When purchasing rash guards it is important to understand the different design types in order to insure a proper fit

The Traditional Fit (aka Performance or Regular Fit) is the original rash guard design.  They are made to fit skintight and are typically purchased by athletes or those that participate in very active water sports.  A Traditional Fit sized rash guard will be significantly smaller that the same sized polo or T Shirt.

The Loose Fit rash guard is a more recent innovation and was designed for folks that want the UV protection that a rash guard provides but with a more relaxed fit.  The Loose Fit sizes wiill typically run slightly larger than a like size polo or T shirt.

Our True Fit line is sized in between.  They are designed to closely represent the size of a typical polo shirt but with a comfortable, slightly snug fit.  Ideal for those that don't want to feel squeezed by a traditional rash guard yet don't want the bagging or bunching that loose fit rash guards can have in the water.

It is also important to note that sizing is not necessarily uniform between manufacturers.  The charts below are fairly accurate for O'Neill Performance Fit and Quiksilver Regular Fit styles.  Body Glove, Exceed and Irrashionals will all run smaller.

The size differences can be significant so the Charts below should only be used as a general guide.  We have developed individual Size Charts for every product we carry and there is a Click for Size Chart link to the corresponding chart on every product page.  Using the individual charts will provide the most accurate size information for that specific product.