A rash guard or a rash vest if you like is a special shirt, top or vest meant to protect the body, especially the skin during different activities. It was originally designed by surfers who needed protection from the irritation caused by surfboards alongside sun exposure. Nowadays, they are being used by divers and even athletes involved in Combat Sports.
For fabrics that provide elasticity and resistance, the best material is spandex, nylon or polyester. One thing about rash guards is that they are tough, well fitted and designed for movement. While most of them are meant to be used in water while swimming or surfing, nothing stops you from using it on land for other forms of exercise.
Selecting the best possible guard to prevent rash from rash guard is vital in achieving maximum use and enjoy excellent protection. Here is a blog post to help you understand everything there is to know about rash guards. Let’s dive in.
Key Features of Rash Guard
Material Quality and Fabric
The sleeves of rash guards are made of high quality spandex and polyester that ensure greater elasticity, lightness, low weight, and faster moist absorption making them ideal for any water activity.
Moisture Wicking Features
In addition, they help in keeping your skin dry by pulling sweat off your body owing to their moisture-wicking features. Even more, they enable you to avoid getting a rash from a rash guard because of their fitting abilities.
Durability
Protection against salt water, chlorine, and friction are some of the reasons that someone would wear a rash guard. Due to this, rash guards feature unique stitching and quality fabrics that make them last long. This is important especially if you want to avoid rash from rash guard.
UV Protection
To shield users from harsh UV rays and thus preventing severe skin problems, the rash guards offer protection against sun rays. The guards do come with inbuilt UV protection features including a UPF rating of 50+, which is the most appropriate for prolonged sun exposure.
Fit and Comfort
Comfortable movements in support and lack of restriction are some of the most important features in rash guards. Apart from being comfortable during vigorous activities, they offer smooth fits around the shoulder, waist and chest.
Design and Style
The design and style of a rash guard may not be the most important aspect to consider within performance and protection; however, people care about high fashion too. Whether you are minimalist or minimalistic, there is a rash guard with vibrant designs for everyone.
Benefits of Rash Guards
Skin Protection
If you are prone to skin conditions such as scratches or burns especially after spending time in water, rash guards are the answer. Rash guards not only protect you against a host of skin problems but also ensure you don’t get infected with rash from rash guard. Wearing a rash guard allows a person to exercise comfortably as it helps avoid several wear and tear skin issues.
Moisture Prevention
Materials used for rash guards are made from fabrics that absorb sweat away from the body. In fact, if you want to enjoy an added warmth especially in water, wear a wetsuit under a rash guard.
Breathability and Comfort
The fabrication of a rash guard from spandex and polyester guarantees proper air circulation enabling you to stay cool even during vigorous workouts. Improved breathability protects against overheating even in extended training sessions.
Healing of the Muscles
Regardless of the activity you engage in you are likely to interfere with your muscles making them sore. Thankfully, rash guard is fitted with a specialized fabrics that helps alleviate soreness and boost blood flow, reducing discomfort during or after the workouts.
When to Wear Rash Guards To Avoid Rash From Rash Guard
Well, like clothing or other garments, you can dress in a rash guard anytime you feel. However, there are specific situations when these items are most useful. These situations include;
Protection against dangerous UV rays: Having the best rash guards helps you protect your skin from UV rays. From enjoying maximum protection to engaging in outdoor activities, rash guards offer the best protection. Besides protecting you from skin burns, rash guards prevent long-term skin damage which is a permanent condition.
Water Sports: If you are a sports fan, it’s important to protect your skin and prevent rash. That said, purchasing a good rash guard can help you eliminate abrasion and prevent rash from rash guard. Since they keep you warm, they’re a good option for an early morning or late evening session.
Protection From Marine Life: A rash guard will provide a little more protection from potential stinging by marine life and even protect you from abrasions originating from rocks or coral..
Everyday Wear: In addition to their functional uses, rash guards make nice casual wear. A number of brands now create stylish designs that will match with jeans or shorts, and can be worn at casual gatherings or to the beach.
Compression Shirts vs. Rash Guards
While compression shirts and rash guards are for protection, they have varying designs and they also have different purposes. These are the main differences;
Fabric and Fit
Rash guards are made of spandex and nylon blend that gives you a snug fit and rapid drying, while compression shirts do not have these. Compression shirts also lack of fabrics that provides highest level of protection like polyester
Purpose
Looking to shield your skin from irritations caused by friction with surfboards? If so, then rash guards are the best option. Unlike rash guards, compression shirts can only protect you from casual water activities.
Durability
Like other products used in water, rash guards can withstand saltwater, chlorine, and sunlight while retaining its shape and protective attributes. Compression shirts provide sun safety but unfortunately, they cannot last long in too much sunlight or chlorine.
Usage
Because of their protective characteristics and tightness, rash guards are best for water sports and activities that have a higher performance requirement. Contrary to this, compression shirts are suitable for everyone who engages in casual swimming or beach activities without considering its comfort or protection level.
Cost
Rash guards are a little bit less expensive than compression shirts. So you only need to choose a compression shirt if your main goal is to support your muscles or improve performance. However, you can consider buying both if you are looking for garments that can provide some protection as well as support during recovery time.
How To Care For Rash Guards: Tips and Tricks
Proper care is important to improve the performance and preserve the longevity of rash guards ; Below are some of the tips;
- Do not use boiled water: Since boiled water can damage the gament, use lukewarm or cold water.
- Hand wash your rash guard: Machine washing can cause wear and tear
- Use soft detergent: Soft detergent will clean the salt, chlorine and organic residues.
- Wash it inside out: This is important if you want to protect the fabric and maintain its appearance.
- Use baking soda: For pungent odors, soak your rash guard in cool water and add a cup of baking soda overnight, and rinse it with cool water in the morning.
- Rash guards do not require ironing: If you iron them with too much heat, you may damage the garment.
- Store away from chemical solvents and gasoline; Know that these stains may weaken the fabric and are hard to get out.
How to Get Rid of Board Rash
Have you experienced irritation or some rashes on your skin especially when a board or a surf surface continuously rubs against your wet skin during surfing. If that’s the case, you are suffering from a board rash.
To get rid of this, you need to apply aloe vera or hydrocortisone cream to cool and moisturize the affected areas. You also need to cover the affected areas with a damp cotton clothing.
How To Treat a Rash From a Wet Bathing Suit?
If you have a rash from a wet bathing suit, it shouldn’t be difficult to cure. Calamine lotion and hydrocortisone lotion are examples of anti-itch lotions that can significantly reduce your risk of infection. Hot showers, strong soaps, and tight clothing are among things you should avoid. . Additionally, you should refrain from wearing tight clothing, hot baths, and harsh soaps.
Additionally, you can prevent rashes on your skin by applying a rash guard.. But in case there is no sign of improvement, seek medical attention.
Picking the Right Rash Guard
Fit: Tight vs. Loose
Rash guards usually come in two different fits—tight and loose. So ask yourself whether you are looking for a loose or tight one. For instance, a tighter rash guard would be beneficial for water sports (surfers, divers, swimmers). This is something you cannot find in loose fit as they are better for lounging outside or a relaxing day at the beach.
Fabric
The fabric options for rash guards are numerous. From lightweight and breathable to thick cotton, every rash guard usually serves its purpose. In case you are looking for more protection, choose one made of a thick cotton.
Dry Time: Quick-Dry Fabrics
Try to find rash guards made of materials that will dry quickly to keep you comfortable. Doing this is crucial if you regularly engage in water activities.
Comfort
While rash guards are largely used for protection when in water or outdoors, they are also quite comfortable. That said, you need to choose polyester and spandex as the best combinations if you are seeking a comfortable fabric that also dries fast.
Right Color
One thing about rash guards is that they are available in different colors allowing you to pick one based on your style. If you are seeking more comfort or seeking to stand out, there are several color options you can pick.
Consider the Brand
While some brands manufacture high quality rash guards, others fail. You should carefully consider the brand and choose reliable companies that produce excellent rash guards from quality, durable fabric and that fit well. While certain brands have more affordable options or may have some unique design, where you wore a rash guard was just a rash.
Taste and Preferences
Whether you are a fan of short sleeve or long sleeved guards, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to settling on one. There are a variety of rash guards that come in different styles including sleeveless, long-sleeve and short-sleeved options? Unlike short sleeved rash guards, long sleeved guards not only gives you more protection but also helps you not to contract rash from rash guard. Other features include a collar to cover your neck area from sun exposure.You can also opt for rash guards with a thumb loop to keep your sleeves down while in the water.
Final Words
Originally made for the surf world, rash guards now play a role in both outdoor and water worlds. They’re lighter than full wetsuit, you will not get abrasions, they will keep you warm for long periods of time in the water.
Rash guards may be worn as an alternative to sunscreens, but they can be used for other such beach activities as they minimize the rubbing of sand against the skin. In fact, high quality ones will even help you avoid rash from rash guard infection.
When selecting a rash guard, opt for the best combination of fit and comfort. Choose a style based on the activity you are scheduled for and what coverage you are looking for.
FAQs
Q1. Can rash guards substitute for sunscreen
No. rash guards cannot act as an alternative as sunscreens are made with special materials that help shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Q2. Which colors provide better protection?
For better UV protection opt for Dark blue colors instead of lighter colors like yellow or white that do not absorb more UV rays.
Q3. Can I get enough UV protection from rash guards?
Absolutely. This is because rash guards feature UV rays blocking agents, offering a protective layer against UV rays and protecting you from rash from rash guard.
Q4. Do rash guards keep you warm?
Yes but not much. To get warm enough especially when in water, it’s recommended that you wear it under a wetsuit, especially surfing. Also, make sure you choose the best one to avoid contracting rash from rash guard.
Q5. How should I clean my rash guard?
Make sure you wash it inside out while handling it with gentle care. This not only protects stitching and seams but also prevents odd stretching.
Q6. Are rash guards specifically designed for swimming?
Yes. There are several rash guards in the market that are specifically meant to protect you from coral, rough rocks or marine life which are two common reasons for people to contract a rash from rash guard.
Q7. How do you remove rash guard stains?
To remove rash guard stains, you need to soak and wash the rash guard. However, it’s important to avoid scrubbing the garment or using chemicals such as bleach as this may damage the fabric. For hard stains, you can use solutions such as baking powder or vinegar.
Q8. What is rash guard BJJ?
A rash guard for BJJ is a tightly fitting shirt designed for BJJ fighters to help protect their skin against irritation or friction during grappling sessions.
Q9. What is a rash guard for a baby?
A rash guard for a baby is a vest or shirt that protects the baby from UV rays and other irritants, such as sand and saltwater. Designed from a stretchy and moisture-wicking fabric, it’s not only comfortable but also easy to maintain.
Q10. What is a Rash guard for women?
Rash guards for women are shirts designed to protect and keep the women warm while in the water and on the beach. Rash guards for women are also specially meant to prevent the women from contracting rash from rash guards. Since these rash guards come in a variety of shapes, styles, and features, women can always choose one based on their preferences.
Q11. What is a Rash guard for swimming?
A swimming rash guard is a unique piece of clothing that protects one from irritation and abrasions during water activities. Since it’s made of stretchy material such as cotton or polyesters, it protects you from UV rays and prevents chafing.
Q12. Should I pick a tight rash guard
As opposed to other fabrics, Rash guards should fit well on the skin to help you minimize drag in water and reduce chafing. One thing to note though is that they should be comfortable , form fitting and allow you to move freely.
