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Lycra and UV protection
UV protection lycras, rashguards, and wetshirts for men, women, and children from ION, Duotone, Manera, O'Neill, and Billabong. Wear alone in warm water or under a wetsuit. Try on at the Pornichet store.
Learn moreLycra, rashguard, and UV protection: the lightweight top that shields you from the sun, chafing, and harness wear.
Updated October 2026
A lycra, also known as a rashguard, is a quick-drying stretch fabric top. Wear it alone in warm water or layer it under your wetsuit. It protects you from the sun, chafing from your harness and wax pad, and limits wind chill once wet. This section features men's, women's, and children's lycras and UV tops, thin neoprene wetshirts, and protective shorts and tights. At GlissEvolution, our shop in Pornichet since 2005, we wear these tops under our harness all season. We can advise you on the best cut and thickness for your specific riding style. This section is part of our textile and lifestyle department. You'll find wetsuits, neoprene tops and jackets, and poncho in their own dedicated sections.
Lycra, wetshirt, or Surf Shield?
The lycra (ION Rashguard Maze, Sun Pro and Storm Pro, Lizz for women, Capture for children, O'Neill Basic Skins, Billabong) is the lightest option. It offers sun protection, quick-drying properties, and comes in short or long sleeves. The wetshirt (ION Wetshirt, Duotone Wetshirt, Manera Sunshell) adds a thin layer of neoprene or denser fabric to block the wind. This is your go-to top for wing and kite sessions in warm water and cool wind, worn under a shorty or on its own. The ION Surf Shield range (long-sleeve rashguard, wetshirt, long and short tights) takes protection further with a technical insulating textile. It's perfect for travel and warm waters where you ride without a wetsuit. ION Ball Slapper shorts protect your thighs and pelvis from harness and board contact.
How do I choose the right size?
A lycra should fit snugly, without wrinkles. This prevents it from riding up under your wetsuit or chafing under your harness. Choose your usual clothing size. If you're between sizes, pick the smaller size if you're wearing it under a wetsuit, and the larger size if you're wearing it alone in direct sun. Men's, women's, and children's cuts differ. Product pages include the brand's size chart.
What's the budget for a lycra?
Public prices in this section as of October 2, 2026, excluding sale items: lycras and rashguards from 33 to €70, wetshirts from 50 to €90, ION Surf Shield range from 190 to €330. Enjoy free shipping on new equipment orders over €150 (excluding sale items). Returns are accepted within 14 days if the size isn't right. You can also try them on at our Pornichet store.
The brands we offer
You'll find ION (Germany), which offers the widest range in this section, along with Duotone, Manera, O'Neill, and Billabong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a lycra under your wetsuit?
It is not essential. It does make it easier to put on, reduces chafing in the armpits and neck, and adds a layer for cold water. Many riders wear one all year.
Short-sleeve or long-sleeve lycra?
Long sleeves offer sun protection and comfort under the harness. Short sleeves give your arms more freedom in hot weather.
What is the difference between a lycra and a wetshirt?
The wetshirt is denser, often made of thin neoprene. It blocks the wind and keeps you warmer. Lycra is lighter and dries faster.
Does a lycra really protect you from the sun?
Yes, the rashguards in our department display a UV protection rating on their product sheet. You still need to protect your face, neck, and hands.
Where can you buy a UV-protective lycra?
At GlissEvolution in Pornichet, online or in the store, with on-site fitting.
Why choose GlissEvolution?
Twenty years of experience serving riders, since 2005. At our Pornichet store, you can see the gear firsthand and get advice from riders who are on the water all year. We offer new and inspected second-hand items, after-sales support, and spare parts. Free shipping is available on new, non-promotional gear over €150. For personalized advice, call us at 09 62 64 74 77.
Find Us
Visit GlissEvolution at 2c avenue du Gulfstream, 44380 Pornichet (Loire-Atlantique). You can reach us by phone at 09 62 64 74 77. We're open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm.
