What Is a Rash Guard?

A rash guard, or "rashy," is a type of athletic clothing worn to protect your skin from the sun and from chafing while participating in athletic activities, especially summer water sports.

  1. Features

    • According to Buy Rash Guards.com, one feature to consider when choosing a rash guard is the amount of UV protection it offers. Some rash guards offer as much protection as SPF 150. This is important to protect your skin from the sun when you spend a day in the ocean. Rash guards are also worn during athletic activity, which means that comfort is a key consideration. Choose a rash guard made of a high quality Lycra, flat lock seams and cover stitch hems for maximum comfort.

    Types

    • Companies such as O'Neil, Billabong and Body Glove produce rash guards. Rash guards typically have a six-panel construction and are made of a nylon-spandex fabric that is naturally antibacterial and will dry quickly. Rash guards are made for men, women, children and babies.

    Sports

    • Generally, rash guards are used for summer water sports. You can wear a rash guard to protect chafing either by itself or under a wetsuit when scuba diving, wakeboarding, kayaking, surfing or bodyboarding. You can also wear a rash guard to primarily protect your skin from the sun when swimming, snorkeling, snow skiing and sledding.