As soon as summer rolls around, everyone becomes a water baby! In fact, water activities become the highlight of many summer holidays, whether at the beach, pool, or out on a board. Of course, our gorgeous African sun isn’t exactly kind on our skins. While we’d all love to end the December holidays looking like a Greek God, the reality is most of us don’t have the constitution to make that happen. That’s one of the reasons it’s important to protect your skin from damage with a summer must-have – a rash vest. This isn’t only for the tannie’s and oom’s, your little ones are probably the most important people to be covering up in the sun. So, what exactly is a rash vest and why should it make the top of your shopping list as you prep for the holidays? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this summer staple.
Rash Vest 101
What Is a Rash Vest and How It Differs From Other Wetsuits
A rash vest, or rash guard, is a lightweight, tight-fitting shirt made specifically for water-based activities. Unlike wetsuits, which are designed to insulate and provide buoyancy in colder water, rash vests are primarily for protection. They don’t keep you warm and they’re not intended to provide thermal insulation. Instead, they protect your skin from abrasions, rashes (hence the name) and sun damage.
Wetsuits are made from thicker materials like neoprene which make them bulkier and designed for more extreme conditions (hello chilly Cape Town ocean!). Rash vests, on the other hand, are lightweight, breathable and designed for warmer water or even just lounging by the pool. Their focus is on comfort, flexibility and protection, particularly from UV rays and friction caused by boards or sand.
Benefits of Wearing a Rash Vest
Here’s why a rashie is an essential addition to your summer gear:
- Sun Protection: Most rash vests offer UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking over 98% of harmful UV rays. Given that skin cancer rates have been increasing globally, especially in countries with high sun exposure like South Africa, sun-safe clothing is becoming more important. Wearing a rash vest can help reduce your risk by protecting areas that are often exposed to the sun, such as your back, shoulders and arms.
- Rash and Abrasion Prevention: Rash vests were originally designed to protect surfers from rashes caused by friction between their skin and surfboards or sand. Even if you’re not a surfer, anyone who has experienced “board burn” or irritated skin after a day in the ocean will appreciate the layer of protection a rash vest provides.
- Comfort and Flexibility: They are designed to be flexible so you can move freely in the water. Unlike wetsuits, they don’t restrict your range of motion, making them more comfortable for extended wear in various water activities like body boarding, snorkelling or swimming.
Uses for Various Water Sports
Bodyboarding
If you’re into bodyboarding, a rash vest is an essential piece of kit. The repetitive motion of lying on a board while catching waves can cause uncomfortable friction against your chest, stomach and arms. A well-fitted rash vest can prevent the chafing so all you need to focus on is having fun in the water.
Surfing
Surfers swear by rash vests because of their dual protection: against sunburn and against board rash. A rash vest allows you to stay on the board longer without feeling discomfort, particularly if you’re in the water for several hours. When paired with a wetsuit in colder conditions, rash vests also provide an extra layer of warmth.
Swimming
Going swimming in warmer seas in KZN or some exotic location? A rash vest offers a barrier against jellyfish and bluebottle stings (trust us, they HURT!). Even in the pool, it can protect from sunburn if you’re doing laps under direct sunlight. The slim-fit design of a rash vest also ensures minimal drag, helping you glide through the water efficiently.
Kids
For children, a rash vest is ideal when they’re spending long days at the beach or pool. Not only does it protect them from the sun, but it’s a practical choice for kids who may not be cooperative to stop and reapply sunscreen every few hours. Plus, a brightly coloured rash vest makes it easier to spot your little ones in crowded beach areas.
Sun Protection for Beach/Pool Lounging
Even if you’re not actively participating in water sports, rash vests are a great option for anyone lounging by the pool or at the beach. If you’ve got sun sensitivity, fair skin or have had a scare with skin cancer, you’ll want to cover up this summer, A rash vest offers peace of mind by allowing you to enjoy the sun without constantly worrying about reapplying sunscreen to your shoulders, back or chest. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothing is the best form of sun protection and rash vests are designed specifically with that in mind.
Common Materials and Key Features
Rash vests are typically made from a blend of materials designed for durability and comfort. The most common fabrics used are:
- Lycra: Lycra is super stretchy while still providing a snug, comfortable fit that doesn’t restrict movement. It’s ideal for swimming and surfing, where flexibility is key.
- Spandex: This material is highly flexible and quick-drying, making it perfect for water sports where you need freedom of movement and comfort.
- Nylon and Polyester Blends: These fabrics are durable, quick-drying and resistant to damage from saltwater, chlorine and UV rays. Many rash vests made from nylon and polyester also have built-in UV protection, which is an added layer of protection against excessive sun exposure.
When choosing a rash vest, you’ll notice features like:
- Flatlock Seams: These seams lie flat against the skin to prevent chafing, which is particularly important if you’re spending hours in the water.
- Quick Drying: Materials like polyester and spandex wick moisture away from the body and dry quickly once out of the water.
- UPF Protection: Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation is blocked. Look for a UPF rating of 50+ for maximum sun protection.
How to Choose the Right Rash Vest
- Fit: A snug fit is important, especially if you’re using the rash vest for water sports. A loose vest can bunch up or cause drag in the water, getting in the way of your activities. However, if you’re wearing it for lounging or casual beach days, you may find a looser fit more comfortable.
- Material: Consider the material based on your activity. Lycra and spandex are great for flexibility, while polyester blends offer durability and are quick drying.
- Sun Protection: If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors, ensure that your rash vest has UPF 50+ protection. Even on overcast days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, so sun-safe clothing is essential.
- Sleeve Length: Rash vests come in both short and long sleeve styles. Short sleeves offer more freedom of movement, while long sleeves provide extra sun protection and help with warmth on cooler days.
Final Takeaway
Whether you’re an avid surfer, a casual swimmer or just looking to protect your skin while enjoying the summer sun, a rash vest is an essential part of your summer wardrobe. Shop our range of rash vests for kids, adults and everyone in between!