be worth sizing up.

This Yulex (think more eco-friendly neoprene) long-sleeved wetsuit jacket from Finisterre provides a welcome layer of warmth without forgoing the feeling of the elements, so you can still stay fully immersed in your swim - and stay in longer. The full-length zip means it's totally fuss-free when getting in and out, and don't worry if it feels a little tight to begin with (for us it was initially very tight on the arms) - with wear and use in the water it loosens up a bit. We wore it over a swimsuit and didn't feel restricted at all - the panelling is cleverly designed to allow for maximum range of motion. There's a zip guard to protect your skin and the neck is reassuringly high without feeling tight. We are big fans.

Also available in a gorgeous bright orange colour.

Another strong offering from M&S's Goodmove range, this sporty swimsuit is super flattering, pleasingly flexible and incredibly comfortable - you might not want to take it off post-dip - but most importantly, it's leopard print! Yes, it's subtle, but it still counts. And trust us, it looks even better IRL. The side panels and high cut legs mean this swimsuit looks good on anybody, plus the latter means the suit doesn't bunch up as you swim. There's an under band and extra layering on the chest - ideal for nippy gals - and you could fit a bikini top underneath if you wanted. The zip goes down pretty far so it's easy to change out of, but it's not backed so the metal does lie against your skin. Despite this the suit feels thick and warm, and the sleeves are long and don't ride up. We love the dipped shape of the neckline - you can unzip it in hot weather and it still looks good, plus it doesn't burst open like some tight swimsuits - the zip stays where you left it.

Speedo knows a thing or two about swimming, and this rash vest is a great traditional option for those looking for no-frills sun protection. While snug-fitting on the arms it has a little give in the body, so it's ideal for those who don't want a tight fit across the middle, and the mock neck looks great on everyone while keeping out windchill. UPF40+ recycled polyester keeps you protected, plus it has a high chlorine resistance so will stay looking and performing well when you forgo the ocean in favour of the lido. With no zip it is pull on but that does mean zero chafing, particularly as it has flatlocked seams. Plus we just love the gorgeous aqua colour.

Available in a veritable rainbow of colours, this quick-drying, lightweight rash vest has UPF 50+ protection and is a great long-sleeved option for those after a little more sun protection. We love the simplicity of it - the minimal design, the smooth stitching (no chafing here) and the flexibility of the material - plus it's super comfortable. Bear in mind that it's not a thermal rash vest so doesn't offer insulation, and it doesn't have a board short connector. But as a decent long-sleeved staple you can match with any swimwear, it's a solid option.

Like the Finisterre wetsuit jacket above, this sleeveless swimsuit is made from 2mm Yulex (currently the most responsible alternative to Neoprene on the market) and is ideal if you prefer more freedom of movement for your arms while still keeping your core toasty. Being a full suit rather than a top it does feel snug to begin with, but we found after two uses it was perfectly comfortable. It's designed to loosen with wear and time in the water, so whatever you do, don't size up! You'd think such a tight fit would mean it's tricky to change in and out of but it's surprisingly easy - even when under a less than generously sized changing robe.

It goes without saying that the bright orange colour is hot AF, but it's also available in black, indigo or indigo and red, and as a long-sleeved swimsuit for more coverage.

11 best places to go wild swimming this summer

The best period-proof swimwear

The best changing robes for swimmers and surfers

'I tried cross-country swimming'

11 best wetsuits for wild swimming this summer

'I wore a monofin to swim like a mermaid'

25 Outdoor pools and lidos to visit in the UK

12 surprising benefits of swimming to know about

19 best water shoes for women

'Open water swimming helped me beat my depression'

5 best swimming goggles for summer, from £8

29 of the best curve bikinis & swimsuits