Neo Top
Looking for a lycra or anti-UV top for your kite, surf, or paddle sessions? Find sun protection tops from Billabong, ION, Manera, and Prolimit at GlissEvolution. In stock in Pornichet!
En savoir plusLycra, Neo Tops, and UV Protection
Updated July 2026
A lycra, also known as a rashguard, is a lightweight, stretchy top that offers essential protection from the sun, prevents irritation, and blocks wind, all while ensuring total freedom of movement. You can wear it on its own during summer sessions or layer it under your wetsuit in cooler, mid-season conditions. Our range includes everything from thin lycra for UV protection to a neo top for light insulation. Here at GlissEvolution, your trusted shop in Pornichet since 2005, our expert team will help you choose the perfect top for any season. This selection is part of our wider neoprene collection; be sure to also check out our poncho and accessories.
Lycra, Neo Top, or Undersuit?
| Type | Thickness | Water Temperature | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lycra / Rashguard | Less than 0.5 mm | Above 22 °C | UV Protection, Anti-Irritation |
| Thin Neo Top | 0.5 to 1.5 mm | 18 to 22 °C | Windproof, Light Insulation |
| Thick Neo Top | 2 to 3 mm | 14 to 18 °C | Alone or Under a Thin Wetsuit |
| Undersuit | 0.5 mm | Less than 12 °C | Under Your Winter Wetsuit |
When should you wear a lycra?
In summer, when water temperatures climb above 20 °C, wear a lycra on its own to shield yourself from the sun and prevent chafing from your harness or board. For mid-season sessions, a 1 to 2 mm neo top provides light insulation and crucial wind protection. When winter hits, an undersuit worn beneath your main wetsuit adds an extra thermal layer without any unnecessary thickness.
The Importance of UV Protection
Out on the water, UV exposure is significantly amplified by reflection and the extended duration of your sessions. A lycra with a UPF 50+ rating is essential, blocking over 98 percent of harmful UV rays. It's a must-have for summer, especially for kids and those with sensitive skin.
Long Sleeves or Short Sleeves?
Long sleeves deliver the best protection against UV rays and harness chafing, making them ideal for kitesurf. Short sleeves offer greater freedom of movement for your shoulders and dry faster, perfect for Surf and paddleboarding.
The brands we offer
- ION: Explore their range of neoprene tops and hooded jackets.
- Manera: Discover their quick-drying Magma undersuits.
- Prolimit: Check out their windproof neoprene tops.
- Billabong: Shop their collection of lycras and UV protection rashguards.
Care
Always rinse your top with fresh water after every session and let it dry in the shade; direct sunlight will degrade the fabric. You can cold wash it, but never tumble dry, and avoid leaving the garment folded for extended periods.
What Budget Should You Plan For?
As a guide for 2026, excluding any sales: expect to pay approximately 30 to €50 for a lycra, and 80 to €120 for a thin neo top or an undersuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lycra or rashguard?
It's a lightweight, stretchy top that protects you from the sun, irritation, and wind. Wear it alone in summer or under a wetsuit.
What's the difference between a lycra and a neo top?
A lycra is a thin fabric with no insulation, offering only UV and anti-irritation protection. A neo top, ranging from 0.5 to 3 mm, provides thermal insulation.
When should you wear a lycra?
In summer, when the water is above 20 °C, to protect from UV rays and prevent irritation. Below 18 °C, a neo top is a better choice.
What does the UPF 50+ rating mean?
It means the fabric blocks over 98 percent of UV rays, which is ideal for long summer sessions.
How much does a lycra cost?
Lycras typically cost between 30 and €50, while a thin neo top is around 80 to €120.
Where can you buy a lycra?
At GlissEvolution, online or in our Pornichet store, with advice from riders.
Why choose GlissEvolution?
With twenty years of experience serving riders since 2005, our expert team at GlissEvolution in Pornichet will help you choose the perfect top for the season and your riding style. Enjoy free shipping on orders over €100 or convenient in-store pickup.
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.
