Before engaging in water sports, you should select equipment that combines safety and comfort. There are primarily two sportswear brands you can choose from: rash guards and wetsuits. If you want to learn about them and purchase rash guards or wetsuits for your players, this article will explore the differences between them.
Understanding The Basics
What Are Rash Guards? 
The rash guard is a lightweight, flexible, comfortable, and tight sportswear that fits the player’s body closely. The core performance of a rash guard is to protect players from abrasion, which is the origin of the ‘rash’ name. It also provides you with sunprotection. There are various styles, bright colors, and sleeve lengths you can choose from.
What Are Wetsuits?
A wetsuit is specially designed for water activities and diving. Its main function is to provide the player with warmth, buoyancy, and protection in underwater environments. Additionally, it has different thickness options available depending on the water temperature.
Material Differences
Rash guards are made of synthetic fibers, including spandex, nylon, and polyester. These materials are lightweight, smooth, breathable, elastic, and durable. There are pores between the fibers, allowing air and water to pass freely.
Wetsuits are primarily made of neoprene. This is a kind of foamed rubber that is sponge-like. Generally, there is a layer of nylon fabric bonded to both the inner and outer sides of neoprene. This makes it not only convenient to put on and take off, but also enhances durability. What’s more, it is thick and closed. The closed-cell bubbles prevent the water from entering, while also preventing the body’s heat from escaping.
Coverage And Fit Differences
Rash guards act as a second skin that fits the player’s body closely. Their compressive design prevents the extra fabric from drifting in the water and avoids resistance. You can choose long-sleeve, short-sleeve, or vest style. Long-sleeve rash guards are the most popular, providing more comprehensive coverage. Besides, there is no zipper at all, or only a small zipper on the chest for easy putting on and taking off.
Wetsuits are tighter than rash guards. If there are any wrinkles or bubbles under the armpits or on the back, cold water will rush in and wash away the hot water layer. So, it’s normal for you to feel a little bit restricted while standing on the land. What’s more, wetsuits cover most of the player’s body. However, the specific coverage area depends on the water temperature. Besides, most wetsuits have a long back zipper or chest zipper.
Thermal Protection Differences
Rash guards don’t have the thermal layer. They are lightweight and thin. You may feel cold when the wind blows. The only way to achieve thermal protection is to exercise, which generates heat. Once the movement stops, the body temperature will drop rapidly.
One of the core functions of wetsuits is thermal protection. They are thick and windproof. They keep you warm by your body temperature. There are many closed bubbles in the neoprene fabric, physically isolating the water outside. They heat up and lock the water inside the wetsuits, creating a stable thermal layer. You will still feel warm, even if you are stationary.
Differences In Water Temperatures
Rash Guards
Rash guards are only suitable for tropical and warm waters where the temperature is over 20° C (68°F). Since rash guards don’t have a thermal layer, you will soon feel cold in water that is below 20°C.
Wetsuits
● Warm Waters (Above 68°F / 20°C)
You can prepare 1-2mm short wetsuits or 3/2mm full wetsuits for warm waters. The 3/2mm wetsuits can not only keep you warm but also provide sun protection. They have full coverage, which is suitable for summer and early autumn.
● Mild Waters (60°F – 67°F / 16°C – 19°C)
When the temperature is below 20°C, a full wetsuit is necessary to keep you warm. For mild waters, you can select wetsuits with a thickness of 3-4mm. This style makes the players comfortable and flexible in autumn and spring water sports.
● Cool Waters (50°F – 59°F / 10°C – 15°C)
For cool waters, a 5mm full wetsuit is suitable. Additionally, boots and gloves are necessary. As a result, your hands and feet won’t get frozen. Additionally, many wetsuits have an extra thermal design in the chest and other core areas.
● Cold Waters (Below 50°F / Below 10°C)
For cold water, you can select the dry suit or the 7mm thick full wetsuit to ensure warmth. If the temperature is extremely cold, a dry suit is necessary. It is more expensive than a wetsuit. But it is completely closed, keeping your body isolated from the seawater and maintaining you dry. What’s more, other gear, such as a wetsuit hood, gloves, and booties, is necessary.
Differences In Maintenance
Rash guards are easy to maintain. It’s important to wash them immediately after wearing. This can protect fabrics from seawater salt, sunscreen, and sweat stains. Then, you are supposed to put them in a laundry bag and use mild laundry detergent or wash them by hand. Make sure that the water is cold. Moreover, you should dry them in the shade. Otherwise, they might fade. Finally, just lay the clothes flat and fold them before putting them in the closet.
The core of wetsuit maintenance is neoprene protection. Firstly, you wash them thoroughly, especially the zipper areas. This can remove salt crystals. Secondly, a dedicated wetsuit cleaning solution is recommended to neutralize chlorine and retain rubber oil. Thirdly, wetsuits should be dried in the shade and a well-ventilated place. You should fold or lay flat to dry, to prevent stretching and deformation. You should store them flat.
Differences In Benefits
Benefits Of Rash Guards
● Sun Protection
Many rash guards have a UPF rating to protect players from the UV rays. Besides, long-sleeve rash guards are the most popular style, since they provide comprehensive coverage and physical sun protection. And players don’t need to apply sunscreen frequently.
● Friction Prevention
The fabrics of rash guards are durable. They can prevent the friction between the skin and the sports equipment. What’s more, it can also prevent skin infections caused by marine microorganisms and sand particles. This is the core performance of rash guards, making you feel comfortable.
● Moisture-Wicking
Rash guards are made of synthetic fibers, which have a capillary effect. They can absorb the sweat quickly and promote evaporation. Moreover, the fabric usually adopts a double-sided weave structure or grid weaving. The outer layer is usually a honeycomb-like structure, which increases the surface area for sweat evaporation. These synthetic fibers’ natural performance keeps the skin relatively dry.
Benefits Of Wetsuits
● Insulation And Warmth
Wetsuits are thick and made of neoprene, which helps form an insulation layer. The body temperature will heat the trapped water in the insulation layer. And the sealed design keeps the layer isolated from seawater. This provides you with a stable warmth.
● Buoyancy
A huge number of independent bubbles in neoprene provide buoyancy. This means you can save energy and float on the water surface more easily. With a natural buoyancy in the legs, you can maintain a more horizontal swimming posture. Therefore, it helps reduce the resistance.
● Muscle Support
It’s common for players to feel cold in seawater, and you may involuntarily tremble to generate heat. This will lead to muscle fatigue. However, if you wear a wetsuit, the thickness and thermal layer will keep your muscles warm. This can also reduce the energy consumption, allowing longer swimming time.
Sizing And Fit Tips
Rash Guards
A suitable rash guard should fit the player’s body closely. While trying on the rash guards, make sure there are no extra wrinkles or fabric accumulation. Otherwise, they will increase the resistance and friction underwater. Moreover, the hem length should be long enough to cover the waist. This prevents the skin from being exposed when moving.
Wetsuits
For wetsuits, you shouldn’t select sizes that are too tight or too loose. You are supposed to make sure the neck fits tightly without restriction. The cuffs and trouser legs should fit the wrists and ankles to prevent water from entering. And the wetsuits must allow you to take a deep breath to support the movement.
Tips
If your customers or players are hesitating between two sizes, it is recommended to select the tighter one. This is because the rash guards and wetsuit will become slightly loose due to the water’s lubricating effect. This can not only ensure flexibility, but also provide a stable physical protection.
FAQ
When To Wear Rash Guards?
Players usually wear the rash guards in warm weather, where the temperature is above 20°C. There are UV rays, cold sea water, and other complex conditions on a warm beach. The rash guards can protect you from sunburn and friction. Ras guards are also suitable for daily conditions, such as hiking, fishing, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.
Is A Rash Guard Allowed To Worn Under A Wetsuit?
Yes, a rash guard can be worn under a wetsuit. Many water sports enthusiasts wear rash guards as a base layer for fashion and performance. To begin with, rash guards can reduce friction between the skin and rubber, making it easier to put on and take off. They also build a protective barrier between the skin and the wetsuit, transferring the friction to the rash guards. Then, a rash guard helps absorb sweat and sebum, so you don’t have to wash your wetsuit as often. This can effectively extend the service life of diving suits. What’s more, the rash guards make you feel warmer in cold waters. All of these performances enhance the comfort during water sports.
What Not To Wear Under A Wetsuit?
There are some clothes that players are not allowed to wear under a wetsuit. For example, players mustn’t wear cotton clothes. This is because cotton fabrics will trap water, making you heavy and cold. Loose underlayers are not allowed as well. Due to the accumulation of extra fabrics, there will be abrasion during movement. Moreover, you should avoid sharp accessories. They may damage your expensive wetsuit or even cause a safety risk. Finally, don’t wear too many layers inside the wetsuit. This is harmful to blood circulation and will limit breathing. If you want to keep your players warmer, a base layer made of polyester fibers or merino wool is the first choice.
What Color Rash Guard Is Best?
The best color for your rash guard depends on your needs. Fluorescent colors are the safest colors. Their high visibility enables lifeguards to notice you quickly. For the best sun protection, dark or bright colors are the most suitable. If you want a cooler feeling, light-colored rash guards are the best choice. This is not suitable for seawater activities. What’s more, dark colors help you integrate into the marine environment. It is beneficial for observing marine life closely and for photography.
Final Thoughts
There are many differences between rash guards and wetsuits. It’s important to select the right gear for certain water sports. If you want to purchase rash guards for your players, Goaluniform can be your best partner. We are a professional sportswear supplier, with over 500 sublimated rash guards manufactured in our factory. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your rash guards!
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