Rash Vests

What is a rash vest?

A lightweight, UV-protectant shirt made from stretch nylon/polyester fabric and worn when swimming to protect the skin from sun exposure and sand abrasions. Originally created for surfers to prevent chafing from sand on their boards, they are now worn by swimmers of all ages to shield skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Do rash vests keep you warm?

Most standard rashies won’t provide insulation in cold water, but they can offer an extra layer when worn underneath an insulating wet suit. However, thermal rash guards are specifically designed to keep you warm as these are made from heat-trapping neoprene or fleece-lined Lycra.

Do rash vests prevent sunburn?

Rash vests are made from special UV-protectant fabric. When you wear a rash vest in the water, direct sunlight and sun reflecting off the water are absorbed by the fabric and your skin is shielded from the UV rays that can burn skin.

How do I wash care for a rash vest?

To keep your rash vest in great condition, always rinse it out in cool water immediately after swimming to remove any salt or chlorine. You should drip-dry a rash vest in the shade. Most rash vests can be machine washed occasionally on a cold cycle.