MEN UV Langarmshirt - kukini wood 
Long sleeve shirt ’tuvu iguana‘ 
Shellshirt 'white' 
Shellshirt 'pintoo' 
Longsleeve shirt 'satao cobalt' Your skin never forgets a single day in the sun.
UV damage is cumulative. Every decade counts. Why UV protective clothing isn't just for children – and what 25 years of experience teach us about textile sun protection.
Why UV protection is more critical in water than on land
Most sunburns happen in the water – not on the beach. This is due to a combination of three factors that don't exist in the same way on land.
The cooling effect makes it dangerous: Water cools the skin, meaning typical warning signals (redness, stinging) are noticed much later. By the time the sunburn becomes painful, the damage is already done.
UVB radiation penetrates up to 50 cm below the water surface. When swimming, diving, or snorkeling, your skin is exposed to radiation even underwater. A rashguard protects you there too – constantly and without the need to reapply cream.
Why a normal T-shirt fails in the water
Many water sports enthusiasts wear an old cotton T-shirt as "UV protection." While it feels like a sensible choice, it isn't. Wet cotton loses up to 50% of its already low UV protection.
Rashguard UPF 80
- UPF 80 even when wet (UV Standard 801 tested)
- Tight fit, no water resistance
- Dries in 10–15 minutes
- Chlorine and salt water resistant
- No absorption, no extra weight
- Protects against abrasions
- No need for sunscreen under the shirt
Cotton T-Shirt in Water
- UPF 3–5 when wet (barely any protection)
- Flaps around, creates water resistance
- Trocknet in 2–3 hours
- Absorbs salt and chlorine
- Becomes heavy, hinders swimming
- Chafes against the skin when wet
- Sunscreen underneath washes away
| Feature | Rashguard UPF 80 | Wet Cotton | Sunscreen Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV Protection in Water | ✓ > 98% | ✕ 30–50% | ✕ Constantly decreasing |
| Protection after 40 min. Swimming | ✓ Unchanged | ✕ Strongly reduced | ✕ Largely gone |
| Drying Time | 10–15 Minutes | 2–3 Hours | Not applicable |
| Comfort in Water | ✓ Tight, light | ✕ Heavy, loose | ✓ Nothing on body |
| Chlorine & Salt Water | ✓ Resistant | ✕ Absorbs, smells | ✕ Washes off |
Which cut for which sport?
Not every water sport requires the same fit. Here is an overview of when a tight rashguard or a loose-fitting UV shirt is the better choice.
Hours of UV exposure, salt water, board friction. A tight rashguard prevents chafing and provides constant protection during every movement.
Recommendation: Tight RashguardIntense sun exposure from above and through reflection. Alternating between water and board. Tight or loose – depending on preference.
Rashguard or UV-ShirtChlorinated water, frequent use. Tight fit for minimal water resistance. hyphen polyamide-elastane is chlorine-resistant and retains its shape.
Recommendation: Tight RashguardHours of UV exposure, reflection from the water. More freedom of movement desired. A loose-fitting, long-sleeved UV shirt is ideal.
Recommendation: Loose UV-ShirtUV radiation penetrates up to 50 cm underwater. A rashguard also protects against jellyfish contact and rock abrasions.
Recommendation: Tight RashguardSwitching between water and towel. A loose UV shirt dries quickly, allows air to circulate, and protects even while building sandcastles.
Recommendation: Loose UV-ShirtThe word "rashguard" comes from "rash" (chafing/irritation) and "guard" (protection). Originally developed to protect against abrasions from surfboards, UV protection is its most important function today. With UPF 80 according to UV Standard 801, this protection is guaranteed even when wet and stretched.
What matters when choosing a rashguard
Checklist: Buying a Rashguard
- UV Standard 801 – Protection tested while wet and stretched (not just dry)
- UPF 80 – Highest available protection factor, less than 1.3% UV transmission
- Polyamide-Elastane – Chlorine and salt water resistant, quick-drying
- Flatlock Seams – No chafing with a tight fit or board friction
- Tight Fit – No water resistance, no flapping, no slipping
- European Production – Short transport routes, transparent quality
60% more protection reserve than UPF 50+
UPF 50+ is the industry standard. hyphen exceeds it – under every condition.
