
Are swim shirts and rash guards the same thing?
Swim shirts are very similar to rash guards. In fact, it is very possible that they are the same thing. If you are looking for a difference, we would say that swim shirts may have a looser fit than traditional rash guards. However, it is important to keep in mind that a swim shirt that is loose or tight can still serve as a rash guard.
What is the best Rash Guard?
The 10 Best Women’s Rash Guard Tops
- Body Glove Women’s Long Sleeve Rashguard. ...
- Scubapro Pyroflex Womens Rash Guard Top. ...
- HydroChic Women’s Rash Guard. ...
- Tutublue Pullover Swim Shirts for Women. ...
- Roxy Women’s Whole Hearted Short Sleeve Rashguard. ...
- Daci Zipper Bathing Suit. ...
- Kanu Surf Women’s Keri Long Sleeve Rash Vest. ...
- O’Neill Women’s Basic Skins Long Sleeve Rash Guard. ...
Can I wear a rash guard just to swim?
You can! Because rash guards fit tight to the body, you’ll find that your movement isn’t overly restricted. Some swimmers prefer a short sleeve rash guard to a long sleeve for better shoulder movement. But you can still swim if you wear a long sleeve rash guard.
What does rashguard mean in swimwear?
Rash guards are sometimes referred to as water shirts, swim shirts, surfing shirts, or sun shirts because it is a great way to protect yourself from sunburn and can double as a coverup over your swimsuit. Here are some answers to the most common questions about our rash guards as well as why you should add one to your swim wardrobe this summer.

Can I use rash guard for swimming?
Can you Wear a Rash Guard in the Pool? Unlike cotton T-shirts, rash guards are fine for swimming pools. An old shirt can harbor bacteria, requiring the use of more chemicals to keep the pool safe and hygienic.
Why are swim shirts called rash guards?
A rash guard, also known as rash vest or rashie, is an athletic shirt made of spandex and nylon or polyester. The name rash guard reflects the fact that the shirt protects the wearer against rashes caused by abrasion, or by sunburn from extended exposure to the sun, as sun protective clothing.
Can you use any shirt as a rash guard?
4. Re: Can I substitute a polyester t-shirt for a rashguard? Unless you are particularly sensitive to the sun, sunscreen + any shirt with a reasonably tight weave will keep you safe.
Do you wear a swim top under a rashguard?
Everyone's preference will differ slightly, however, most of us gals prefer to wear a bathing-suit top under a rashguard! Whether you opt for a short-sleeve rashguard or a long-sleeve rashguard, they do grant coverage, though they can be quite thin and quite sheer, especially when wet.
Do you wear anything under a swim shirt?
Like rash guards and swim shirts, you could wear a sports bikini top under a sun shirt. However, since these are not swimwear, you could also wear a sports bra, normal bra or no bra - depending on how you intend to spend your day!
Are swim shirts worth it?
Swim Shirts Provide Extra UV Protection So You Can Focus on Having Fun. Having to constantly slather on sunscreen can be a real buzz kill, and it's even less fun when you have little kids who refuse to come out of the water for reapplication. That's why a swim shirt is great.
What makes a shirt a swim shirt?
Swim Shirts As the name suggests, this is a shirt that you wear while swimming. Swim shirts are also made with nylon, spandex and sometimes polyester. This makes it a much better option than a regular t-shirt, since the material makes this article of clothing ideal for wearing while immersed in water.
What kind of shirt is best for swimming?
Short-sleeve shirts are perfect for swimming in warmer waters or wearing underneath your wetsuit or outdoor clothing, while long-sleeved options are better suited to those who like to surf, swim, and board in cooler waters.
Is a sun shirt the same as a swim shirt?
While the terms “sun shirt” and “swim shirt” are commonly used interchangeably, they are actually two different products serving very different needs.
Should a rash guard be tight?
Rash guards, should feel tight on you and definitely not loose. If it flaps about, it's not not going to protect you against chafing and might actually contribute to irritation in activities such as running and in grappling can get caught up in your opponent s limbs / appendages.
What does a rash guard shirt do?
A rash guard is a fitted, spandex top that protects beachgoers from the sun and other elements. Surfers typically wear them while they are riding the waves or hanging out on the shore. Sport a rash guard in and out of the water to keep you more shielded from Mother Nature's elements.
Can you wear a bra under a rash guard?
For swimming or splashing around at the beach, wear your rash guard over a matching bikini or one-piece bathing suit. That way, your bust will be supported and you'll be ready to dive in at a moment's notice. You can even find women's rash guards with a built-in bra if that better suits your active lifestyle.
What is the difference between a rash guard and a wetsuit?
The difference can be seen in the thickness of the suit. A rash guard is thinner and less protective, while a wetsuit is thicker, more protective. A wetsuit is made with neoprene rubber, so is better suited for colder water. The rashguard does not have the same rubber coating, so is better for water that is warmer.
What is the point of a rash guard?
Rash guards are a type of athletic shirt. They are made to protect your skin against rashes and harmful UV Rays from sunlight. To make them lightweight and perfect for surfing, rash guards are made with spandex and nylon or polyester.
Is a rash guard the same as a compression shirt?
Rash Guard vs. compression shirt – what's the difference? Compression garments support muscles and increase blood flow, which may improve athletic performance. Rash guards typically have a more relaxed fit and are made to protect the skin from the sun, sand or even a surfboard.
Is a sun shirt the same as a swim shirt?
While the terms “sun shirt” and “swim shirt” are commonly used interchangeably, they are actually two different products serving very different needs.
What is the difference between a swim shirt and a rash guard?
The main difference between a swim shirt and a rash guard is the fit . Because rashguards are designed for surfing or other higher intensity water sports, they are more like a water-ready compression shirt. By contrast, swim shirts are designed to protect against UV rays while also being comfortable. In other words, your size in a rash guard will fit tighter than your size in a swim shirt. As a result, you may feel more comfortable wearing a swim shirt or sun shirt around town – but it's really all about personal preference.
What do you wear under a rash guard or swim shirt?
Women typically wear a swim suit top or one piece swimsuit under a rash guard or swim shirt for extra modesty. However, it's all a matter of personal comfort. We'd recommend not going topless under a white one, though!
What are rash guards?
Originally created (and named) for surfers, rash guards are designed to protect against the kind of rash you might get against a sandy surfboard, or from the chafing of a neoprene wetsuit. Designed with built in sun protection, these long sleeve or short sleeve surf shirts have UPF protection built in, to keep sunburns and sand burns off your shoulders. Typically constructed with UPF 50 fabric, they are form-fitting and sometimes compressive, and designed to be worn with swimwear. Some rash guards are even made to provide an extra layer of warmth in chilly waters
Should I get a rash guard or a swim shirt?
Well, that depends! Both rash guards and swim shirts offer protection from the sun, so it depends what level of activity you think you’ll be doing, what temeperature the water will be, and whether you are looking for a compression shirt or not. Are you looking to surf some serious swells, and comfortable in a tighter fitting shirt, or are you more interested in taking a loose fit seaside – for UPF sun protection that fits in on and off the board? The choice is yours.
Are rash guards hot?
Rash guards, especially long sleeve rash guards, are the warmest type of protective clothing that we offer, but that doesn't mean that they are hot! Most are made of the same water ready fabric as swim shirts, though you can find them made of thin neoprene (the same fabric used for wetsuits) if you're looking for something warmer.
Are rash guards UV protection?
Yes! All of our sun protection clothing will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Check the item details for information on what SPF level they are equivalent to.
Can rash guards be used for swimming?
Of course! They are designed for swimming and surfing and all sorts of water sports. Swim shirts are another great option, if you prefer something more loose.
Why wear rash guards in swimsuits?
Today, rash guards are designed to add extra coverage to your basic swimwear in order to prevent sunburns.
Why wear a rash guard?
Worn as a protective layer, a rash guard is used to shield from damaging sun-rays, harsh ocean conditions and uncomfortable chafing. Below are the top reasons you should rock a rashie this season.
Why do surfboards have rash guards?
A rash guard's primary purpose is to protect surfers from the abrasions that can be caused by sand and waxy residue on their surfboards. Although the typical rash is caused by sliding on and off a rough board, rash guards also protect children from their enthusiastic days on the sandy shore.
What is a swim shirt?
Swim Shirts. In variation from a classic rash guard, a swim shirt is a relatively new addition to the swimwear family. Although it is not a traditional rashie, a swim shirt is growing in popularity as an alternative form of sun protection. The loose fit makes it a more versatile, casual derivative of the rash guard.
What are rash guards made of?
Rash guards, generally known as an additional type of water wear, are a fitted athletic shirt made of spandex, nylon or polyester.
Is a rash guard cold or warm?
Sea Armor. No matter how warm the sun feels on the sand, it is always colder under water. Not to be confused with a wetsuit, a rash guard's basic purpose is not to keep you warm; the extra layer that a rash guard provides is an easy alternative when the weather a too warm for a full wetsuit.
How Should a Rash Guard Fit?
Comfort and functionality are key features to look for when selecting a rash guard or sun shirt. The right fit can vary depending on the activity you’re participating in .
Why do rash guards have a thicker fabric?
Because rash guards have a thicker fabric, it also protects your skin against scrapes and cuts from branches or rocks.
Why wear a rash guard on a hike?
The extra fabric coverage and UV protection fabric gives you additional protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Because rash guards have a thicker fabric, it also protects your skin against scrapes and cuts from branches or rocks.
What is a sun shirt?
Are you prepared for countless hours in the sun and water this season? Just be sure to factor in protection from harmful UV rays, sand, and rough waves. A rash guard may be the solution you’re looking for. It is an athletic shirt, originally designed for surfers, made of spandex, nylon, or polyester that protects the wearer's skin while swimming, including damage from rashes, chafing, and scrapes. It is sometimes referred to as a sun shirt because it is a great way to protect yourself from sunburn and can double as a coverup over your swimsuit.
What is a surf shirt made of?
It is an athletic shirt, originally designed for surfers, made of spandex, nylon, or polyester that protects the wearer's skin while swimming, including damage from rashes, chafing, and scrapes.
Can you use a rash guard on the beach?
However, rash guards can be useful for far more instances than just the beach. Here are some of our favorite ideas for your rash guard. For water or beach sports: The rash guard is the gold standard for surfing. It protects your skin from the harsh waves, from scrapes and cuts if you wipe out, and from the harmful UV rays.
Can you put a rash guard on your shorts?
Instead of having to lather up in sunscreen throughout the day, if you are intending on spending the day outside working on your garden or mowing the lawn, throwing your rash guard over a pair of shorts will protect your skin from the sun or scratches from plants while you are working in your garden. Hiking: On a hike, a rash guard can be used as ...
Why is it called a rash guard?
But the original Australian rash guard was called a rash guard (or “rashie”) for its ability to protect against rashes. In the beginning, rash guards were almost exclusively for men. Almost all of these men were surfers and most of the rashes came from chafing – against fast-moving water, or against sand caught in waxed surfboards.
What is rash guard?
If you didn’t, allow us to explain. A rash guard is almost always a shirt, specifically one that’s worn in or around water.
Do you have to surf to wear a rash guard?
All of the above is still true today. But nowadays you don’t have to surf to wear a rash guard (in fact there are specialized rash guards for a variety of sports including baseball).
Do rash guards protect against UV rays?
Much of this is because many of the “rashes” that today’s rash guards prevent are not caused by surfboards or saltwater or too much body motion. Rash guards today actually guard against the sun’s UV rays – good old-fashioned sunburn. That means UPF 50+ sun protection.
What is a rash guard?
A rash guard quite literally is a “guard” against a “rash.”. One of the “rashes” that was “guarded” against was said to be chafing from skin to surfboard contact as surfers were paddling out to sea. But if you’re just playing around in the water at the beach, your skin isn’t rubbing against anything. So then….
Why do people wear rash guards?
For outdoor swimming, one of the biggest reasons to wear a rash guard aka swim shirt is for that sun protection. And, if you want to be environmentally friendly, then wearing a swim shirt is the environmentally-friendly option compared to wearing sunscreen! (Sunscreen has chemicals. You wear sunscreen. You go into water.
What does it mean to wear a swim shirt with UV protection?
Marine life are impacted by these toxic chemicals.) So wearing a swim shirt that has built-in UV protection (which rash guards generally do!) means that you have less skin exposed. And having less skin exposed means that you need to apply less sunscreen!
What to wear over a swimsuit?
For women, it’s typical to wear a rash guard or swimming shirt over a swimsuit.
What to wear under rash guard?
If you are a female, it is typical to wear something like a bathing suit underneath the rash guard. You can search amazon for something like “bathing suit” or “bathing suit top”! For bottoms, you can wear your bathing suit of course, and you can also search on amazon for something like “swim shorts.”.
What is a Turkish towel?
Turkish towels are considered to be more lightweight than your average beach towel while still being absorbent. Be sure to check out turkish towels like these !
Is a UV shirt good for swimming?
These types of regular UV shirts may be a bit looser. You may find a non-swimming specific shirt like this to be an annoyance in the water if the bottom of your shirt keeps floating up. So if would be best to look for shirts that specify swimming at the least. If it’s called a rash guard, then that is a swimming-specific shirt.
