Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@Pavracer
Created June 3, 2020 04:00
Show Gist options
  • Save Pavracer/93cd03315fd7a1b84257c8e8ab4c4689 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save Pavracer/93cd03315fd7a1b84257c8e8ab4c4689 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>When it comes to buying your best rash guard there is so much to think about: price, quality are just a few to name.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>You may even wonder if you truly need a rash guard, to begin with, and what the heck is the difference between a rash guard and a thermal one?</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>These were a few questions I first had when it came to buying my first rash guard. Well, don’t worry because we got you covered.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>These are 10 things worth considering while deciding what to get. So, read along. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":12391,"linkDestination":"custom"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img class="wp-image-12391" src="https://unseenbeaches-13511.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/girl-wearing-her-best-rash-guard-1200x800.jpg" alt="girl wearing her best rash guard" />
<figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@guykawasaki?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Guy Kawasaki</a> </figcaption>
</figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:heading -->
<h2><strong>WHAT IS A RASH GUARD ANYWAYS, AND</strong> DO I NEED ONE<strong>?</strong></h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>A Rash guard is a type of athletic clothing that was made to protect the skin from:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:list -->
<ul>
<li>Sun’s rays </li>
<li>Cuts or scrapes </li>
</ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>While being in the water. In contrast, a thermal rash guard offers the same protection but generally has neoprene in it. According to <a href="https://sewport.com/fabrics-directory/neoprene-fabric">Sewport</a>, neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This material has been found amongst several apparel types because it is known to help keep the skin warm. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Generally, you don’t need to own one if you seldom participate in outdoor water activities. Surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or scuba diving are just a few mentioned.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>And if you tend to be in warm waters you don’t really need one. When my sister and I both lived in Florida going swimming or paddleboarding was just fine with my regular rash guard.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":12465,"linkDestination":"custom"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img class="wp-image-12465" src="https://unseenbeaches-13511.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/woman-with-her-best-rash-guard-1200x800.jpg" alt="woman with her best rash guard" />
<figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@cityofgoldcoast?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">City of Gold Coast</a> </figcaption>
</figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>But, when we moved back to California I had to get a rash guard due to the colder water temperatures. These were a few <a href="https://www.unseenbeaches.com/california-beaches-vs-florida-beaches/">differences between the Florida and California coastlines. </a></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Just because you don’t need one doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t own one. For instance, it has become a custom amongst some to wear at pools.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Where they use them as a form of comfort instead of a bathing suit or for protection from the sun, especially if they have a tendency of getting sunburned easily.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>So, to answer that question if you really need a rash guard? It’s up to preference.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:heading -->
<h2>10 THINGS WORTH CONSIDERING TO FINDING YOUR BEST RASH GUARD</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>When it came to buying my first rash guard due to paddleboarding I outlined some things that would be important in helping me find my best rash guard.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3><strong>MATERIAL</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Most rash guards will be composed of these materials:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:list -->
<ul>
<li>Spandex</li>
<li>Polyester </li>
<li>Nylon</li>
</ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Moreover, sometimes you will see Lycra as well. This is the same thing as elastane which is called Spandex in the United States.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>But, <a href="https://www.lycra.com/en/The-LYCRA-Company/About-Us">Lycra </a>is a branded company that has patented its own line of Spandex. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3>TYPE</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>There are different types of rash guards. Besides being loose or tight-fitting as previously mentioned you also have different types. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:list -->
<ul>
<li>Long-Sleeved </li>
<li>Short-sleeved</li>
<li>Sleeveless </li>
<li>Thermal (neoprene) for warmth </li>
</ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>It’s often recommended to choose a rash guard that is long-sleeved and is thermal. This is ideal for those who do snorkeling or scuba diving.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>As you go further deep into the ocean the water becomes much colder. These types of rash guards are known to keep your body warm.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3><strong>FITTING</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>There are several forms of rash guards when it comes to fitting. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:list -->
<ul>
<li>Loose</li>
<li>Tight</li>
</ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Loose rash guards are as the name implies loose on the body. They are often recommended for less strenuous water activities like stand up paddle boarding. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>On the other hand, tighter fitted ones are the exact opposite. They are meant to be tight to your skin.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This becomes an ideal choice for someone who often participates in strenuous water activities.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If you’re surfing or swimming you don’t want to worry about having the rash guard moving all over the place while being in the water. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3><strong>ADDITIONAL FEATURES</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Some rash guards have additional features to them:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:list -->
<ul>
<li>Pockets</li>
<li>Hooded</li>
</ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>A common one is pockets. Having zipped pockets is an added bonus for those wanting to store things. Another feature worth mentioning is having a hooded rash guard.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Which allows for protection amongst the head and neck. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3><strong>UV PROTECTION</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Does it have the option of having Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of at least 50? 50 is perceived as the highest sun blockage amount to the skin.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Clothing fabric must have at least a UPF rating of 30 for a Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation. The chart below indicates several UPF ratings found in clothing: </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3><strong>CHLORINE RESISTANT</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If you are constantly outdoors participating in many outdoor activities then a rash guard that isn’t chlorine resistant shouldn’t matter. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>However, if you like having the option of using your rash guard as much as possible and even at the swimming pool then make sure it’s chlorine resistant. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This will allow it to last longer in chlorinating environments. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3><strong>SUPPORT</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:spacer {"height":50} -->
<div class="wp-block-spacer" style="height: 50px;" aria-hidden="true"> </div>
<!-- /wp:spacer -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>For some women having a preference for a rash guard that carries a built-in bra is a plus. For it allows for support and coverage. Not having to worry about wearing an extra piece of clothing under a bikini top.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>As well as feeling confident nothing gets exposed accidentally. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>For others, this isn’t much of an issue. In which some don’t mind having to put under an extra piece of clothing. I usually opt for one that offers this feature.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>I feel more comfortable not worrying about flashing anyone or wearing an extra piece of clothing under. Again, personal preference. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3><strong>PRICE</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment