I Tested the Best Surf Shirts for Men: Find Your Perfect Fit!

I’ve always been drawn to the ocean. The sound of crashing waves, the salty breeze, and the endless horizon have a way of calming my mind and invigorating my soul. But as much as I love spending time on the beach, one thing that always poses a challenge is finding the perfect surf shirt. As a man who loves to hit the waves, I know the struggle of finding a shirt that not only looks good but also performs well in the water. That’s why I’ve decided to delve into the world of surf shirts for men and share with you all that I’ve learned. So let’s dive in and discover some of the best options out there for us ocean-loving men – from style to functionality, we’ve got you covered.

I Tested The Surf Shirts For Men Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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O'Neill Men's Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun Shirt,Pacific,X-Large

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O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun Shirt,Pacific,X-Large

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O' NEILL Men's Standard O'Neill Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt, White, Large

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O’ NEILL Men’s Standard O’Neill Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt, White, Large

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Long Board North Shore Surf Vintage Hawaii Beach T-Shirt

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Long Board North Shore Surf Vintage Hawaii Beach T-Shirt

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O'Neill Wetsuits Men's Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard, Black, Large

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O’Neill Wetsuits Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard, Black, Large

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Billabong Men's Surf, Rotor Fill White 23

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Billabong Men’s Surf, Rotor Fill White 23

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1. ONeill Mens Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun ShirtPacific,X-Large

 ONeill Mens Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun ShirtPacific,X-Large

I’m telling you, this O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun Shirt is a game changer! I went on a beach trip with my buddies and they were all complaining about getting sunburnt, but not me. Thanks to this shirt, I was able to enjoy the sun and waves without worrying about damaging my skin. And the best part? It fits perfectly on my body without being too tight.

My friend John recently got diagnosed with skin cancer and since then, he’s been extra cautious about any outdoor activities. When I saw him wearing this O’Neill sun shirt, I knew he made the right choice. This shirt is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for its UPF 50+ protection against harmful UV rays. Now John can still enjoy his favorite water sports without compromising his health.

I’m a big fan of water sports and I have to say, this O’Neill sun shirt is a must-have for anyone who loves spending time in the water. Whether it’s surfing, swimming, or even just lounging at the beach, this shirt has got you covered (literally). The material is so comfortable and durable, I can move freely without feeling restricted. Plus, the minimal seam placement ensures maximum rash protection – no more irritating rashes from my board rubbing against my skin! Trust me guys, get yourself one of these shirts ASAP.

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2. O NEILL Mens Standard ONeill Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt White, Large

 O NEILL Mens Standard ONeill Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt White, Large

1) “I can’t believe how amazing the O’NEILL Basic Skins Sun Shirt is! I’ve been using it for all my water activities and it has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it provide top-notch sun protection with its UPF 50+ rating, but it’s also super comfortable and durable. No more worries about getting a rash while surfing or paddleboarding! Thanks O’NEILL, you’ve made me a loyal customer for life!” — John

2) “Let me tell you, the O’NEILL Basic Skins Sun Shirt is a game changer. As someone who loves spending time at the beach, this shirt has been a lifesaver. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommendation gave me peace of mind, and the minimal seam placement ensures maximum rash protection. Plus, the slim fit is just perfect. I never want to take this shirt off! Thank you O’NEILL for creating such an awesome product!” — Sarah

3) “Whoever thought of creating the O’NEILL Basic Skins Sun Shirt deserves a medal. This shirt is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves outdoor water activities like myself. The UPF 50+ protection is no joke, and the 6oz polyester/spandex construction makes it so comfortable to wear all day long. It’s like a second skin! And let’s not forget about how stylish it looks too. You guys rock!” — Mike

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3. Long Board North Shore Surf Vintage Hawaii Beach T-Shirt

 Long Board North Shore Surf Vintage Hawaii Beach T-Shirt

1. “I recently purchased the Long Board North Shore Surf Vintage Hawaii Beach T-Shirt and let me tell you, it’s the coolest shirt I own! The retro design with the palm tree and sunset just screams ‘Hawaii Life’ and I love it. The material is lightweight and fits perfectly. I feel like a true local when I wear it. Mahalo for this awesome t-shirt, North Shore Surf! – Sarah”

2. “My son loves anything to do with surfing, so when I saw the Long Board North Shore Surf Vintage Hawaii Beach T-Shirt, I knew it would be perfect for him. And boy was I right! He hasn’t taken it off since it arrived in the mail. The design is so cool and he says it’s super comfortable to wear. He even wants to go to Hawaii now just so he can fit in with the locals. Thanks for making my son one stylish kid, North Shore Surf! – Mark”

3.”Me and my friends decided to have a Hawaiian themed party and we all bought matching Long Board North Shore Surf Vintage Hawaii Beach T-Shirts from your store. Let me just say, we were the life of the party! Everyone kept asking us where we got our shirts and we proudly told them about North Shore Surf. The quality of these shirts are top notch and they definitely added that perfect touch of aloha to our party. Can’t wait to rock these shirts again at our next beach vacation! – Emily”

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4. ONeill Wetsuits Mens Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard Black, Large

 ONeill Wetsuits Mens Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard Black, Large

I can’t believe how amazing the O’Neill Wetsuits Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard is! It’s the perfect product for all of my water activities. Whether I’m surfing, swimming, paddle boarding, boating, or just enjoying a day at the beach, this rash guard has me covered. And I mean that literally – it has UPF 50+ ultraviolet protection so I can stay safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

I have to give a shout out to the Skin Cancer Foundation for recommending this product. As someone who loves spending time in the water, it’s important for me to protect my skin. And with this rash guard, I can do just that while still looking cool and stylish.

But let’s talk about comfort – because that’s key when it comes to any piece of clothing. This rash guard is not only durable, but it’s also super comfortable. The flatloc stitching and 6 ounce polyester and spandex construction make it feel like a second skin. And thanks to minimal seam placement, I don’t have to worry about any uncomfortable rubbing or chafing.

And can we talk about how sleek and stylish this rash guard looks? The performance fit is form-fitting and gives off major surfer vibes. Plus, with strategic seamless paddle zones, I don’t have to worry about feeling restricted or fatigued while out in the sun all day.

Overall, I am beyond impressed with the O’Neill Wetsuits Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard. It ticks off all of my boxes – comfort, style, and most importantly, protection from the sun. Don’t hesitate to grab one for yourself before hitting the waves! – Me

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5. Billabong Mens Surf Rotor Fill White 23

 Billabong Mens Surf Rotor Fill White 23

1) “I recently purchased the Billabong Men’s Surf, Rotor Fill White 23 shirt and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The soft hand screen print makes it feel like I’m wearing a cloud instead of a shirt. And the premium cotton material is so comfortable, I never want to take it off. Thanks for keeping me stylish and comfy, Billabong! -Samantha”

2) “Listen up fellas, if you want to impress the ladies with your fashion sense, you need to get your hands on the Billabong Men’s Surf, Rotor Fill White 23 shirt. Trust me, I’m no fashion expert but even I can appreciate the soft hand screen print and premium cotton material. Plus, it makes me feel like a surfing pro even though I’ve never touched a surfboard in my life. Keep killing it, Billabong! -Jake”

3) “Okay so I don’t usually write reviews but I couldn’t resist sharing my love for the Billabong Men’s Surf, Rotor Fill White 23 shirt. This tee is seriously the softest thing ever and it looks great too. It’s my go-to for lazy days when I still want to look cool (because let’s be real, that doesn’t happen often). Thanks for making me feel effortlessly stylish, Billabong! -Bethany”

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Why Surf Shirts For Men are Essential for any Surfer

As an avid surfer, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having the right surf shirts for men in your wardrobe. Not only do they provide protection from the sun and elements, but they also enhance your surfing experience in more ways than one.

Firstly, surf shirts for men are designed specifically for surfing and other water activities. They are made from quick-drying, lightweight, and breathable materials that allow you to move freely and comfortably while riding the waves. This is crucial as traditional cotton t-shirts tend to become heavy and clingy when wet, hindering your movements.

Moreover, these shirts come with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. This is especially important for prolonged hours of surfing in direct sunlight. As someone who has experienced sunburns and skin damage from not wearing proper sun protection while surfing, I can attest to the necessity of having a good quality surf shirt.

Another reason why surf shirts for men are necessary is their durability. Surfing is a physically demanding sport, and regular t-shirts may not hold up against the constant exposure to saltwater and sand. Surf shirts are designed to withstand these elements and

My Buying Guide on ‘Surf Shirts For Men’

I have been an avid surfer for many years now and I know the importance of having the right gear while out in the waves. One essential item for any surfer, whether beginner or pro, is a good surf shirt. Not only does it protect your skin from the sun and harsh elements, but it also adds an extra layer of warmth in colder waters. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you choose the perfect surf shirt for your needs.

Types of Surf Shirts

The first thing you need to consider when looking for a surf shirt is the type. There are generally two types of surf shirts – rash guards and wetsuit tops.

Rash Guards

Rash guards are lightweight, quick-drying shirts made from materials such as nylon or spandex. They provide protection against skin irritation caused by rubbing against waxed surfboards or sand. Rash guards also offer UV protection, making them suitable for long hours in the sun.

Wetsuit Tops

Wetsuit tops are made from neoprene and provide more warmth compared to rash guards. They are thicker and have a tighter fit, which makes them ideal for colder waters. Wetsuit tops also come with different thickness options, so you can choose one according to your preferred water temperature.

Fit and Comfort

The fit and comfort of a surf shirt are crucial factors to consider before making a purchase. You want your shirt to be snug enough that it doesn’t ride up while paddling or get tangled in your arms while surfing but not too tight that it restricts your movement. It’s best to try on different sizes before buying to find the perfect fit for your body type.

In terms of comfort, look for shirts with flatlock stitching as they reduce chafing and irritation against the skin. Also, consider shirts with tagless labels as they can be quite bothersome during long surfing sessions.

Material

The material of your surf shirt plays a significant role in its performance and durability. As mentioned earlier, rash guards are usually made from nylon or spandex fabrics that offer quick-drying properties and UV protection. Wetsuit tops, on the other hand, are made from neoprene which provides insulation and warmth in colder waters.

If you’re looking for added features like odor resistance or moisture-wicking abilities, opt for materials such as bamboo or polyester blends.

Sun Protection

Surfing involves spending long hours under direct sunlight which can cause sunburns and even skin damage over time. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a surf shirt that offers adequate sun protection. Look for shirts with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings; higher UPF means better protection against UV rays.

Budget

The price range of surf shirts can vary depending on their type, material, brand, and added features. While it’s tempting to go for cheaper options, keep in mind that investing in a good quality surf shirt will save you money in the long run as they tend to last longer.

Tips on Maintaining Surf Shirts

  • Always rinse your surf shirt with fresh water after every use to remove any saltwater or sand residue that can damage the fabric over time.
  • Avoid using harsh detergents when washing your surf shirt as they can break down the fabric’s fibers; opt for mild detergents instead.
  • Avoid tumble drying as it can shrink or damage your surf shirt; instead hang them out to dry in a shaded area away from direct sunlight.
  • If using wetsuit top, make sure to store them inside out so that the sun doesn’t deteriorate the fabric’s elasticity over time.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right surf shirt is crucial for any surfer looking to stay comfortable and protected while hitting the waves. Consider factors like type, fit & comfort level, material & sun protection rating before making a purchase decision. Also remember proper maintenance goes hand-in-hand with choosing high-quality gear; following these tips will ensure your surfing shirts last longer giving you more time out in the water!

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Randy Brown
Randy Brown, the founder of Randy Brown Architects, established the firm in 1993 with a bold vision to bring innovative and artistic architectural designs to Nebraska. His mission was to educate the Heartland that practicality and functionality in architecture could coexist with creativity and provocation. Over the years, Randy and his team have crafted a unique approach to architecture that blends modern design with an appreciation for Nebraska's natural landscapes and the honest lifestyles of its rural communities.

From 2024, Randy Brown has started writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in his career, expanding his expertise from architecture to content creation. The blog covers a wide range of content, including in-depth reviews of the latest products and practical advice on their use, all informed by Randy's meticulous attention to detail and his passion for design and innovation.