Buy Women’s UV Shirts with UPF 80

The Underestimated Risk

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.

+25%

UV reflection from the water surface bounced back onto the skin

–80%

Sunscreen effectiveness lost after 40 minutes in the water

< 1.3%

UV transmission at UPF 80 – constant, even when wet

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.

Did you know?

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.

Rashguard vs. T-Shirt

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

Sports Guide

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.

Surfing & Windsurfing

Hours of UV exposure, salt water, board friction. A tight rashguard prevents chafing and provides constant protection during every movement.

Recommendation: Tight Rashguard

SUP (Stand-Up Paddling)

Intense sun exposure from above and through reflection. Alternating between water and board. Tight or loose – depending on preference.

Rashguard or UV-Shirt

Swimming & Laps

Chlorinated water, frequent use. Tight fit for minimal water resistance. hyphen polyamide-elastane is chlorine-resistant and retains its shape.

Recommendation: Tight Rashguard

Kayaking & Sailing

Hours of UV exposure, reflection from the water. More freedom of movement desired. A loose-fitting, long-sleeved UV shirt is ideal.

Recommendation: Loose UV-Shirt

Snorkeling & Diving

UV radiation penetrates up to 50 cm underwater. A rashguard also protects against jellyfish contact and rock abrasions.

Recommendation: Tight Rashguard

Beach & Family Day

Switching between water and towel. A loose UV shirt dries quickly, allows air to circulate, and protects even while building sandcastles.

Recommendation: Loose UV-Shirt

Did you know?

The 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.

Buyer's Guide

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

Protection Comparison

60% more protection reserve than UPF 50+

UPF 50+ is the industry standard. hyphen exceeds it – under every condition.

New

Wet

Stretched

Used

Aged

UPF 50+ · Industry Standard

✓

✗

UPF 80 · UV STANDARD 801

✓

What does this mean for you? You don't wear your UV shirt brand-new and dry in a lab – you wear it wet after swimming, stretched during sports, and washed after every use. That is exactly where the protection must work. UPF 50+ is only measured in new condition. UPF 80 according to UV STANDARD 801 guarantees protection under all conditions that count in real life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rashguards & Water Sports – Your Questions

Yes – and significantly more. All hyphen products offer UPF 80, tested according to the world's strictest standard (UV Standard 801). UPF 50+ is the industry standard and is exceeded by hyphen by 60%. This is crucial in water sports: UPF 50+ is only measured when dry and new. UPF 80 according to UV Standard 801 guarantees protection even when wet, stretched, and after use.

A rashguard is a tight-fitting UV shirt designed for water sports. It protects against UV radiation, abrasions (e.g., from a surfboard or wetsuit), and jellyfish contact. With UPF 80 according to UV Standard 801, a hyphen rashguard blocks over 98% of UV radiation – even when wet.

Water reflects up to 25% of UV radiation back onto the skin. Additionally, water cools the skin, so you don't feel the sunburn happening. Furthermore, sunscreen washes off in the water. A rashguard with UPF 80 protects constantly – regardless of water, sweat, or movement.

Yes. Rashguards are suitable for all water sports: surfing, swimming, SUP, kayaking, snorkeling. The polyamide-elastane material dries in 10–15 minutes, is chlorine and salt water resistant, and offers minimal water resistance.

In the water: Rashguard (tight, no water resistance, won't slip). On land: loose UV shirt (better air circulation, more comfortable). Both offer the same UPF 80 protection according to UV Standard 801. For alternating between the water and the beach, having both variants is recommended.

Yes. In hyphen rashguards, UV protection is achieved through the weave density – not through a chemical coating. Therefore, the UPF 80 remains stable even after hundreds of uses in salt and chlorinated water. The UV Standard 801 certification explicitly tests the protection in a used condition.

Women UV Shirts according to UV STANDARD 801

Your skin never forgets a single day in the sun.

Why UV protection is more critical in water than on land

Why a normal T-shirt fails in the water

Rashguard UPF 80

Cotton T-Shirt in Water

Which cut for which sport?

What matters when choosing a rashguard

Checklist: Buying a Rashguard

60% more protection reserve than UPF 50+

Rashguards & Water Sports – Your Questions