rash guard

American  

[rash-gahrd] / ˈræʃˌgɑrd /

Or rashguard

noun

1. a fitted garment for the upper body that is worn for surfing or other ocean sports to protect against chafing and sunburn.

   a breathable and fast-drying rash guard with optimal stretch.

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Etymology

Origin of rash guard

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Sporting swimming trunks and a rash guard shirt, mayor Andrew Little dived face first into the surf as he sought to reassure angry residents that the water was now safe.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

He was tall, with broad shoulders and a barrel chest under a blue rash guard that tapered down to red shorts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2022

My hair stuck to my face, my rash guard was wadded under my life jacket, my shorts were turned nearly backwards and my knees bled.

From Washington Post • Aug. 30, 2015

My sister held an end-of-summer pool party this weekend and I wore the obligatory rash guard despite being in a covered pool.

From Slate • Sep. 23, 2014

It is flaunted as well by the actress Leslie Mann, who wears a punk floral rash guard in “The Other Woman,” a revenge comedy set to arrive in theaters this month.

From New York Times • Apr. 16, 2014