What is a Rash Guard Shirt?

Wikipedia Definition:

A rash guard, also known as rash vest or rashie, is a type of water wear, 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. These shirts can be worn by themselves, or under a wetsuit. A rash guard by itself is used for light coverage in warm to extreme summer temperatures for several watersports including surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, freediving, wakeboarding, body surfing, body boarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, or simply for stand up paddle surfing or swimming. There are also lower body rash guards, which are similar to compression shorts to be worn under the surfers' boardshorts, but more specialized for surfers. The most specialized version is called the Elephant Surf Trunks, while some companies make less specialized versions.

Rash guards are most often worn in surfing when the weather is too warm for a wetsuit, and to prevent wax-based chafing from sliding on and off of the surf board, on either the torso, or the legs. A surfboard's wax holds sand from the beach that could rub against a surfer's torso while paddling out to the break, or legs while sitting atop one's board. Rash guards also offer some protection from the sun (measured by its Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and slight protection against jelly fish stings and are sometimes worn under wetsuits to prevent chafing. A rash guard helps to prevent irritation caused by rapid impact with surface water and waves as well.

Rash guards are thought to have originated in Australia, where they are commonly referred to as "rashies" or "rashys." Variations of the rash guard have made their way into many other sports including baseball, American football, water polo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts.

Other important components of a rash guard include flatlock stitching, and six panel construction. Flatlock stitching creates a seam where the seam allowances lies flat to the garment instead of hanging loose from it. It is made by adjusting the overlock or the thread overedge stitch. Flatlock stitching increases the strength of the garment for intense exercise or recreational activities. Six panel construction versus the conventional 4 panel tee shirt construction enables the user increased mobility wet or dry. The combination of products used to construct a rash guard differ slightly depending on the designer. The use of nylon and spandex create a garment that is lightweight, quick drying, flexible, durable, naturally antibacterial and water wicking.

Swim Shirts

Swim shirts are relatively new to the consumer market, but are growing in popularity. They are generally more loose fitting and casually worn. Their primary purpose is to offer an alternative to sunscreen to protect the wearer's skin from the sun's UV radiation and possible skin cancer. Many swim shirts carry a UPF rating of 50+, which blocks out over 98% of the sunís harmful rays. Many people find that sunscreen isnít always enough because it is often not used properly and some have skin allergies or sensitivities to chemicals that sunscreens may contain. Even though the name generally applies to water sports, people use swim shirts for an array of activities: swimming, boating, golfing, tennis, gardening, playing in the sprinklers, water parks, beach trips, pool play, rivers and lakes, water skiing, surfing, snow skiing, sledding, skimboarding, and even in martial arts (to protect from practitioners rashes caused by the keikogi).

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Womens Rash Guard

Women's rash guards are becoming more popular as women find the need to protect themselves from sunburn and become more involved in outdoor recreational activities. Women are now participating is all kinds of water sports like surfing, wake boarding, windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, and other activities. As women and girls explore their active lifestyles they are discovering the value of the rash guard shirt for much of the same reasons as men. Sun and rash protection and a sun safety practice combined with comfortable materials that are durable, stylish, and affordable make a lot of sense. These smart women are wearing rash guards that they buy in surf shops, at sporting events, and now even in department stores. Rashguards for women are being sold more conveniently than ever. This is great because women deserve the comfort and benefits of wearing these amazing products. The girls and women's styles come in long sleeve, short sleeve, and a special feminine cap sleeve that affords them more freedom of movement and a stylish approach to wearing what could be a rather unstylish piece of clothing. When these girls and women's rashguards get wet they droop and might make a lady uncomfortable as the garment becomes form fitting. For these situations the loose fit rash guard for women is a great option, allowing extra material for comfort and all the normal benefits of a regular rashguard shirt. Some women and girls enjoy the Roxy brand, which usually comes with more design, the presence of a logo, and a higher price.

Mens Rash Guard

Mens rash guards are great for many different activities that men like to enjoy. Sports and recreational outdoor activities like mma, martial arts, water sports, surfing, scuba diving, and many others often require the protection of a rash guard shirt to help avoid bothersome rash. Rash guards also block the damaging ultra violate rays of the sun, so they will protect you from sunburn as well. Men can find rash guards in many different styles, sizes, colors, and thicknesses. Some men like the short sleeve while others like the long sleeve. Short sleeve is good when you want more freedom and flexibility, and long sleeve have the benefit of added rash and sun protection on the arm. There are a wide range of colors available, but the most popular ones are the blue and black styles. Some men prefer logo imprinted rashguards, while others prefer the blank simple ones. Different thicknesses are available for men who do extreme sports like grappling or mma, when they require enhanced durability while engaged in the more abrasive activities.

Kids Rash Guard

Kids rash guards are great because they provide children sun protection so they can play and enjoy beach or swimming activities without the threat of sunburn. Parents get to relax knowing their child is protected with the special sun protection factors that are a standard in rash guard swimwear and generally enhanced by the lycra and nylon fabric composition of the kids and toddlers rash guard shirts. Whether it be swimming lessons, summer camps, family vacations or trips to the beach, kids and toddlers need rashguards for safety. Everywhere these days you see kids swimming in pools wearing these swim shirts as they check in with mom or dad to double up on face sunblock. The beaches are packed with young children wearing rash guards as they go out body boarding and surfing, which by the way is another great use for them. Many young surfers wear these performance apparel products underneath their wetsuits for rash protection. Sometimes they go surfing in just the rashguard by itself, as they are actually quite comfortable to surf in and look cool when you ride waves in them. When a kid is surfing and wearing a colorful rash guard he or she is easier to spot in the water, which surely parents appreciate as they are trying to keep track of their loved ones at the beach.

Long Sleeve Rash Guard

Long sleeve rash guards are great when somebody needs a little extra protection on the arm. The sun becomes extremely harsh in certain tropical areas, and if you are traveling on surf trips to the tropics a long sleeve style is going to benefit you. The longer sleeve will help block sun, and help you avoid overexposure to environmental elements you might not be ready for in the foreign areas. Sometimes mosquitos get aggressive in the tropical surfing destinations, so a long sleeve rashguard will be a great asset to your vacation and travels.

Short Sleeve Rash Guard

Short Sleeve rash guards are wonderful because the protect the main part of your body from rash and sunburn while offering you the freedom and flexibility of a normal t-shirt. Some people like their arms exposed and do not feel they need the extra sleeve for protection. Many people these days prefer the shorter sleeve, which is offered by every brand in many styles and is often significantly cheaper. Surfers generally prefer the shorter sleeves because they want their arms free.

Loose Fitting Rash Guard

Loose Fit rash guards are a new trend, particularly favored by women who are modest and don't want the form fitting style that hugs the body. The athletic fit is not always the right choice, as some people just want to be casual with a comfortable loose fitting swim shirt to go swimming in. Some women are significantly larger and overweight and obviously don't feel good in a tight lycra and nylon shirt, so these loose fit versions of the rashguards are becoming a popular product. Surely there are also some men who prefer the more casual attire and want the loose fitting style also. All that applies for the women here probably also applies to men. The loose fit rashguard can be found in select stores only, and is often made with special material and comes with a slightly higher price.

Here at the Rash Guard Company warehouse, we manufacture rash guard products for the big name brand companies you see in stores.

When you shop with us, you are getting the same quality rash guard as the major brands, because we are their manufacturer. We are a supplier of wholesale rash guards for big companies, teams, resorts, non-profit foundations, martial arts groups, and the list goes on. Some of the top brands we manufacture rash guards for are Body Glove, Billabong, O'Neill, Roxy, Hurley, and Quicksilver. These are the most common brand names and typically the highest quality. People like to know what the best brands are when they shop so they know they are buying something of quality. However, what people don't know is whether or not these manufacturers have their products made overseas or if they are made here in the United States. Rash guards made in the united states are always better in quality and more reliable in terms of the durability and sun protection factor. All our products are made right here in the United States.

Body Glove Rash Guard

Body Glove is a company that has been around since body boarding first became a sport. Even earlier, Body Glove was making swim wear, water and beach apparel, bathing suits, and now rash guards. Traditionally, this company has always been a high energy, philanthropic company with high integrity and quality products.

Billabong Rash Guard

Billabong is a great brand with it's roots in the surfing industry. Billabong is a maker of wetsuits, surf clothing, surfing accessories, and now has a high quality rash guard product. Many young surfers appreciate Billabong brand apparel and products because they have a solid group of team riders wearing and representing the product line.

O'Neill Rash Guard

O'Neill is one of the leaders in the wetsuit manufacturer space, and has a great line of very reliable surf rash guards. You can find and purchase O'Neill products at your local surf shop, swim store, fitness outlet, or sporting goods store. Many women and girls like this brand because they seem to have an edge in the fashion department.

Roxy Rash Guard

Roxy is a brand specific to women and girls, and they are a subsidiary of Quiksilver. Roxy offers an amazing line of sports apparel and beach style clothing for girls and women. Roxy rash guards are appreciated for their fashionable qualities and artwork design. Roxy is a brand that all the young girls seek out when they go shopping, whether it's online or in a surf shop. Roxy can be found in any surf store, hip and cool clothing outlet, and just about any mall. You'll probably find a handful of young women sporting the Roxy brand and your local high school.

Rash guard brands, styles, and gender specifics can be further explained by a representative from any surf shop or online store offering rash guards. Be sure to search through our categories for a specific color or style of rash guard you desire. You may feel confident in our products and company. We promise to only offer rash guards that are hand crafted right here in the United States.