Guide to Rash Guards for the Beach and Pool

Swimming is enjoyable! But nothing is more enjoyable than enjoying yourself while being shielded from the sun and any rashes or abrasions brought on by the sea or the sun. Wearing appropriate apparel, such as a rash guard, is advised in order to protect yourself from the sun while at the beach or pool. 

What is A Rash Guard?

young woman wearing long sleeved rashguard with matching bikini on a beautiful beach admiring the sun

A rash guard is thin, form-fitting clothing made of a stretchable and synthetic fabric. They provide coverage for your chest, back, and arms while yet allowing for full range of motion in the water. They are used to keep the skin protected from sunburn, inclement weather, and abrasions brought on by sharp stones or pebbles in the sea or on the coastline. There are various sizes for the rash guard, including short and long sleeves. Additionally, it is available with short or long bottoms and is versatile enough to be worn with bikinis.

What to Think About When Purchasing a Rash Guard?

There are things to keep in mind while choosing the best rash guard for you. Consider the shape of your body, the level of protection you want from the right length of the sleeves, the material’s level of comfort, and the style you want to fit your personality while making your selection.

Size of the Garment

When choosing a rashguard, take the size into account. Rash guards are intended to be tightly fitted to the body to minimize chafing or irritating rubbing. Some styles, however, are designed to fit a little looser in order to be more forgiving to those who care about their body image.

Material of the Garment

Rash guards need to be made of fabrics that are comfortable, yet stretchy and fit because they are worn for wakeboarding, waterskiing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, or simply swimming for enjoyment. Rash guards are often constructed from high-grade spandex, nylon, or polyester.

Length of the Sleeves

Both short and long sleeves are available for the rashguard. The protection provided by long-sleeve rash guards is greater than that of short-sleeved ones, but in warm weather, they can also feel more restricted and uncomfortable.

Comfort

The size of your typical shirt should be a tiny bit smaller than the size of your typical rash guard. However, nothing should be too constrained. So that you may concentrate on leading the exciting, active lifestyle that we all deserve, put on the rash guard that makes you feel and look your best.

Design 

There are rash guards with various patterns and simple ones as well. Additionally, there are solid colors and bright hues. Pick the option that best fits your personality.

How to Take Care of your Rash Guard

Here are some guidelines for caring for your rash guards properly, including how to wash them, whether they may be bleached or ironed, and how to dry them.

What is Spandex?

Spandex is a synthetic fabric with good elastic characteristics. It can be stretched up to 8 times its original size. At least a small percentage of spandex can be found in every kind of sportswear. The most typical examples are dance costumes, bicycle gear, and rash guards because of how form-fitting they are. It is used in both sheer underwear for men and ladies. Sweatpants, loungewear, and socks frequently have this material in their waistbands. 

What is Nylon?

Nylon is a lightweight synthetic fiber. The qualities of nylon include better elasticity and elastic rebound, as well as higher impact resistance and faster moisture absorption. Due to its durability and flexibility, it is utilized in the production of stockings as well as other apparel items.

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic “fabric” that is durable, windproof, and water resistant. Polyesters are formed of oil. Esters are chemical substances, and the word poly denotes numerous. Because it dries quickly, polyester is used to produce swimwear and sportswear. Since polyester is not stretchable by nature, it is being blended with small amounts of spandex to add a reasonable amount of stretch to be used in producing the mentioned apparels. 

FABRIC

WASHING

STAIN TREATMENT

DRYING

IRONING

Spandex

Handwashing is the most effective method for cleaning spandex. However, you may use a mesh bag and the gentle/delicate cycle in your washing machine to wash them.

For synthetic fabric like spandex, a regular chlorine bleach is not appropriate. It is suggested to use an oxygen bleach for spot cleaning.

Away from direct heat and sunlight, air dry your spandex. You should never dry spandex in a tumble dryer.

Spandex does not require ironing because it is wrinkle-resistant.

Nylon

A nylon fabric can be washed by hand or in a machine with ordinary detergent in either cold or warm water. Never use hot water.

Stains on nylon fabric can be safely removed with a bleach product containing sodium hypochlorite.

Since nylon readily absorbs moisture compared to other fabrics, nylon cloth dries out more quickly than any other fabric. The best method of drying is by air, however a tumble dryer on low heat can also be used.

Nylon is a wrinkle-resistant fabric similar to spandex, thus ironing is not necessary. However, you can iron it at the lowest temperature setting without harming the fabric.

Polyester

Mild detergent and either lukewarm or cold water are used to wash polyester. Because it cannot withstand extreme heat, polyester should never be washed in hot water.

When treating stained polyester, oxygen bleach works best as a spot treatment.

Polyester can be machine dried on a cold setting. However, drying it outside, but under the shade is recommended.

Polyester fabrics can be ironed, but not in the same way as cotton fabrics. Although it cannot withstand very high heat, it can be ironed at low temperatures without melting, burning, or scorching.

Conclusion

Every time you swim at the beach, you should wear the rash guard. It is renowned for providing total coverage throughout the day. Did you know that a full-sleeved rash guard can protect you from jellyfish stings as well? The rash guard’s body-hugging features are also a significant aid, especially for reserved people who wish to flaunt their body contour without going over the permitted limit.