When it comes to swimwear, we are undoubtedly spoilt for choice these days, but the selections can be a little overwhelming at times. A rash guard suit is among the common bathing suit styles to consider.
But what is a rash guard bathing suit? It’s a fitting, spandex top that shields beachgoers from the sun and other elements. Surfers generally wear them when relaxing on the beach or riding the waves.
A rash guard serves several functions under the hot heat and chilly surf. It is a protective layer worn to defend against severe water conditions, harmful sun radiation, and irritating chafing. Here are the major reasons you should wear a rashie this season.
Protection From the Sun
You are exposed to harmful solar rays while waiting for the ideal wave or building a state-of-the-art sandcastle. A rash guard’s main purpose is to give up to UPF50+ Sun Protection for the skin, making it a vital piece of swimwear for a beach vacation, particularly in warmer climates. Tops come in short and long sleeves, so you may have full arm covering if you are more sensitive to the sun, or keep your arms exposed (and use suncream) for a cooler feel.
A rash guard has the advantage of being comfortable, lightweight, and easy to move in, allowing you to swim, run around, and participate in all of your favorite activities without limitation. Rash guards are now developed to provide additional coverage to your basic swimsuit to prevent sunburn.
Most rashies are made with Ultraviolet Protection Factors to offer effective sun protection (UPF). Rash guards are not intended to replace sunscreen lotion, but both preventatives work well together.
Protection From the Sand and Wind
This additional layer on top of your body will also aid in shielding you from the wind and sand. Not only may you burn in the sun, but you can also get windburn on a breezy time at the beach, which can also lead to sand being blasted. The rash guard will act as a barrier against both of these, allowing you to continue enjoying your time outside.
Sea Protection
It is always cooler underwater, no matter how hot the sun feels on the shore. A wetsuit can be far too warm and a little restricting if you wish to participate in water sports in a warmer country. A rash guard, unlike a wetsuit, is not designed to keep you warm; the additional layer that a rash guard gives is a simple alternative when the weather is too warm for a full wetsuit.
Aside from keeping you warm, a rashie can also protect you from foreign sea particles. With its increased coverage, a rash guard will keep your body heat in and marine scraps out.
A rash guard is a common pick among surfers since it provides crucial protection from the sun, wind, and any friction from the surfboard. Waiting for the ideal wave might take long, and the repeated splash of seawater between the body and the surfboard can cause discomfort on your trunk. The top provides that layer of protection, and when wet, it adheres to your skin, creating a barrier.
Warmth
Although a rash guard will never provide the same level of warmth as a wetsuit, body wrap, or warm-in-one, it will provide a little bit more than a standard swimming costume, especially for boys who prefer to leave their top half uncovered. A rash guard is an excellent choice for the beach and swimming pools, as it will provide you with enough warmth to allow you to swim for longer periods.
Keep Ointments in Place
If you have a skin disease such as eczema, you are undoubtedly already familiar with the protocol you must follow before swimming. Saltwater and chlorine can irritate delicate skin, so you’ll want to protect yourself to avoid extra suffering.
Applying a barrier lotion roughly an hour before swimming is the best option. This will provide it plenty of time to absorb into the skin, providing a layer of protection from the water and preventing any pollutants from causing additional problems. By applying a rash guard to the skin, you can keep the ointment in position for longer and prevent it from being wiped away too soon.
Rash Guard Clothing Maintenance
You’ve spent money on apparel that will shield you from the sun’s harmful rays. But are you taking good care of those rash guard clothing and your skin? They can lose their effectiveness if not properly laundered. So go ahead and read!
Post-Swim
After you’ve finished wearing it, immediately rinse it with cool fresh water.
Never stuff your rashguard into a bag merely to sit in a hot car on the way home. Rinse it right away! The sun, freshwater particles, salt, and chlorine will all degrade the fabric, so make sure to rinse your rashguard as soon as possible!
Laundry & Drying
- Please do not use hot water! Your rashies may be harmed as a result of this. Use tepid or cool water instead.
- Never put your rashguard in the washing machine or with other clothes. Hand washing is always preferred.
- Use a swimsuit cleaner or biodegradable soap to remove chlorine, salt, and organic residues from your swimsuit. Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners.
- When washing, turn the rashguard inside out.
- While drying, keep the rashguard inside out.
- Never put the item in the dryer! Hanging your rashguards to dry away from direct heat and sun is the best way to dry them.
- You should not use wire hangers since they might create unsightly indentations in the fabric. Make use of a plastic or wooden hanger!
- If you don’t have a way to hang it, you can lay it flat to dry.
Storage
- To hang your rashguards, use a robust, padded hanger.
- Store flat or on a hanger; do not fold or shove into a drawer, weakening the cloth.
- Heat will also damage the cloth if it is stored in your car.
General Care
- Fill a basin or pail with cool water and pour one cup of baking soda to remove unpleasant odors. Let the rash guard soak in warm water overnight. Next, rinse with cool water and air dry in a cool location.
- Rashguards should never be ironed! High heat is harmful to rashguard fabrics and must be avoided at all costs.
- You should avoid oil, chemical solvents, gasoline, and aerosols because the stains are extremely difficult to remove and degrade the fabric.
As if the perks of rash guards weren’t enough, rash guards are now making a comeback in sport, surf, and swim fashion. Brands are taking these sun-protecting, rash-preventing shirts to a new level by offering them in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. So, here’s a comprehensive guide to rash guards for the beach and pool to help you choose.