BEST FOR: SUPREME QUALITY FROM A TRUSTED BRAND

Patagonia’s track record for creating high-quality, long lasting products is no secret. The nearly 50 year old outdoor retailer has made it their recipe from Day 1, from durable stitching to premium fabrics. 

The Wavefarer Board Shorts follow form and sport recycled materials alongside Fair Trade Certified sewing practices. Aside from keeping your conscience clean, these shorts will protect from harmful UV rays, dry quickly, and keep you agile with their lightweight design. 

This investment will pay dividends down the road, outlasting cheaply made shorts by a long shot. When they do end up wearing out years down the road, send them in for repair at a small fee and you’ll be back on your board in no time!

BEST FOR: THE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS SURFER

For many outdoor enthusiasts today, choosing a product that has environmentally ethical considerations is as important as how it performs overall. We at The Adventure Junkies also believe sustainability to be an important consideration when choosing the best apparel and gear.

prAna is a well known manufacturer that holds these values in high regard and their Metric E-Waist surf shorts are no exception! The organically grown cotton used as the base fabric in these shorts helps reduce the amount of toxic chemicals and pesticides that wash into our rivers and streams. The polyester that gives these shorts their flex is also made from recycled sources, reducing emissions and resources used. The blend of these two fabrics creates a high performance short that wicks moisture from your body and protects against harmful UV rays.

BEST FOR: MINIMAL DESIGN

Super light and streamlined, Patagonia has paired down these surf shorts to perform maximally with minimal design. Notched hems on the outseam give your legs more room to move while the waistband keeps your shorts snug and gives you full range of motion.

Covered in a durable water repellent (DWR) and utilizing a recycled polyester blend, the Stretch Hydropeak surf shorts offer superior mobility and a quick drying time. The UPF 50 rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) also keeps your skin protected by blocking out 98% of harmful UV rays.

BEST FOR: FLEXIBILITY

Perfect for the nimble navigator needing a surf short that will move with their body, Patagonia’s Stretch Planing board shorts lead the way. Its slim profile reduces drag in the water while the durable water repellent (DWR) treated cloth sloughs off water for a quick drying time.

What makes these surf shorts so flexible is their built in 4-way stretch, a technology that provides multidirectional “stretchability” without compromising its original form. So say goodbye to stiff trunks – your movement in these shorts will be so liberating, they may have you speaking French and talking about Revolution!

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY

Surf shorts don’t always have to be used just for surfing. If you’re the jack-of-all-trades type that likes to do it all, the Cruise shorts by Vuori are your perfect match. A modified version of more traditional board shorts, these stylish trunks are made for versatility. 

Use them for surfing, jogging, stand up paddleboarding, yoga, kayaking, or even just lounging! These performance shorts wick moisture from your body when sweat would otherwise cause chafing and they dry quickly when fully submerged during watersports. 

The Cruise also offers 4-way stretch, a technology that allows the shorts to stretch and snap back in multiple directions. Bonus point: 50% of the shorts’ construction is made from recycled plastic bottles. Boo-yah.

BEST FOR: SUN PROTECTION

Super stretchy and sun protecty, the prAna High Seas surf shorts give you maximum mobility and sun protection. This 1, 2 combo packs a serious punch, giving you a bang for your buck that regular swim trunks just can’t match.

Sporting 4-way stretch technology, the High Seas shorts are able to stretch in any direction you move and bounce back, keeping their original form. Its fabric is also treated to provide maximum sun protection for your skin, freeing your mind from worrying over re-applying sunblock every 90 minutes. 

The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50 means that only 1 out of every 50 UV rays reach your skin, providing an effective blockage rate of 98%!

BEST FOR: STASHING YOUR STUFF

Sometimes you need a little extra room to stash your stuff, and while hiding your keys in your vehicle’s wheel well seems like a good idea, everyone knows they’re hiding there while you’re out surfing. 

Sporting two zippered pockets on either leg, Quiksilver’s Waterman Paddler shorts are sure to keep all your items handy!  Best of all, the Waterman Paddler’s are quick drying and offer 4-way stretchability, meaning you can use these shorts heavily without worrying if they’ll fit the same again tomorrow.

BEST FOR: RUGGED USE

For a truly durable surf short that will stand the test of time, snag a pair of the Hyperfreak S-Seam from O’Neill – or for that matter, snag anything from O’Neill.

As the guy who literally invented the wetsuit, O’Neill has a legacy of crafting rugged-use surf clothing that will perform exactly as intended. What makes these shorts so striking is their ability to contour to your body as you move about. They won’t snag or ride up on you, and forget about feeling restricted – with these shorts, you’ll be free as a fish in the sea!

The S-Seams are what makes these shorts so durable, able to take more of a beating than most others, and the “Hyperfreak” fabric makes mobility a key feature.

BEST FOR: FLEXIBILITY AND FULL ARM MOBILITY

If you’re a summer surfer who likes to show off his guns without being encumbered by silly things like “sleeves”, then this is your go-to rash guard. Made of a quick-drying fabric, the Hybrid Sun Tank wicks away moisture and is rated to 50 UPF, keeping you protected from the harsh sun.

It also sports 4-way stretch technology, meaning that the fabric will stretch and recover (return to original shape) both width and lengthwise. This means that all your surfing shenanigans and crazy moves won’t be wearing out this tank anytime soon. You know the saying, “Sun’s out, guns out!”

BEST FOR: RESISTING JELLYFISH AND SEA LICE

So what the heck is Lycra? I’m glad you asked! It’s basically just a brand name for spandex and offers the same 4-way stretch properties that we explained above.

That said, the Lycra Short Sleeve from Hyperflex is an outstanding choice when you need to keep the jellies and sea lice at bay while also keeping your skin protected from board rash. It’s a super durable top that’s designed to fit loose, but if you want to layer it beneath a wetsuit then you should go down one size.

It also sports an elastic boardshorts loop, allowing you to connect the two to prevent your top from riding up while on the water.

BEST FOR: WARM WATER SURFERS NEEDING SUN PROTECTION

There’s nothing basic about the Basic Skins rash guard. Sporting a UPF rating of 50+, this garment is highly recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and protects against sun fatigue.

Carefully crafted by legendary wetsuit manufacturer O’Neill, the Basic Skins delivers a high-quality product at an affordable price. It also offers superior breathability meaning you won’t overheat when the sun is blistering down on your back.

O’Neill has also smartly crafted a minimal seam design, meaning that you don’t have to worry about irritation or rashes on the inside of your garment.

BEST FOR: SLIGHTLY CHILLY DAYS

Even in summer, the water can prove cooler than we’d prefer, which is exactly why O’Neill crafted the Thermo-X. Designed for days when the water proves chilly, but much too warm for a wetsuit, this rash guard will keep your mind off the elements and on your surf game!

It can also be used for days when the water is warm, but the air is chilly. Oh nature, how fickle you can be sometimes.

BEST FOR: EYE PROTECTION ON BRIGHT DAYS

Super light with ergonomic design, the Premium Skins Ozone rash guard is built to withstand the harshest conditions. It boasts a UPF rating of 50 and paired with its long sleeve styling, it’ll be sure to keep you covered all day.

The most unique feature is its built-in hood with sun visor, making sure that the sun stays out of your field of vision as you tackle all kinds of waves. The hood also features ear holes so you’re still able to hear what’s happening around you. Bonus points: the extra neck coverage will ensure you stay fully covered and will appeal to those with sensitive skin.

BEST FOR: CASUAL USE AND WEARING AFTER SURFING

If you’re the type of guy that prefers a casual look and multi-functional garments, then the Xcel ThreadX is your best bet. Designed to be a performance piece of clothing both in and out of the water, you’ll have no problem hitting some afternoon surf before hanging out with your buddies – all without needing to change.

The secret sauce for this rash guard is its thoughtfully engineered microfibers that help regulate your core temp. Hot days have nothing on you now! And you get to look cool while wearing – double whammy.

BEST FOR: SHORT SLEEVE RELAXED FIT

Sometimes you just need a casual rash guard that gets the job done without feeling like your swim shirt is painted on your body. We totally get that. Classic surf tailor Billabong has just the rash guard to satisfy your needs.

The Die Cut Loose Fit Short Sleeve fits just like your favorite tee but also sneaks in moisture-wicking technology to keep your skin from chafing. Considered one of the top short sleeve rash guards at an amazing value, the Die Cut Loose Fit rocks a casual crew neck and keeps you covered by boasting a 50 UPF rating.

BEST FOR: LONG SLEEVE RELAXED FIT

If you’re someone who has sensitive skin and needs more coverage than your average short sleeve rash guard, then the Xcel Relaxed Fit Long Sleeve is your best choice! Its sleek all-black design with a simple black stripe across the chest gives a casual yet cool style.

This shirt has the highest UPF rating offered (50+), meaning that it will filter out 98% of harmful UV rays and keep your skin highly protected. The relaxed fit design also keeps you feeling mobile and unencumbered to help you make the most of your surf game.

BEST FOR: FULL ARM PROTECTION

This form fitting rash guard but doesn’t limit your range of motion when you’re paddling hard to catch a wave. It’s a favorite choice for surfers looking to full length protection from the sun and rashes.

BEST FOR: SUN-LOVING SURFERS

This is a fantastically effective product from O’Neill. It’s a Skin Cancer Foundation Recommended Product and is designed to reduce fatigue from sun exposure, meaning you can be out shredding waves for as long as you like stress-free. Ergonomic stitching and 4-way stretch fabric means this top will fit you like a second skin, so you can wear it comfortably as an underlayer or a bikini cover-up. The top even features a loop to connect to your boardshorts to stop it from riding up! What’s not to like?

BEST FOR: THE STYLISH SURFER

This elegant one-piece is proof that style needn’t be compromised over function. The sweetheart bust, belted waist and keyhole back make this piece of gear a flattering addition to your wardrobe, all the while being made from recycled materials. UPF protection will protect you from the sun’s rays all day long so you can surf tropical waves or lounge on the beach without worrying about burning up.

BEST FOR: THE WATERSPORTS DABBLER

This is a great all-rounder from renowned watersports and fitness brand Roxy. It’s close-to-body fit and fashionable pop design make this rash guard the perfect option for someone who likes to do a bit of everything. Surfing, swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing would all be enhanced with this top. Its long-raglan style sleeves (sleeves that extend in one piece of material from the collarbone) allow for a broad range of movement and flatlock-stitching (stitching that lies flat to the garment) enable chafe-free freedom.

BEST FOR: THE ALL-DAY SURFER

Surfing is tiring. Sometimes it’s nice to dip in and out over the course of the day and rest between, which is where this top comes in handy. The zipper front means it’s easy to take off or adjust so you won’t be continuously wrestling a wet top over your head! What’s more, AXESEA’s unique Pentashell Breeze Fabric combines soft breathability with advanced flatlock stitching, meaning it will feel like a second skin and not rub or chafe uncomfortably against your skin.

BEST FOR: THE HOLIDAY SURFER

If you think you’d love to try surfing but might only spend a few days a year on holiday trying it, you probably don’t want to spend a fortune on a rash guard. The CharmLeaks Long Sleeve Rashguard combines all of the core features a rash guard should include without breaking the bank. A classic combination of raglan sleeves (to enhance a broader range of movement), quick-drying fabric, and solid UPF 50+ protection (to protect you from the sun’s rays) will make this top an essential piece of watersports gear. And there’s a range of colors to choose from so you can even coordinate with your swimwear.

BEST FOR: THE ECO-CONSCIOUS SURFER

Sustainably sourced and ethically sewn, the Patagonia Micro Swell is the go-to choice for the sustainability conscious shopper. Its strategically-placed seams prevent chafing in all the right areas and stretchy raglan sleeves allow for a broad range of movement whether you’re surfing, swimming, or knocking a ball around on the beach.

BEST FOR: THE ACTIVE WATER LOVER

Quick-drying and comfortable to wear, this top will be your trusty friend in any water-based situation. The high polyester:spandex ratio in this top means it has a loose, casual fit and can be put to use as a cover-up from the sun, active workout top, swim shirt, or protective layer whilst participating in active watersports. Friction-free zones under the arms mean you can paddle, swim, row, run, or stretch chafe-free.

BEST FOR: COLDWATER DIVERS AND SURFERS

This rash guard is a cozy option for coldwater surf lovers or divers alike. Fleece-lined neoprene will keep your core nice and warm. You could put this over a swimsuit if you’re diving deep down to cooler waters or you could wear it under a wetsuit as an extra layer of insulation while surfing or paddling. This top is also a great option if you’re surfing or diving around rough coral or rock as it will keep you protected from getting scraped and scratched. The high neck will also keep the cold water out.

BEST FOR: THE SURF AND YOGA LOVER

Simple, versatile and budget-friendly, the Kanu Surf Women’s Breeze Rashguard will be the perfect addition to your suitcase for that surf and yoga retreat you’ve always wanted to go on! UPF protection will keep your torso shielded from the sun’s rays as you swim, and quick-drying, stretchy fabric makes it the perfect post-surf yoga top. And there’s a huge range of colors to choose from, so you can even coordinate with the rest of your gear.

BEST FOR: THE FASHIONABLE BEACH-GOER

If it’s versatility on the beach you’re after, the Sbart Women’s Long Sleeve Rashguard ticks a fair few boxes. With ruched adjustable cords on either sides you can quickly and easily convert this rash guard into a stylish dress. The zipper on the front also allows for a different look and increased breathability. And style doesn’t have to be at the cost of performance in this case; stretchy, UPF 50+ fabric means you’ll be just as comfortable and protected as you are fashionable.