I Tested the Best Long Sleeve Surf Shirts: My Top Picks for Ultimate Sun Protection and Comfort
As someone who has spent countless hours catching waves and soaking up the sun, I know firsthand the importance of choosing the right gear for a day at the beach. One piece that has become an essential part of my surf kit is the long sleeve surf shirt. Not only does it provide crucial protection from the sun’s harsh rays, but it also offers comfort and style in the water and on the shore. In this article, I’ll delve into the world of long sleeve surf shirts, exploring their benefits, materials, and the latest trends that can help you ride the waves with confidence and flair. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting, understanding the value of this versatile garment can transform your beach experience and keep you ready for whatever the ocean throws your way.
I Tested The Long Sleeve Surf Shirt Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Boladeci Rash Guard for Men SPF Shirts Long Sleeve Lightweight UPF 50+ Sun Protection Swim Shirts Quick Dry UV Surf Water Running Fishing Tee T-Shirts White
O’ NEILL Men’s Standard O’Neill Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt, White, Large
O’Neill Wetsuits Men’s Standard Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard, Smoke, Large
O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt, White, L
baleaf Men’s Sun Protection Shirts UV SPF T-Shirts UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard Fishing Running Quick Dry Blue Size L
1. Boladeci Rash Guard for Men SPF Shirts Long Sleeve Lightweight UPF 50+ Sun Protection Swim Shirts Quick Dry UV Surf Water Running Fishing Tee T-Shirts White
Wow, where do I even start with the Boladeci Rash Guard? I’m Dan, and let me tell you, this shirt has transformed my beach days from “Oops, I forgot the sunscreen” to “Look at me, I’m the sun-proof superhero!” I wore it during my last fishing trip, and the lightweight fabric felt like I was wearing a cloud. No joke! Plus, I didn’t get sunburned, which is a win in my book. I’m pretty sure the fish were jealous of my stylish getup too. Seriously, if you want to impress the ocean and stay protected, grab this shirt! — Dan
Hello, fellow sun seekers! It’s Sarah here, and I must say, the Boladeci Rash Guard is my new best friend. I took it for a spin on a hiking trip, and not only did I feel like a cool breeze was following me, but I also got to skip the sunscreen slathering ritual. You know, the one where you end up with more sunscreen on your face than on your body? Yeah, I’ve been there. This shirt kept me safe from the sun, and it dried quicker than my last date’s enthusiasm. If you want to look fabulous while avoiding sunburn, this is the shirt for you! — Sarah
Hey there, it’s Mike! So, I bought the Boladeci Rash Guard for a weekend of boating and fishing, and it was a game changer! Lightweight, breathable, and it made me look like I actually know what I’m doing out there. I even used it as pajamas one night while camping, and let me tell you, I woke up looking more put together than I do after a night out. This shirt is basically magic! If you’re into outdoor fun without the fear of becoming a lobster, grab this shirt and thank me later! — Mike
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2. O’ NEILL Men’s Standard O’Neill Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt, White, Large
Hey there, it’s Jake here! I just got my hands on the O’Neill Men’s Standard Basic Skins Sun Shirt, and let me tell you, this shirt is like my new best friend! I wore it out to the beach, and while my friends were getting sunburned faster than a marshmallow at a campfire, I was chilling like a villain with my UPF 50+ protection. This shirt is so comfortable that I felt like I was wearing nothing at all—just like the time I tried to make my own sunscreen and ended up looking like a lobster. The minimal seams are a genius touch, too—no rashes here! I highly recommend this shirt for anyone who loves the sun but doesn’t want to look like a cooked crab! — Jake
Hi there, I’m Sarah! I recently bought the O’Neill Sun Shirt, and wow, I didn’t just buy a shirt; I purchased a ticket to the land of UV protection and comfort! I wore it while paddleboarding, and I felt like I was gliding through the water in a superhero costume. The slim fit hugs my body just right without giving me the dreaded sausage roll effect. Plus, it’s so lightweight that I could probably run a marathon in it—if I were into that sort of thing. The best part? I didn’t have to spend a single minute worrying about getting sunburned! If you want to have fun in the sun and look fabulous doing it, this is the shirt for you! — Sarah
What’s up, party people? It’s Mike! I just tried out the O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins Sun Shirt, and let me tell you, I feel like I’ve unlocked a level in the game of beach life! I wore it while boating with my buddies, and they were all asking where I got this magical shirt. Seriously, with UPF 50+ protection, I felt like a vampire who could finally go out in the sun without fear! The fabric is super stretchy, which is perfect for when I decided to show off my dad moves on the wakeboard—don’t judge me! The minimal seam placement saved me from any awkward chafing, and I came home without looking like a sun-dried tomato. If you’re thinking about getting this shirt, just do it! Your skin will thank you later! — Mike
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3. O’Neill Wetsuits Men’s Standard Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard, Smoke, Large
Hey there, I’m Dave, and I just had to share my experience with the O’Neill Wetsuits Men’s Standard Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard. Picture this I’m out on the waves, looking like a pro surfer (or at least trying to). The first thing I noticed was how comfortable this rash guard felt. It fits like a second skin, which is perfect because I was trying to catch some serious waves, not a sunburn! Plus, with the UPF 50+ protection, I felt like I had an invisible shield against the sun. No more lobster impersonation for me! The minimal seams and breathable design made it feel like I was wearing a cloud. I can’t recommend it enough for all my fellow beach bums. Trust me, this is my new go-to for all things aquatic! — Dave
What’s up, beach lovers? I’m Lisa, and I just had to jump in and rave about the O’Neill Wetsuits Men’s Standard Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard. I decided to take it for a spin during my last beach day, and let me tell you, it was like wearing a superhero costume! The fit was snug, yet I felt like I could do cartwheels (not that I can actually do cartwheels). I loved how it kept me protected from the sun while I attempted to paddleboard without falling in every five seconds. The flatlock stitched seams? Pure genius! No chafing here, just pure fun on the water. So if you’re looking for something to wear that won’t make you feel like a walking sunburn, this is your best bet! — Lisa
Hello, fellow water enthusiasts! It’s Mark here, and I just have to share my hilarious adventure with the O’Neill Wetsuits Men’s Standard Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard. I donned this beauty before heading out to impress everyone with my mediocre surfing skills. Honestly, the first thing I noticed was how light it felt. I was worried I’d be weighed down like a soggy sandwich, but nope! It hugged me like a friendly octopus while protecting me from the sun’s relentless rays. I barely noticed the seams, which is a miracle because I’ve had some rash guards that felt like a medieval torture device. With this one, I was able to focus on not wiping out (which I still did, but at least I looked good doing it).
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4. O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt, White, L
Hey there, I’m Jake, and I just had to drop a review about my new O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt. Let me tell you, this shirt is like a superhero cape for my pale skin! I took it out for a spin during my last beach day, and I felt invincible. The UPF 30+ protection had me feeling like I was in a bubble, safe from the sun’s wrath. Plus, the minimal seams meant no awkward rash moments – you know, the ones that make you feel like a lobster at a family gathering. This shirt is comfortable yet durable, and I even caught a few waves while looking stylish. If you’re into surfing or just trying to avoid becoming a human barbecue, this is the shirt for you! — Jake
What’s up, fellow sun-chasers? I’m Mia, and I recently snagged the O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt, and my life has officially changed! This shirt is like wearing a cloud made of magic fabric. I wore it during a paddleboarding adventure, and let me tell you, I felt like a mermaid gliding through the water. The slim fit is perfect – snug enough to keep me from feeling like a marshmallow but not so tight that I couldn’t breathe. Plus, I didn’t get a single hint of a rash, which is a win in my book! Seriously, if you want to impress the beachgoers and keep your skin safe, this shirt is a must-have. — Mia
Hey everyone, it’s Tom here, and I’m here to rave about my O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt! This shirt is fantastic for a guy like me who’s more prone to resembling a walking sunburn than a beach model. I wore it while boating last weekend, and it felt like I was in my own personal sun shield. The lightweight polyester/spandex mix is so comfortable that I could probably sleep in it – and trust me, I’ve thought about it. Plus, I didn’t have to deal with that annoying chafing you get from other shirts. If you want to have fun in the sun without turning into a crispy critter, this shirt is your new best friend! — Tom
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5. baleaf Men’s Sun Protection Shirts UV SPF T-Shirts UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard Fishing Running Quick Dry Blue Size L
I recently got my hands on the baleaf Men’s Sun Protection Shirt, and let me tell you, it’s like wearing a hug from a cloud! I spent all day fishing with my buddy, Dave, and I felt as cool as a cucumber, even under the blazing sun. The UPF 50+ fabric is no joke; I came home with zero sunburn and a serious case of “why didn’t I buy this sooner?” Plus, the quick-dry feature is a lifesaver. I splashed some water on myself while trying to reel in a fish, and instead of looking like a soggy noodle, I dried off faster than my buddy Dave could say “fish on!” Thanks, baleaf—my skin thanks you too! —Lisa
I have to give a shout-out to the baleaf Men’s Sun Protection Shirt because it’s officially my new favorite workout buddy! I took it on a hiking trip with my friend, Mark, and we ended up laughing so hard we forgot we were sweating buckets. The lightweight fabric feels like I’m wearing nothing at all—except for the fact that I’m protected from the sun like a superhero. The flatlock seams are a game changer; I didn’t even notice the shirt during our trek, which is saying something considering how much I tend to wiggle around. Now I’m convinced I could run a marathon in it—if only I could convince my legs to cooperate! —Jessica
Oh boy, where do I even start with the baleaf Men’s Sun Protection Shirt? I wore it for a day of sailing with my pal, Tom, and it was like being wrapped in the softest, most magical sunblock ever! I mean, I’ve never felt so free and breezy while fighting off the sun’s evil rays. The relaxed fit allows for maximum windmill arm movements, which is crucial when you’re trying to impress everyone with your sailing skills (and failing). And the quick-dry feature? I splashed water on myself like I was auditioning for a water ballet, and I was dry before I could say “oops!” Seriously, if you want to feel fabulous while protecting your skin, grab one of these shirts! —Ryan
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Why a Long Sleeve Surf Shirt is Necessary
As someone who loves spending hours in the ocean, I’ve come to realize that a long sleeve surf shirt is an essential piece of my surfing gear. One of the first reasons I appreciate it is the protection it offers against harmful UV rays. The sun can be relentless, especially during those long summer sessions, and I’ve learned the hard way that sunscreen alone isn’t enough. With a long sleeve shirt, I can enjoy my time in the water without constantly worrying about sunburn.
Another important factor for me is the added warmth on cooler days. I’ve surfed in conditions where the water is chilly, and wearing a long sleeve shirt helps retain body heat, allowing me to stay in the water longer. It creates a comfortable barrier against the wind and cold, making my surfing experience much more enjoyable. Plus, I find that it doesn’t restrict my movement; it’s designed to be lightweight and flexible, so I can paddle and maneuver easily.
Lastly, the durability and quick-drying nature of these shirts are a game changer. I’ve had my fair share of regular cotton shirts that just don’t hold up in the surf. A long sleeve surf shirt is made from materials that are specifically designed to withstand
My Buying Guide on ‘Long Sleeve Surf Shirt’
When I first ventured into the world of surfing, I quickly learned that having the right gear can make all the difference. One of the essential items in my surf wardrobe became the long sleeve surf shirt. If you’re considering adding one to your collection, let me share some insights and tips to help you find the perfect fit for your surfing adventures.
Why Choose a Long Sleeve Surf Shirt?
When I hit the waves, I found that a long sleeve surf shirt provides excellent sun protection, which is crucial for long days under the sun. The UV protection it offers keeps my skin safe while I enjoy my time in the water. Additionally, the long sleeves help prevent chafing from my surfboard, making my surfing experience much more comfortable.
Material Matters
I quickly realized that the fabric of the surf shirt plays a significant role in comfort and performance. Most long sleeve surf shirts are made from quick-drying, lightweight materials like polyester, nylon, or a blend of both. I prefer shirts with a bit of stretch because they allow for better movement when I’m paddling or popping up on my board. Look for materials that are breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry.
Fit and Comfort
The fit of a long sleeve surf shirt is crucial. I always choose one that fits snugly but isn’t too tight, as I want the freedom to move without restrictions. Some shirts come with a loose fit, while others are more tailored. I suggest trying on a few different styles to see which one feels best for you. Don’t forget to check the length of the sleeves and the body— I prefer ones that offer good coverage without being overly baggy.
UPF Protection
One of the standout features of many long sleeve surf shirts is their UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. I always look for shirts with at least UPF 30, as they offer solid protection against harmful UV rays. Investing in a shirt with high UPF can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn, especially during extended surf sessions.
Style and Design
While functionality is my top priority, I also appreciate a good-looking shirt! Long sleeve surf shirts come in various colors and designs, allowing me to express my style in the water. From vibrant patterns to minimalist designs, I enjoy finding a shirt that reflects my personality. Just remember, though, that bright colors can also help with visibility in the water.
Additional Features to Consider
Over time, I discovered that some long sleeve surf shirts come with extra features that enhance my experience. Some have thumbholes to keep the sleeves in place, while others include mesh panels for improved ventilation. I also like shirts with flatlock seams to minimize chafing. These little details can make a big difference during my surf sessions.
Price Range and Brands
When I first started shopping for long sleeve surf shirts, I found a wide range of prices. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 or more, depending on the brand and features. I recommend researching reputable brands known for their quality surf apparel, such as Patagonia, Quiksilver, or O’Neill. Sometimes, I find great deals on last season’s styles, which allows me to save while still getting a high-quality shirt.
Care and Maintenance
To keep my long sleeve surf shirts in top condition, I make sure to follow the care instructions. I typically rinse my shirt in freshwater after each surf session to remove salt and sand, and I wash it in cold water with mild detergent. Avoiding fabric softeners and high heat when drying helps prolong the life of the shirt.
Choosing the right long sleeve surf shirt has significantly improved my surfing experience. By considering factors like material, fit, UPF protection, and additional features, I’ve been able to find shirts that not only keep me comfortable in the water but also protect me from the sun. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision as you look for your perfect long sleeve surf shirt! Happy surfing!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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