Go with UPF 50+ and a snug fit
Go with UPF 50+ and a snug fit
That’s it. The rest is marketing.
A rash guard’s job is to protect your skin from the sun and from board rash (or paddleboard deck pad rash). For sun protection, UPF 50+ is the standard – anything less is basically a t-shirt that gets heavy when wet. For rash protection, a snug fit matters more than fabric weight because loose material will bunch up and rub you raw.
Fabric wise, you want something stretchy and quick drying – nylon/spandex blends are standard. Avoid cotton, it’ll stay wet and cold. You don’t need a $100 brand name. A $30 one from a surf shop or Amazon will do the same job as long as it fits tight and blocks UV.
Don’t overthink it.