Updated on July 7th, 2023 at 06:26 pm
Whenever the sun comes out to play, one of the best places to spend your time is by the pool, beach or kayaking. This means you need a flattering swim shirt and a pair of swim trunks. Unfortunately for a fat guy, getting the best swim shirt isn’t a walk in the park. There are limited options.
The best rash guard swim shirt for a fat guy should have UV protection, look good enough to flatter your body shape and be large enough to fit.
Luckily, I spent most of my time in the past summers researching and finding the best swim shirts for fat guys and found a couple that I love. My favorite is the Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard UPF 50+ Swim Shirt.
Best Swim Shirts for Fat Guys
Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard UPF 50+ Swim Shirt
Kanu offers some of the best swim shirts for tall guys. It’s a US-based brand that’s been operational since 1997. Their years of experience provide them with insight into qualities they need to infuse into big and tall swim shirts for comfort, protection, and efficiency.
The Kanu Rashguard has a UPF 50+; hence it offers great sun protection. Moreover, it fits well and has sizes ranging from small to 5X. For versatility, it comes in multiple colors.
The short-sleeve shirt has a crew neckline making it perfect for layering or wear it alone. It fits snug and is more adaptable compared to shirts with regular necklines.
The Kanu Surf Rash Guard swim shirt is made from polyester. This material is made with excellent breathability and fast-drying capability. Polyester also makes the clothing lightweight even when wet. It will not drag you down as you leave the water as other shirts do.
Pros
- Actual to size
- Available in different colors
- Different color options
- Machine washable
- Solid stitching
Cons
- Chokes the neck
H2O Sport Tech Big & Tall Men’s Short Sleeve Swim Shirt
Though the company claims this shirt is true to size, I noted that it runs very large. It’s larger in the shoulders, chest, and length, which leaves room for a range of movements. For a better fit, I recommend getting one or two sizes down. The sizes range from XX-large big to 6X-large big.
The H20 Sport Tech Big and Tall Men’s Short Sleeve is loose-fitting, so it flatters your body. It has elbow-length short sleeves and has 50+ sun protection to protect your skin when in and out of water.
Aside from size, these high-quality shirts feels comfortable on the skin, courtesy of the 100% polyester material. The material allows this swim shirt to dry fast.
If you hate swim shirts that are too snug around the stomach, you’ll love the H20 Sport Tech Big and Tall Men’s Short Sleeve Swim Shirt.
Pros
- Doesn’t hug the stomach
- Dries fast
- Doesn’t chafe nipples
- Large and long
Cons
- The logo is a little too large
- The collar is a little tight
- Too clingy when you exit the waters
Aqua Design Rash Guard Men Swim Shirt
Aqua is one of the best swim shirts for men looking for a shirt that’s not too tight and loose. It’s made from AquaPoly material that’s 85% polyester and 15% spandex fabric. This fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, fast-drying, and has a 50+ UPF UV and sun protection rating. I noted it dries within a minute of leaving the water.
The 15% spandex used in the material allows for unrestricted range of motion that is crucial when swimming, rowing, paddling, surfing, fishing, snorkeling, wakeboarding, and other summertime activities.
I especially loved that it has a comfortable fit and a flatlock stitch which offers better comfort. Unlike most swim shirts, the Aqua Design Rash Guard Men features unique water camouflage patterns, including Liquid lava, black water, royal ripple, and aqua sky.
Pros
- Cold machine wash
- Available up to 6X-large
- Runs true to size
- Retains shape and isn’t too hot
Cons
- A little too heavy and thick
- The material is fragile and picks easily
Speedo Men’s UV Swim Shirt Short Sleeve Loose Fit Easy Tee
Speedo provides a wide range of short sleeve swimsuits for the whole family. Therefore, it’s no surprise it offers one of the best swim shirts for fat guys. As for quality, Speedo has been making the best with the tech features available.
This Speedo Men’s UV Swim Shirt is designed from 100% polyester and has a polyester lining. The fabric has low-moisture absorption and is quick-drying for added comfort when you leave the water. Despite the lining, the shirt is soft, lightweight, and breathable.
The shirt also has UV and UPF 50+ protection which protects you from sunburns. This rash guard is also durable and has a loose fit. The sizes range up to 4X-large big tall. If you need a tighter fit, you should purchase a size smaller.
Pros
- Available in multiple colors
- Water repellent
- Quick dry
- Pilling resistant hence durable
Cons
- It clings to the body when you leave the water
- Only hand wash
- Thick shirt
And The Winner Is…
Kanu Surf Med's Cb Rash Guard
The best swim shirts for fat guys are ideal for wearing in the pool or engaging in other water sports. The Kanu Surf Med’s Cb Rash Guard is ideal for its sun protection, comfortable fit, lightweight, and fast-drying abilities.
When buying a swim shirt from the best swim shirt list, ensure you choose the right size for your body shape. It’s good to take measurements before paying to ensure you get the ideal fit. Remember, some shirts are true-fits, and others run a little smaller or larger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should Fat Guys Wear to Swim?
Fat guys should wear anything that they feel comfortable in. Tall rash guard shirts are perfect for their protection from the sun’s harmful rays and ideal fitting. The t-shirt should be lightweight and protect you from chaffing.
How Should a Fat Man Dress at the Beach?
Big guys should wear dark colors like navy and shades of gray. Also, wear the correct sizes. Getting oversized rash guards will make you feel like you have a parachute dragging you behind. Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard is perfect given it’s available in gray and has a range of tall sizes. You can easily pick your ideal size.
Can any Shirt be a Swim Shirt?
No, they cannot. Regular t-shirts increase the chances of drowning as they soak up water and weigh swimmers down. Moreover, they pollute the water by bringing germs and clutter the pool’s filtration system with loose strands. The Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard is lightweight and made from polyester, which counteracts the drowning and loose strand issues.
Should a Swim Shirt be Tight?
When you order surf shirts, they should be comfortable and loose. However, it shouldn’t be too loose to increase the risk of getting caught in equipment. If you need one with UV protection, rash guards are the best. Though the Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard is a loose fit, it’s ideal for fat guys and flatters their body shape.
For more information and tips on living your best life check out the rest of Extra Large Living.