Collection: Rash Vests & Thermals

Choosing a rash vest

A rash vest is a handy layer whether you’re surfing, paddling or just spending the day at the beach. Short sleeve vests suit warmer days, while long sleeve and hooded styles give you more cover. For sun protection, look at the UPF vests from Rip Curl, including the Pacific Coast, San Carlos and Las Flores short sleeve vests and the Coastal Instinct and San Carlos long sleeve vests. For everyday value, the Alder Cruz short sleeve vests come in adult, women’s and girls’ styles. Many surfers also wear a rash vest under their wetsuit.

Thermal rash vests for colder days

When the water cools down, a thermal rash vest adds an extra layer underneath your wetsuit. In this range you’ll find the O’Neill Thermo-X Short/Sleeve and Long Sleeve Rash Vests, the O’Neill Thermo-X Vest with Neo Hood, the Rip Curl Flashbomb Polypro Hooded Vest and the Alder Mens Spirit PolyPro Long Sleeve Rash Vest. The Rip Curl Thermopro Shorts cover the bottom half. If you prefer a hooded style, there’s also the O’Neill Hyperfreak Skins L/S Hooded Rash Vest and the Florence Marine X L/S Hooded Rashguard.

Rash vests by brand

O’Neill has the biggest range here, including the Basic Skins, Premium Skins, Thermo-X and Hyperfreak Skins vests. Rip Curl offers UPF vests as well as the Thermopro and Flashbomb thermals, and Alder has the Cruz and Spirit PolyPro vests. C-Skins is represented by a toddler UV sunsuit, and Florence Marine X by a hooded rashguard.

Junior and toddler rash vests

For younger surfers, there are O’Neill Youth Basic Skins and Premium Skins vests, the Rip Curl Boys Corp short sleeve vests, the Rip Curl Jnr Girls Golden Rays long sleeve vest, the Alder Girls Cruz short sleeve vest and the Rip Curl Kids Fbomb Polypro Hooded Wetsuit Vest. For toddlers, take a look at the O’Neill Toddler O’Zone sunshirts and UV rash suit and the C-Skins Toddler UV Front Zip Shortie Sunsuit. Sizes vary by product, so check each product page and our sizing charts before you order.

Pair your rash vest with the right kit

A thermal rash vest works best under a winter wetsuit, so browse our men’s winter wetsuits, women’s winter wetsuits and kids’ winter wetsuits. For warmer days, take a look at the men’s summer wetsuits, women’s summer wetsuits and kids’ summer wetsuits, or see everything in all wetsuits. Add wetsuit hoods, wetsuit boots and wetsuit gloves for the coldest sessions, and don’t forget suncream and suncare for sunny days. For more, see all our wetsuit accessories.

Looking after your rash vest

Rinse your vest with fresh water after each session and dry it away from direct heat. Our storage and care products will help your kit last, and a wet and dry bag keeps your wet kit separate on the way home.