The rash guard is a piece of protective clothing worn by those who engage in aquatic sports such as surfing, diving, snorkelling, and swimming. It comes in a variety of designs and these different designs of rash guards cover different parts of your body. Just like wetsuits, you need to pay attention to a set of factors such as the fit, fabric, stitches, and style when buying a rash guard. Read on to learn the essential tips to follow when choosing a high-quality rash guard for you.
Why Do You Need a Rash Guard?
The primary purpose of a rash guard is protecting your skin from various environmental factors such as harmful sun rays, cold water, and stinging of various aquatic creatures. It also shields your skin from abrasions, chafing, and scratching. It is advised to wear a rash guard when you are engaging in aquatic sports out in the sun as it provides a considerable amount of UV protection. Most rash guards come in form-fitting designs and they can be worn either as stand-alones or base layers underneath wetsuits. An additional benefit of rash guards is its properties of preserving body heat that help keep you warm underwater.
Types of Rash Guards
As mentioned above. rash guards come in a variety of types. The market offers specialised designs of rash guards for men, women, and kids. Here are the different types of rash guards that you can commonly find on the market:
1. Long-Sleeved Rash Guard
Long sleeved rash guards cover most of your upper body below the neck. As the areas such as arms, chest, and the back are relatively more susceptible to sunburns, chafing, and abrasions, the long-sleeved rash guard is a great option to choose. These rash guards are typically made of stretchable materials combined with nylon, and they have moisture-wicking properties that help them dry fast. A number of brands such as Scubapro, Waterproof, and Gull manufacture long-sleeved rash guards and you can find them in a wide range of sizes and colours on the market.
2. Rash Guard Leggings
Rash guard leggings resemble yoga pants in a way, and they cover your legs from top to bottom. They are generally made of quick-drying fabrics such as spandex and nylon. Rash guard leggings come with a foot band to keep them in place, and they can be worn as a base layer under wetsuits. If you are buying a long-sleeved rash guard for the upper body, you can also pair it with matching rash guard leggings to protect your entire body while keeping your style on point.
3. Lycra Shorts
The lycra shorts are usually snug-fit, and cover your body from waist to knees. As the name suggests, they are made of lycra material and provide extra comfort, support body movements, and regulate body temperature. Popular brands such as Cressi manufacture high-quality lycra shorts, and you can either wear them separately when swimming or use them as an underlayer when diving.
What to Consider when Buying a Rash Guard?
The market is full of different types of rash guards. Choosing the right rash guard can be daunting if you walk into a dive centre without adequate knowledge about the subject. To make the procedure simple for you, here are the key factors to consider when purchasing a rash guard:
1. Fit
Rash guards have to be form-fitting as they are made to shield your skin from chafing and sun damage without hindering your movement. Ideally, your rash guard size should be slightly smaller than your regular t-shirt size. However, make sure that it is not too tight as it can hinder your body movements and cause discomfort.
2. Fabric
Rash guards are often made of spandex and nylon-based fabrics. They have moisture-wicking, UV-blocking, and quick-drying qualities in addition to being elastic and durable. When buying a rash guard, don’t forget to check with your dive store staff about its UV resistance as different fabrics carry different levels of UV resistance.
3. Stitches
Your rash guard’s comfort and toughness depend on its quality of construction. Ideally, choose flatlock stitching, which makes the seams fit flat to the garment rather than hanging loose from it. This avoids bulk, strengthens seams, and lessens chafing while swimming or paddling.
4. Style
The style of your rash guard depends on a few factors such as your personal choice and environmental conditions that you deal with. If you are exposed to harsh sunlight for a prolonged period, it is better to go for a long-sleeved rash guard paired with full-length leggings to receive maximum coverage. However, if your skin is not too sensitive and you spend a short amount of time outdoors, even a rash guard vest, a short-sleeved rash guard, or lycra shorts would be enough.
Where to Buy a Rash Guard in Singapore?
Are you looking for top-notch rash guards in Singapore? Waikiki Dive Centre has got you covered. With a wide range of sizes, colours, and styles, Waikiki Dive Centre presents you a large collection of rash guards manufactured by leading brands in the industry at affordable prices. Click here to browse through the catalogue and place your order today! The products are available both online and in-store upon your convenience.