What is a rash vest?
A rash vest, also known as a rash guard, rashie, or rashguard, is a thin, fitted shirt made of stretch fabric that allows good moving and comfort when worn, to provide UV protection and is intended for usage in and around water.
Rash Vests are excellent for all types of water sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, and surfing, offering additional defence against skin abrasions from sand and other rough surfaces and are often worn to help protect the skin from harmful UV rays. They can be worn in the summer on their own to protect the skin from friction burns when paddle boarding and body boarding. Whether you’re surfing or avoiding the sun poolside, they are a necessary piece of kit for anyone spending time in or near water. Tight-fitting rash vests were originally intended to be worn under wet suits to prevent rashes and chafing.
When should you wear a rash vest?
Anyone wishing to protect their skin from the sun, wind, or water should consider a rash vest. They were developed by Australian surfers who wanted to shield themselves from UV radiation, sand, and surf wax.
Some surfers pair a Rash Vest with boardshorts for extra warmth in chilly water or when the wind picks up, or they wear one under a wetsuit for additional friction protection. There are long and short-sleeved options available, so you can choose how much coverage you’d like to have.
How should a rash vest fit?
Rash vests should fit snugly and should move with your body without any extra fabric getting in the way. Naturally, they shouldn’t be so tight that you feel uncomfortable and restricted.
What to wear with a rash vest?
Rash vests should be used as a base layer with nothing else worn underneath. Make sure your rashie fits snugly if you’re wearing it underneath a wetsuit.
Wear your favourite board shorts with your rash vest in warm water (without a wetsuit). Depending on how much coverage and sun protection you want, hooded rash vests are available for additional wind and sun protection. Consider a light colour if you need one for very warm, sunny or tropical weather. Darker colours absorb more heat, so you’ll keep cooler when you’re not in the water.
