Why Are Swim Shirts Called Sleeve Rash Guards?

The word rash guard is used to describe protective clothing, and swim shirts are no exception. Designed to protect the arms and torso from insects, they are sometimes worn under a wetsuit, during competition, or even as street clothing. But why are swim shirts called rash guards? Here are three reasons:

Sleeve Rash Guard

A swim shirt is a protective undergarment worn during water activities, such as swimming, surfing, and boogieboarding. This type of apparel is made of a thin, lightweight material with excellent wicking properties. The rash guard's flatlock stitching keeps seam allowances flat and helps keep the garment firm and supportive during intense activities. The multi-panel construction improves mobility, but it is still important to wear a sunscreen underneath to protect the skin from the sun.

The BPS women's rash guard is constructed of polyester and stretchy Lycra fabric. It is made to dry quickly and has minimal seam placement, making it flattering for most body types. O'Neill, a well-known swim and activewear brand, makes a high-quality rash guard that looks great and provides excellent protection. It is comfortable and durable and features a full zipper.

Fabric that Blocks the Sun's Rays

What's the best type of fabric to block the sun's rays? The fabric should be tightly woven to prevent the sunlight from penetrating its weave. Darker colors are also better at blocking UV rays, as they allow less light to penetrate. Darker colors also allow less moisture to be trapped in the fabric, which helps regulate your body temperature. Ideally, you should buy fabric that has a UPF of 50 or more, as this will provide the greatest amount of protection.

While there is no one single type of fabric that offers effective UV protection, many fabrics are treated to resist the sun's ultraviolet rays. Wool and other natural fabrics are both effective in blocking UVA and UVB rays. However, wool can cause irritation against the skin. Wool and cotton are not the only fabrics that can provide adequate protection against the sun's rays, as other types of fabric can stretch and lose their UV protection. Therefore, it's best to choose loose-fitting items of clothing when possible.

Form-Fitting Design

A rash guard is a type of protective swimwear that has a form-fitting design that protects the user's arms from abrasions. You can even wear a rash guard set instead of a swimsuit. These swimwear pieces are designed to fit snugly to the body with flatlock stitching and multi-panel construction. This ensures the garment's strength and durability, even under intense activity. A rash guard is also often referred to as a "rashie" or "rashy" due to the multi-panel construction.

A long-sleeve rash guard offers an exceptionally comfortable fit and flattering style. The long sleeves feature thumb holes to keep the rash guard in place. The form-fitting design of this swim top also provides ample mobility. Its zipper up the front adds a cute detail. If you're looking for an affordable rash guard that protects your arms, try the Aqua Lung Lycra Rash Guard.

Protection From Abrasion

A rash guard is a protective garment worn by surfers and children in sandy beaches. It is made of nylon, spandex, or polyester and is usually worn without a wetsuit during warm weather. It helps prevent chafing caused by sliding on a waxed surfboard. The wax may rub the surfer's skin and lead to irritation.
Fabrics used in rash guards

The fabric used for swim rash guards tends to be lightweight and wicks moisture away from the skin. Although the rash guards may look like wet-suits, the main purpose is to protect the swimmer's skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Different materials offer varying levels of breathability. Polyester rash guards are among the most breathable. A thin, lightweight fabric is the most suitable choice for most people.

The fabric used in a swim rash guard is specialized for the water. It does not stretch out as quickly as a t-shirt does, so it dries faster than its counterparts. It also inhibits bacteria buildup, which reduces the range of motion in the water. T-shirts also tend to hold air in the water, which restricts the wearer's range of motion.