Rash guards, also known as rash vests or, more simply, rashies, are a popular piece of water sports equipment worn particularly by surfers and body boarders. Rash guards come in a variety of different styles, colors and materials, and are made by just about every leading water sports clothing brand.
Purpose
Rash guards are normally worn as a second layer underneath a wetsuit, or on their own in warm water conditions. The main purpose of a rash guard is to protect the wearer from rashes commonly caused by contact between the skin and surf or body boards, as well as the irritation and friction rashes that many water sports enthusiasts experience when their skin comes into contact with their wetsuits.
Design
Rash guards are available in a number of different styles and designs, such as short sleeve, long sleeve, sleeveless and hooded. Normally manufactured from nylon, polyester or spandex, rash guards are specifically designed to fit tightly on the torso. Therefore, they remain in close contact with, and provide a barrier between, the skin and other water sports equipment.
Thickness
Rash guards commonly come in a variety of different thicknesses. This allows the rash guard to be used on its own in a variety of different warm water climates, as well as providing extra insulation when worn under a water sports wetsuit in colder climates. The typical thicknesses of material used in rash guard manufacture range from anywhere between an ultra-lightweight 2 mm to a heavy-duty 7 mm.
Brands
Nearly all of the leading surf and water sports brands manufacture rash guards. However, different manufacturers tend to have quite different sizing policies. As a result, spending some time trying on the rash guards of different brands is worthwhile to achieve a properly fitting guard.
Other Benefits
As well as providing a protective layer between the wearer and other water sports equipment, rash guards have a number of supplemental benefits. Rash guards tend to be manufactured to aid the wearer in protecting their skin from harmful UV rays, and as a result can be a particularly valuable piece of equipment for water sports enthusiasts to wear in summer months, providing an extra layer of protection for the skin from strong sun levels. Rash guards also help to keep the wearer warm, trapping water between the guard and the body that is then warmed by naturally escaping body heat.
