What is a Rash Guard?
Rash guards are made from stretchy synthetic fabrics that cling tightly to your body like a second skin. Depending on the type of dive skin, they could have UPF 50+ properties for built-in UV protection. For good measure, make sure you apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing a dive suit is also a must if you’re planning to go snorkeling.
What is the Purpose of a Rash Guard?
The main purpose of any rash guard is to protect your skin. Rash guard shirts shield your arms, shoulders, and torso from UV rays while surfing, swimming, or enjoying any outdoor activity. Protection from chafing and board rash are secondary benefits of rash guards during water sports.
If you don’t want to wear a full rash guard shirt but want similar protection, you should consider investing in rash guard sleeves. These are ideal for those times when you’re typically wearing a T-shirt, like while fishing or driving a boat, but you want extra protection plus breathability on your arms.
Do Rash Guards Keep You Warm?
Wearing a fleece rash guard can help you stay warmer in cold waters. Long sleeve rash guards can insulate your body, especially if you’re wearing them under a wetsuit. Thermal rash guards usually have plush inner linings and are the ideal choice. It also protects you from cuts, scrapes, and jellyfish stings.
If you want to move around freely underwater, opt for a neoprene rash guard. They have a soft, cushiony feel so you can wield your speargun properly and navigate the waters effortlessly.
Durable, Water-resistant Rash Guards
When searching for the right dive skin, you’ll need to pay attention to three things: fit, style, and quick-drying properties.
Different Rash Guards for Different Water Sports
If you’re into water sports, choose a swimming rash guard with a snugger fit so you can move better without any excess fabric in the way. Loose-fitting rash guards, on the other hand, are better for beach use. Sport it out in style with a dive skin that has the color and design you prefer. Finally, consider how quickly the rash guard dries so it won’t affect your body temperature.
Do You Swim in Rash Guards?
When you want extra coverage over your bathing suit or extra protection from the sun’s harmful rays, you can definitely wear a rash guard for swimming. In fact, many surfers, stand up paddle boarders, and other water sports enthusiasts rely on rash guards for protection when swimming.
Rash guards are especially effective when you’re in a situation where you can’t necessarily reapply sunscreen as often as you’d like. Your rash guard will remain effective in protecting you from UV rays even when wet so you don’t have to worry as much about sunburns while you swim, wade, or play.
How to Care for Your Rash Guard
Once you’ve found the right dive suit, keep it in good condition by rinsing it in fresh water before storing it in your closet. Wash it with a mild soap every now and then to avoid the build-up of funky odors.
Rash Guard vs a Swim Shirt
Rash guards and swim shirts are very similar with one specific and important difference: the fit. Swim shirts are typically less form-fitting because they’re designed for more casual use. Rash guards are meant for water sports so they’re tighter against your skin to help reduce drag in the water.
It may be tough to know which is right for you because you can wear both garments underwater and they both protect you from UV rays. Start by thinking about the activities you do most.
If you’re spending a casual day splashing at the beach, pool, or waterpark, then a swim shirt will have a looser fit and feel more comfortable. If you’re focused on athletic performance in the water or need a dive skin-style product, you should consider a rash guard.
Find the Right Rash Guard for You
If you’re looking for the best skin suits for diving, you’ve come to the right place. Scuba stocks men’s dive skins and women’s rash guards from the top brands. Get noticed from the sea to the sand with our bold colors and standout designs. Our inventory includes unisex dive skins and rashguards for kids so you can get matching designs for the whole family. Shop for the best dive skins at Scuba today!
