What is a rashguard and how to choose it: 10 functional models for different activities

Today this type of clothing has gained popularity not only among fighters and athletes playing American soccer, but also among those who can’t imagine their lives without fitness and active recreation.

Sportmaster PRO expert

“What is a rashguard? What are the functions and advantages of this type of sportswear? What varieties of it can be found and how to choose what you need exactly? We answer all these questions”.

What is a rashguard?

Rashgard is a type of sports equipment, which is a tight-fitting thermal underwear with short or long sleeves. Due to its compression effect and fabric features, it wicks away excess moisture and helps maintain a comfortable body temperature, protecting the athlete’s body from external influences. This is especially important in contact sports. It is believed that it is for them that the rashguard was developed.

Today, this outfit is used by athletes in a wide variety of physical activities:

• swimming, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking;
• crossfit;
• mixed martial arts;
• fitness;
• cycling;
• tourism;
• contact sports, etc.

History of the appearance of the rashguard

According to one version, rashgards began to be produced in the 1990s in Australia. Surfers for a long time suffered from the fact that the wax, which was treated boards, sticking sand, which, combined with salty sea water traumatized the skin. It caused rashes, irritation, etc.

The solution was obvious – wear a t-shirt that would protect the skin. If you literally translate the word (rash guard) from English, you get – “rash protection”.

The second version says that rashgards were developed for those who are engaged in martial arts. The task of the clothes in this case was to protect the skin of the athlete from damage and friction, as well as to improve thermoregulation and moisture drainage.

Initially, the choice fell on the most affordable T-shirts made of cotton. Wrestlers preferred long-sleeved models and surfers preferred short-sleeved models.

Then it became clear that the task is better coped with synthetic fabrics. They are more elastic, do not rub the skin, weigh less and dry faster. So gradually a piece of clothing evolved into a rashguard in the modern sense. The cut and material changed: flat seams and anatomical fit appeared, and the basis for the fabric became nylon, spandex, lycra, polyester.

Main characteristics of the rashguard

As a material for the manufacture of rashgard is usually used a mixture of several synthetic fabrics. Its composition varies depending on the purpose of a particular area: for areas of the body, especially exposed to friction, use a dense material; for moving parts – thinner and more elastic.

When choosing a rashguard, it is worth paying special attention to the composition. Depending on which of the fabrics in it prevails, the underwear will have different properties and areas of application.

• Nylon is a hydrophobic material that does not absorb moisture and dries quickly. It has high elasticity and is durable. It is used in equipment for water sports.
• Elastane is a material that stretches well. Most often it is used to make the rashguard fit tightly to the body. A big plus of the material is that it retains its shape and properties for a long time. It is used in clothing for high-movement sports.
• Polyester – also elastic material, but has less strength and durability.
• Bamboo fiber is a natural hypoallergenic material. It is added to the fabric in small quantities to increase its breathability. Mostly bamboo fiber is used in rashgards for tourism or fitness. The main disadvantage of the material is its low wear resistance.

For special scenarios, modern materials with unique properties are also used. For example, there are rashgards treated with antibacterial impregnation or especially resistant to friction and salt water. The information is indicated on the label. The same applies to the construction of the product. It is therefore important to choose a rashguard in the department dedicated to a particular sport: a rashguard for surfing is not suitable for wrestlers, and vice versa.

Applications of the rashguard

Rashgard is a training outfit with thermoregulation, moisture wicking, compression effect, protection against micro-injuries and UV rays. Based on this description, we can conclude that the area of application of the rashguard is incredibly wide.

It is used in all types of activity that assume that the body actively sweats and there is a risk of damage or irritation of the skin. This is especially true in contact sports. Among other things, there is a high risk of transmission of bacterial infections from one athlete to another.

Today, rashgards are used not only in sports, but also in everyday life. Due to the properties of the fabric, the product provides increased comfort, especially in warm weather. You can say that a rashguard is a “second skin”.

Pros of using a rashguard

In addition to the obvious advantages (such as protection from injury, irritation or ultraviolet light), this thing has less obvious pluses.

By providing thermoregulation, rashgards help muscles and joints stay warm – even during breaks between approaches or exercises. The ability to wick away excess moisture keeps your body from getting too cold.

Swimmers will especially appreciate the product’s ability to keep their skin comfortable in salty or chlorinated water. At the same time, compression and muscle support improve blood flow and, as a result, the effectiveness of training. It also reduces the risk of injury. The tight fit improves streamlining. The athlete is more confident in the water.

Surfers and other athletes who are active in open water can always rely on the bright coloring of the product. In case of an unforeseen situation, it will be easier to spot them from afar.

Top 10 rashguard models

1. Termit – long sleeve rashguard for water sports. Made of durable and modern material. Provides UV protection.

Termit

2. Demix – a version with a high collar and special compression properties. They are provided by MOVI-force technology, which allows muscles to recover faster.

Demix, 2199 rubles.

3. Athlex Alpha – short-sleeved rashguard treated with antibacterial impregnation. It is made of a technological material that wicks away moisture and dries quickly.

Athlex Alpha, 2299 rubles.

4. Kappa Vurbat is a stretchy model with Hydro-Way Protection technology for efficient moisture wicking. The rashguard is designed for cold-weather training.

Kappa Vurbat, 2099 rubles.

5. Termit is a women’s long-sleeve option for outdoor activities on the water. The rashguard fabric with UV 50+ technology protects the skin from harmful UV rays.

Termit, 849 rubles.

6. Demix – a variant with a good compression effect and inserts for additional ventilation. This helps to optimize blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue.

Demix, 2999 rubles.

7. EUPHORIA Classic is a women’s cropped version made of non-reflective, breathable fabric that does not fade and wicks moisture well. Allows you to feel comfortable during fitness and sports, yoga and dancing.

EUPHORIA Classic, 2950 rubles.

8. Protest – the model is made of recycled plastic, resistant to wear and tear and able to protect the skin from UV exposure. The tight fit ensures that the rashguard fits snugly to the body.

Protest, 2699 rubles.

9. Kelme – rashguard for outdoor sports, flat seams do not chafe the skin. Suitable for soccer training in cold weather and can also be used for winter sports.

Kelme, 1749 rubles.

10. EASYWAY is a short-sleeved, close-fitting women’s rashguard. Suitable for all sports and training: crossfit, aerobics, gym, yoga, running, dancing, swimming, surfing.

EASYWAY, 2390 rubles.

Rashgard is not just a useful technological element of sports equipment, which makes various trainings more effective and safe, but also a very comfortable, bright and practical item of everyday closet.

Sports, active rest, city walks – in any of these scenarios of use it can show itself at its best. The athlete can always choose the size, cut, fit, fabric composition and color to suit his needs. This makes the rashguard perfect for the task at hand.