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Rash guards are more than just athletic shirts—they’re essential gear for protection and performance. Designed with specialized materials and thoughtful construction, rash guards shield your skin from rashes, UV rays, and environmental elements, making them a staple for water sports, outdoor adventures, and even casual wear. Curious about their history, unique features, or how to choose the right style? Dive in to learn all about these versatile garments and why they’re a hit for both wearers and sellers!
What is a rash guard shirt?
A rash guard, sometimes just called a “rashie," is a type of athletic shirt specially designed to protect the skin. These shirts were originally crafted to prevent the rashes caused by friction, whether from rubbing against a surfboard, sand, or even wetsuits. Hence we got the name “rash guard” – to protect the skin from rash.
A classic rash guard is easily recognizable through two signature features:
- Materials: It is made from synthetic materials that are optimized for performance. Such materials can provide stretchiness, durability, and quick drying – all the essential qualities that a rash guard needs.
- Construction: Tight-fitting fit and flatlock seams are also typical in rash guard design. These details are meant to prevent the fabric from hurting the skin and minimize drags in the water.
Overall, rash guard shirts are built with purpose. That’s the strength of this garment and why people need rash guards.
History of Rash guards
Rash guards got their start in surfing culture. It is thought to originate from Australia where the surfing culture thrives. The rash guard emerged from a practical need to protect surfers’ skin from painful rashes caused by waxed surfboards, saltwater, and sun exposure.
Over time, its practicality and versatility made it a staple not just for surfers but for swimmers, snorkelers, and even martial artists.
Today, rash guards are everywhere, from kids building sandcastles to athletes training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. They’ve transcended their surfing roots to become a must-have for anyone looking for comfort, protection, and performance.
Features of a rash guard
Rash guards are more than just a protective layer; they’re a masterclass in thoughtful design and practicality. Let’s break down the features that make them indispensable for water sports and beyond.
Materials
Rash guards are typically made of spandex, nylon, or polyester blends. These materials are purposely selected for rash guards for a few reasons:
- Stretchy: Spandex, a material celebrated for its superior stretch and recovery, is usually found in the fabric composition of a rash guard. This fabric provides elasticity and freedom of movement, ensuring wearers can paddle, dive, and twist without feeling restricted.
- Quick-Drying: Made from hydrophobic materials like polyester blends, rash guards are designed to wick moisture away. This quick-dry capability keeps the wearer comfortable, avoiding the clammy feeling of waterlogged fabric.
- Durable and Resistant: Rash guards are built to last against intense activities and regular exposure to harsh aquatic environments. They usually feature materials that are resistant to chlorine, saltwater, and abrasions like nylon or polyester.
- Lightweight: Lightweight fabrics are always prioritized for performance-focused garments. Rash guard is no exception. It prevents the weight of the fabric from intervening the wearers and making them feel uncomfortable.
Besides the above features, modern rash guards are also built with many other additional features that enhance their performance and utility.
- Odor Control: Some rash guards are treated with anti-microbial coatings to combat bacteria buildup, reducing odors even after prolonged use.
- Thermal Layers: In colder climates, thermal rash guards incorporate insulating materials to trap body heat. These are essential for divers or surfers braving chilly waters, providing warmth without the bulk of traditional wetsuits.
- Built-in SPF/UPF: Sun safety is paramount for outdoor enthusiasts. Many rash guards include UPF ratings of 30–50+, offering a barrier against harmful UV rays. This integrated sun protection is particularly valuable for long days on the beach or open water.
Flatlock Stitching
Flatlock stitching is a sewing method that joins fabric edges together. In this method, the seam allowances lie flat against the skin, instead of hanging loose and chaffing the skin. Plus, it won’t fray or split under intense stress.
Style-wise, seamless flatlock stitching makes the rash guard look sleek, clean, and sporty. Its low-profile nature aligns with the tight-fitting design. Performance-wise, it helps the fabric to fit tight to the skin, reduce drag in water, and enhance overall performance.
Construction
More than just simply stitching the body together with the sleeves, the construction of a rash guard is deliberately designed to optimize performance.
- Multiple-panel: This technique involves sewing together strategically shaped fabric panels to create a tailored fit that moves with the body and provides unrestricted movement. Different materials may also be used for specific panels. For example, more flexible fabric is for areas requiring greater stretch while sturdier fabric is for high-impact zones.
- Raglan Sleeves: Raglan sleeve allows more room underarm, making it easy to move arms. With no obstruction at the shoulders, raglan sleeves allow wearers to lift, twist, and reach without constraint.
- High Necklines: A high neckline protects the delicate skin of the neck from sunburn, especially during long hours in the sun. For surfers, it prevents board friction, which can cause painful abrasions over time. A high neckline also ensures the rash guard stays in place during vigorous activities, reducing the chance of unwanted exposure or discomfort.
Prints
There is no limitation to what prints can be put onto the rash guard. A rash guard could be super simple and plain to bright and vivid. Depending on personal preference, you can choose a rash guard print that you love.
Yet, every detail of a rash guard, with no exception for the prints, should be functional. To last under extended sun exposure and repeated washing, rash guard prints must be colorfast and retain their brilliance over time.
Sublimation is usually applied to printing rash guards. This printing method assures that the print ink blends with the materials and gives no space for cracking or fading. All-over print rash guards at Merchize are also made with sublimation printing to ensure the highest quality print that lasts forever.
Types of rash guards
Short-sleeve vs. long-sleeve
- Short-Sleeve Rash Guards: Short-sleeve rash guards only cover the upper arms and let the skin out in the sun. This style is perfect for warm weather. Whether you’re swimming laps or catching waves, short sleeves keep you cool and unencumbered. If you’re all about soaking up the sun while staying protected, this is your go-to.
- Long-Sleeve Rash Guards: Long-sleeve rash guards give full-body coverage and protection, shielding you from sunburns, scrapes, and stings. Sure, they might feel a tad warmer, but when it comes to SPF and abrasion resistance, they’re unbeatable.
>>> At Merchize, we allow customizing both Short-sleeve Rash Guard and Long-sleeve Rash Guard.
Loose fit vs. Compression fit
- Compression Fit Rash Guards: These fit your body like a second skin. Designed for serious athletes, they’re all about function. Compression rash guards boost muscle support and enhance blood flow, which is perfect for intense sports or post-workout recovery. If you’re into surfing, martial arts, or high-octane activities, this option keeps everything streamlined and efficient.
- Relaxed Fit Rash Guards: For those who’d rather kick back than break a sweat, relaxed fit rash guards are the way to go. They’re looser, more breathable, and more comfortable than the compression-fit rash version. People who prioritize comfort over performance will prefer this style more.
When to wear a rashguard
This highly functional item is very versatile and can be worn on various occasions, for different purposes. Here are a few examples:
- Surfing and water sports: This is the most popular use of rash guards. Whether you’re surfing, swimming, snorkeling, or diving, you can find comfort and practicality in a rash guard. The snug fit reduces drag, giving you better mobility and improving athletic performance under the water. They also give extra protection for the skins against board friction, rough wetsuits, or even the scorching sun.
- Fishing and boating: When you are out for fishing or boating, the sun can be very hostile. Rash guards with built-in UPF protection can save you from the sun. Plus, you won’t have to worry about splashes and soggy shirts as the quick-drying fabric has you covered.
- Outdoor activities like running, hiking, or beach volleyball: Rash guards aren’t confined to the water. They’re a fantastic choice for beach volleyball, hiking, or even running. Their sweat-wicking properties keep you dry, while the stretchy fabric lets you move without restriction. Ever thought of wearing one on a breezy hike? They’re surprisingly great at warding off chills without adding bulk.
How to wear a rash guard
What is the right way to wear a rash guard? If you are new to this piece of clothing, here are two ways you can wear and make the most of the rash guard.
- Wear it as a single layer: In most cases, you just need one layer of rash guard on top. This can provide more than enough protection against the sun and keep you comfortable under the water. You can wear a rash guard with a swim trunk for the swimsuit bottom when participating in more strenuous and demanding water activities.
- Wear it as a base layer: You can also wear a rash guard as a protective base layer under a wetsuit. It reduces friction and makes slipping into that neoprene cocoon far easier. In the colder weather at the beach, it also adds an extra layer of insulation, keeping you warmer in chilly waters. Wearing a rash guard underneath can also protect your skin against any sneaky jellyfish or abrasive coral.
During land-based activities like running, hiking, or cycling, rash guards can also work wonders as a base layer under activewear. They wick away sweat and keep your skin safe from irritation.
Why Rash Guards Are an Attractive Product for Sellers?
High-margin product
Let’s talk profits first. Rash guards often have a juicy markup. People are willing to pay big bucks for a high-quality rash guard, especially if it’s got cool designs. This is the major reason why rash guards are such a catch!
Broad customer base
Many people think that rash guards are only viable for watersports niches. But this is not true! Rash guards aren’t just for surfers anymore. Hikers, gym rats, swimmers…they all fall in love with the practicality and comfort of rash guards!
Growing market demand
Statistically speaking, the global rash guard market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%. There is no doubt that rash guards have a huge potential with a wide range of customers.
Customization Opportunities
Rash guards are also easy to customize. With sublimation printing, you can easily print and create a unique rash guard for your store.
At Merchize, we allow custom printing on rash guards with no minimum quality requirement, offering a risk-free option for e-commerce sellers to try out this in-demand, trendy item.
Conclusion
Rash guards are more than just another piece of clothing; they’re a perfect fusion of function, comfort, and style. From their roots in surfing culture to becoming a staple for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and casual wearers alike, rash guards have proven their versatility and practicality. Their protective features, cutting-edge materials, and diverse styles make them a must-have for anyone who values performance and convenience.
For sellers, rash guards present an exciting opportunity to tap into a growing market with high demand and endless customization potential. Whether you’re a water sports lover, an adventurer, or an entrepreneur seeking your next big product, rash guards are worth exploring.
Why wait? Discover the possibilities with custom rash guards from Merchize and unlock a world of comfort, protection, and profit. Let’s create something extraordinary together!
