What is the purpose of a rash guard?

What is a rash guard and why you should wear one? A rash guard, also known as rash vest or rashie, is an athletic shirt made usually out of polyester or nylon, so it’s quick drying, smooth and stretchy, similar to your swimwear fabric. It’s main purpose, as the name suggests, is to protect from rashes caused by sun exposure or abrasion – so it particular for people with sensitive skin, becomes very useful for prevention of sunburn to upper body, like shoulders and arms. Pay attention to declared UV protection factor when you shop for a rashguard and go for high UPF values like 40 or 50.

Rash guards are often worn for surfing, as a light alternative to a wet suit, to protect from chafing against the board. It also offers some protection against jelly fish stings. All this makes it a perfect choice for swimming at the beach and water sports like surfing, snorkeling, freediving, wakeboarding, bodysurfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle surfing, and so on.

We know of another very common use – in jiu jitsy rash guard is worn for training as a comfortable athletic shirt but also a way to display a rank with the combination of colors, for example black and blue.

What to look for when buying a rashie – we mentioned UVF factor, then check out the stitching: flatseam and coverstitch makes the seam lye flat. Check if it’s fitted (contouring) or loose like a swim shirt, which would give you a completely different look. Fabric that contains a bit of spandex offers a stretch and you can tell it will be body contouring. You can go for short or long sleeve rash guard, with a full zipper at the front or a pullover crew neck.

Check out our swimwear collection for women's long sleeve rash guards, grading sports rash guards and our favorite - matching mom daughter rash guards. Uniquely designed prints, made out of quality fabric and with UPF 50+ (view collection here).