Whenever it comes around to summertime, the best place for fat guys like myself is by the beach, pool, or local lake. And with this desire comes the need for decent swim shirts and a nice pair of the best swim trunks. However, as a big guy finding swim shirts, aka rash guards that fit, is never a walk in the park due to the highly limited options available.
Moreover, we also have to consider whether these rash guard swim shirts for fat guys offer enough UV protection. Not to mention that they should look good enough, so we don't feel body shy. This means we need them to be available in sizes that fit our big and tall body without looking like we're wearing a body blouse.
If you've ever had any issues finding the right big and tall swim shirts after reading this article, you shouldn't ever again. I've spent the last two summers researching and trying on some of the best swim shirts for fat guys and found some very nice that I'm sure you'll love. These shirts are available in multiple styles, colors, can be found in sizes up to 6XLT.
Best Swim Shirts for Fat Guys:
- Kanu Surf Men's Cb Rashguard UPF 50+ Swim Shirts
- H2O Sport Tech Big & Tall Men's Long Sleeve Swim Shirt
- Harbor Bay by DXL Big and Tall Swim Rash Guard T-Shirt
- Lands' End Men's Short Sleeve Swim Tee Rash Guard
- Aqua Design Rash Guard Men
- BALEAF Men's Short Sleeve Rashguard Swim Shirt
Kanu Surf Men's Cb Rashguard UPF 50+ Swim Shirts for Fat Guys
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The first big and tall rash guard swim shirts I recommend every fat guy consider is from Kanu Surf. This US-based brand has been around since 1997 and has produced lots of great quality swimwear. So you can expect that their swim shirts for big guys would also be high quality.
Kanu Surf rash guard swim shirts have a UPF 50+ rating, so they offer excellent sun protection. They fit well and are available in sizes from small to 5X. Moreover, you can get it in multiple colors, making them a great option to consider if you need to buy a shirt for all the males in your family.
These shirts feature superb moisture-wicking technology and breathability, so they dry fast as they are made from 100% polyester. They are also very lightweight even when they are wet and won't leave you feeling like you are stuck in a swamp after getting out of the water. And best of all, they fit amazingly well and true to size.
So if you're looking for a budget-friendly fat guy swimming shirt, consider this one first.
H2O Sport Tech Big & Tall Men's Long Sleeve Swim Shirt for Big Guys
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If you're a really big guy like I am or find loose-fitting shirts more comfortable, you'll certainly love this one. These shirts fit very loosely and do a great job hiding how big you are while on the beach. And they are 5XLT swim shirts, so most fat guys will find a size that fits them well.
However, this big size comes with its downsides of being extremely heavy when wet. And it clings hard to your body once you're out of the water. I didn't mind this as I'd rather a shirt that hides my fat instead of one that makes me look like a sausage, as one reviewer puts it.
These shirts fit and feel very comfortable for big guys as they are made with 100% polyester. This material allows them to dry faster than other types of swim shirts. Moreover, they also have a UPF 50+ rating that offers enough protection for your skin. When you look at the sleeves' size and length, you can rest assured that your vacation or trip to the beach won't end with horrible sunburns.
You can get these shirts in 4 colors but only in a long sleeve style.
Harbor Bay by DXL Big and Tall Swim Rash Guard T-Shirt
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These big and tall rash guard swimming shirts for fat guys are another option you have to consider. They are from DXL, so you know these were designed for big and tall guys. As such, you can get them in sizes up to 6XL that will fit well on any fat person.
With these shirts, you get a nicely designed short-sleeved swim shirt that is extremely comfortable to wear. They are made with 100% polyester and feel very smooth on your skin. Plus, they offer UPF 50 protection, so you can wear these without worrying about sunburns or chaffing.
You can get them in 4 nice colors that can be machine washed. However, they cost slightly more than some of the other options. But they are high-quality shirts, and the sizes are all available for big guys. So it's a fair trade-off?
Lands' End Men's Short Sleeve Swim Shirt Rash Guard for Big Guys
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These swim shirts for fat guys fit a little better than most of the other options. And if you want more style choices, these are the ones to get. They are also offered in sizes from small to 4XLT swim shirts.
These swim shirts for big and tall guys also offer UPF 50 protection like the others. But it is made with 82% nylon and 18% spandex instead of 100% polyester. This material design makes them extremely light, easy to dry, machine washable, and surprisingly more durable. I've had two of these for a long time, and they still look new.
The thing I love the most is that the fit of this shirt is as perfect as you can get in a shirt for big guys. It is roomy enough to hide most of my fat but fits nice around the arms to exhibit my arm muscles.
Aqua Design Rash Guard Men
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The Aqua Design rash guard swim shirts for big and tall men feature a nice 3D water camouflage pattern on their shirts. They are available in 4 colors and sizes up to 6XL. Moreover, you can get them in either the short sleeve style or in a long-sleeved option. https://amzn.to/37xrxCx
This fat guy swimming shirt also offers a UPF 50+ protection, and it even does a good job guarding against accidental jellyfish stings. Whenever I go to the beaches in jamaica, these are my go-to swim shirts for heavy guys.
They also offer pretty good comfort that will allow you to wear them all day, thanks to the 85% polyester and 15% spandex blend. These materials ensure that they are breathable and quick drying so that a few minutes after you get out of the water, the shirt will be dry.
These features make them one of the best options for swimming, fishing, or going hunting.
BALEAF Men's Short Sleeve Rashguard Swim Shirt
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If you don't need a fat guy swimming shirt over 3XL, then you might want to consider these BALEAF swim shirts as they are the cheapest option. They are available in multiple styles and fit just as comfortably as some of the more expensive options. Plus, they also give UPF 50+ sun protection.
These big and tall rash guard shirts are made with 80% nylon and 20% spandex, so they fit very well. They have elbow-length sleeves and cover your entire torso very well. And best of all, they look great on just about any big guy regardless of your large stomach or man boobs.
Wrapping Up
As a big fat guy weighing over 340 lbs and at 6'4", I know the struggles we big guys face when it's time to go to the beach or pool. The thing I didn't realize until it's too late is that big guys can look great at the beach too. I've put together a few guides on how to look good at the beach while fat and highly recommend that you check them out.
If you're only interested in getting a fat guy swimming shirt, I highly recommend selecting one from this list. I've personally tested each of them and found that they are excellent swim shirts for fat guys. As such, I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works well for you.
When you are selecting your shirts, make sure you get the right size for your body shape. So take some measurements before buying and buy the one that fits you the closest. If you don't mind loose clothing and prefer max comfort go with the H20 shirts. Otherwise, you should go with the Kanu surfs or Aqua Guards as those are the best swim shirt for fat guys in my opinion.