For swimmers with sensitive skin hooded swim shirts offer complete coverage of head, ears and neck against sunburn.

The hood provides protection for the head without the need to carry a hat around. This can also be more practical, as it means you have one less thing to keep track of when you're surfing the waves.

Combined with Lycra pants they make a complete stinger suit to protect you from toxic jellyfish. Hooded swim shirts are most popular with snorkelers, surfers and bodyboarders,

Swim Hoodie Features

Look out for a high UPF (UV Protection Factor). The best ones have a built-in UPF of 50 or more. While this shouldn't mean forgoing waterproof sun block, you are giving your skin the best possible protection. A swim hoodie will also cover the all-important neck and ears, which are too easily neglected and prone to burning.

The darker a hoodie is, the more protection it will offer. On the other hand, this can make it hotter to wear, so you'll have to factor that consideration. Soaking it with cool water often helps.

Weight is also crucial, as a lighter hoodie can claim protective features, but the fabric is not up to the job. It's best to stay away from cheap options and choose something made by a quality company, so that you know it will stand up to the sun.

Finally, be sure to get the exact size. You don't want your swim hoodie to have too much stretch, because it loses its UPF strength that way. Make sure it's large enough to fit comfortably.

Shopping for Swim Hoodies

Surfwear designers have been at the forefront of creating eco-friendly clothes, as surfers are dedicated to keeping the oceans healthy. O'Neill also has a green hoodie made of 90% recycled bottles and plastics and printed with water-based ink, letting you be that much more a part of the healthy planet.

There are also rash guard hoodies for women and kids. The women's rash guard is part of the 24/7 line and fits loosely, with a hood that covers the ears and can even offer some eye shade. It has a UPF of 50+ and a handy front pocket.

For those who like Quiksilver, you can get a shaded hoodie at Tactics. They don't give the amount of detail that you can get from O'Neill, but it offers UV protection, long sleeves and a hood, along with a board short connector in the form of a loop and a mesh-lined back utility zippered pocket.

FCS Indo Rashie

This is one of the coolest rashies on the market. It's a sick price and if you're in those tropical environments surfing for days on end, the Indo rashie will save you from being fried! It's got a hood to keep that sun off your head and a well sized pocket to put bottles of water and other necessities in.

The Indo Rashie with hood is designed for extreme tropical conditions where added protection from the sun is needed. Cooler colour are specifically chosen

• Large external pocket for booties, wax or sustenance
• Internal slick neoprene waistband for extreme comfort
• Elastic shockcord waist cord adjustment
• Boardshort connection point
• Internal key pocket with safety cord
• Flatlock seams all over
• Streamlined pannelling for extreme comfort and no rash
• High quality 6 oz 80% nylon 20% spandex
• Excellent sun protection 50+ UV Rating

ONeill Ozone Tech Hoodie

In the tropical sun all day? No Problem! The finest materials available will keep you in the water longer! The Ozone series utilizes advanced technology to prepare you for the harshest conditions on the globe. This rash guard features a utility zippered pocket (hydration compatible), adjustable waist cinch with barrel lock.

If you're going to be in the sun all day, the Ozone Tech is ideal. This model has attached hood with long brimmed sun visor which cools and protects the head, neck and eyes. It has a UPF of 50+, a zippered storage pocket, board short connector and adjustable waist cinch.

Titanium Oxide is injected into a nylon/spandex blend for extreme protection. This swim hoodie protects you from the harmful UV rays that bombard our leather every day.

Have you ever seen that 30 year old person that looks like on old baseball glove? That’s because they haven't protected their skin from prolonged sun exposure. They should have invested in sunscreen, a hat, AND a Ozone long sleeve hooded rashguard! Get one! (oh yeah...they guard against rashes too...duh)

• U.P.F. 50+
• Maximum UV block and water repelling
• 8oz Nylon/Spandex
• Attached hood with long brimmed sun visor
• Seamless paddle zones
• Zippered Storage Pocket
• Adjustable Waist Cinch w/barrel lock
• Flatloc Stitched
• Boardshort connector
• Attached hood with long brimmed sun visor cools and protects the head, neck and eyes.
• Provides comfort and maximum protection for long hours in-water or out.
• Utility pocket for necessities
• Rash protection
• Ergonomic seam placement
• Waist cinch fits variety of sizes

O'Neill 24/7 Breathable Swim Hoody

We like the loose fitting 24/7 long-sleeved O'Neill swim hoodies. They are comfy, odor-resistant and loose fitting, with a front pocket and an adjustable face cord.

O'Neill's 24-7 swimwear line is designed to function both in and out of the water, providing a comfortable layer between you and the elements. Good for swimming anywhere or just sitting around. If you'll be in extended sunlight, this long sleeve hoodie rash guard is your answer. Less sunscreen, no accidental burns, more protection.

Not tight-fitting like typical Lycra rashguards, this loose-fit hoody can be worn over a swimsuit, rashguard, or fitted tee with ease. Protects against sun fatigue and provides a breathable, cooling effect.

Contour fit hood with drawstring can pull forward to protect your face from the sun. Soft fabric feels great against your skin. The material feels more like a cotton t-shirt than a Lycra swim suit. Engineered fit with strategic seam placement for comfort lets you be active in comfort or just lounge around.

The 24/7 Tech Series is designed to be your all around gym and water wear product. The unique 5oz. Poly/Spandex blend material is extremely lightweight and breathable while offering a 30 UV protection. Comfortable and relaxed fit, whether your at the gym working out, floating in the pool, or chilling at your local surf break, the 24/7 Tech series has you covered.

Hood drawcords for an adjustable fit. When you wish to protect your face whilst relaxing, you can pull the hood forward over your face, it is so elastic.

Hand wash cold and drip dry. Made from 93% nylon and 7% elastic.

Highlights:

• UV Protection and Rash Guard. 93% nylon, 7% Spandex.
• UPF 30+ - Quick-Dry Nylon/Poly/Spandex Composite
• Loose T-Shirt Fit
• Kangaroo style pockets to hold small items.
• Boardshort Connector Loop
• Designed for UV Protection
• Odor Resistant Material
• Quick drying, four stretch design.
• Wicks away moisture during active water sports.
• Lightweight quick-dry material works in or out of the water.

  Reader Comment

  I teach scuba and snorkeling, plus lead trips for those things around the world. I love the big front pocket for my cell phone, keys, a few things. Nice relaxed fit. Put the hood up or down, depending on temperature, and trying to keep my nearly naked head from getting fried in the sun. When I haven't had time for applying my bullfrog sunscreen, I am cool with wearing it in the water, hood and all. I am always around the water, reflecting the sun, and I can't rely 100% on sunscreen to keep me from getting burnt. -- Dave, Michigan, USA

XCEL Ventx Bamboo Hooded Top

Xcel's Bamboo Ventx pullover hoodie comes with full hood for sun protection and a streamlined lower back zip pocket. Great for wearing wet or dry, especially recommended for stand-up paddlers.

It is loose fitting and lightweight for a cool, breathable and moisture wicking fit. The Four-way performance stretch fabric is made of bamboo charcoal infused fibres and recycled fibres help make the most high performance, as well as durable and effective protection from the sun.

Features:


• UV 25+ protection
• 4-way stretch Ventx material
• Odour resistant
• Moisture wicking
• Flatlock seams
• Lightweight, breathable, loose fit

  Seen on SurfStitch.com

XCEL Polypro Hooded Vest

If you are looking some some added warmth under your wetsuit and your wetusit is non-hooded then the XCEL Hooded Polypro Rash Vest (LXL058) will be right for you.

It has a Titanium Glideskin Lined Hood with a Peak and an elasticted face seal to ensure that minimum, if any water can get in. The elasticated face seal is really comfortable and molds to the contours of you face. The hood is 2mm thick giving you great protection from the winter elements. It also provides a good UV Protection rating.

You can wear this swim shirt on its own, or layer it under your 3/2 or 4/3 fullsuit to make an instant hooded wetsuit. The hood is constructed of 3mm waterproof Chill Breaker mesh skin neoprene. Great for those on a budget, or for someone who doesn't want a hooded wetsuit. Plus, the polyolefin will add an extra insulating layer to beef up your existing fullsuit.