When it comes to water sports, rash guards are essential for players. Their various fabrics correspond to different performances. If you want to know the composition of rash guards or purchase them for your players, this article will provide a comprehensive guide.
Rash Guards Materials
Polyester
Polyester is the most common material for rash guards. It is more durable than many natural fibers because of its thermoplasticity. Polyester fibers also have excellent chlorine resistance. They are less likely to age or break due to chemical corrosion. Moreover, the benzene rings of polyester can naturally absorb the UV rays. This makes it easy for rash guards to meet the UPF 50+ standard.
Polyester’s moisture absorption rate is only about 0.4%, while cotton can reach 8% to 10%. This makes the rash guard dry quickly, greatly enhancing the comfort for water sports enthusiasts. However, it doesn’t absorb sebum as well, which will breed bacteria and unpleasant odors. To solve this problem, many rash guard brands add antibacterial technology.
Nylon
Nylon is the other popular, high-quality choice for rash guards. Unlike polyester fibers, nylon can absorb a small amount of moisture. But it can still quickly drain sweat from the skin onto the fabric. This performance balances the moisture absorption and sweating. Additionally, nylon is smooth and soft, improving the comfort.
It is durable as well, which is an ideal rash guard fabric for Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A typical example is BJJ rash guards. What’s more, the nylon fabric has an excellent coloring effect. This is an attractive factor for athletes who pursue individuality.
Spandex (Elastane & Lycra)
Spandex is also called Lycra or elastane. Almost all rash guard contains 10% to 20% spandex. It is characterized by stretch and flexibility. As a result, rash guards can act as a second skin, fitting your body closely. Additionally, it puts some pressure on your muscles. This helps reduce muscle tremors by providing support.
However, you need to keep the amount of spandex under control. If it is lower than 10%, the rash guard will be very tight. If it is above 20%, the rash guard will be too soft, sacrificing durability. Generally, spandex is usually blended with nylon to achieve an optimal performance.
Environmentally Friendly Fiber
● Recycled Fibers
Recycled Fibers are made of recycled waste materials. This achieves resource utilization of waste. Representative materials include recycled nylon and recycled polyester. The raw materials come from discarded fishing nets, fabric waste, and plastic bottles. They not only possess excellent performance but also have a significant environmental effect, reducing marine plastic pollution.
● Natural Plant-Based Fibers
Natural plant-based fibers are primarily made of bamboo fiber, organic cotton, and linen. These fabrics make the rash guard comfortable to wear and breathable. Bamboo fibers are naturally antibacterial and can also block the UV rays. However, they should be blended with synthetic fibers to achieve the expected strength, elasticity, and protective standards. They also require mild washing and maintenance during daily wear.
What Are The Performances Of Rash Guard Fabrics?
The main performances of rash guards are sun protection and friction protection. A high-quality rash guard usually possesses a UPF rating of 50+. Polyester can naturally absorb UV rays, blocking over 98% of UV rays. The durability of nylon and the elasticity of spandex protect you from friction.
For moisture-wicking management, both polyester and nylon can promote sweat evaporation, keeping your body dry quickly. What’s more, the spandex blends provide you with flexibility and breathability. They make the rash guard fit your body closely, reducing the abrasion while blocking stings from Marine creatures such as jellyfish. All of these make you feel comfortable with a rash guard.
How to Choose the Right Material For Rash Guards?
Sports Scenes
● Water Sports
For water sports such as Surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and triathlon, polyester fibers blended with spandex can be your first choice. This is because polyester fibers have excellent resistance to chlorine and corrosion. They can dry quickly and offer good sun protection. Moreover, the spandex fabric fits you closely. It enables you to move freely underwater without restriction.
● High-Intensity Confrontation & Land Training
For high-intensity confrontations and land training such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts, nylon blended with spandex is the best choice. BJJ rash guards and MMA rash guards are specially designed for these conditions. Due to its durability, softness, and smoothness, nylon can reduce the burning feeling during long-term training.
● Daily Conditions
For daily conditions such as beach leisure, yoga, and commuting, you can select rash guards based on your preferences. Nylon is smooth and soft, while polyester can dry quickly.
Comfort And Fit
It’s important to check the content of spandex. This directly decides the wearing experience. The golden ratio for spandex content is 15% to 20%. This content provides the rash guard with flexibility, stretch, and a close-fitting. This is an ideal proportion for many high-quality rash guard brands.
Special Demands
For people who sweat a lot, you can choose antibacterial styles, such as silver ions. This is common for a rash guard made of nylon. For environmentalists, you can choose rash guards made from environmentally friendly recycled fibers. If you are looking for a natural and skin-friendly option, bamboo fiber blends can be a good choice. But you are supposed to ensure enough content of spandex and nylon or polyester blends. This enhances the durability, elasticity, and sun protection that bamboo fibers lack.
FAQ
What Fabric Should Not Be Used for Rash Guards?
There are some fabrics that you should avoid. Firstly, you mustn’t customize cotton rash guards. This is because cotton can absorb water and store it in the fabric. This makes the rash guard heavy and cold. Besides, it doesn’t have sun protection and causes friction easily. Secondly, you should avoid 100% polyester or nylon rash guard. The lack of spandex will make your clothes stiff and lose their elasticity. Additionally, it will severely restrict your movements and even cause tearing. It will also increase the risk of abrasion and resistance without a close-fitting.
Can Rash Guards Replace Sunscreen?
No, rash guards can’t replace sunscreen completely. A qualified long-sleeve and high-necked rash guard can block over 98% of UV rays. And the players do not need to apply sunscreen frequently. However, for exposed skin areas, such as the face and hands, sunscreen is still needed. As a result, it is recommended to combine the rash guard and sunscreen.
How Does Fabric Stretch Affect UPF?
Generally, fabric stretch will significantly reduce its UPF sun protection rating. The stronger the stretching, the more ultraviolet rays can penetrate. According to the study, slight stretching may reduce the UPF value by 10% to 30%. At key force-bearing points, such as the shoulders and back during movement, intense stretching can reduce the UPF in this area by more than 50%. This will sharply reduce the fabric’s UPF rating in certain areas from 50+ to 15-20. So, the spandex content and weaving density determine its ability to resist tensile attenuation. For players who have high-intensity training, applying sunscreen while wearing a rash guard is advisable to avoid sunburn.
Are Rash Guards And Swim Shirts The Same?
No, they are not the same thing, even though they are similar in some aspects. You can choose both rash guards and swim shirts for swimming. But you can only choose the rash guard for high-intensity sports, such as surfing or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Swim shirts are specially designed for swimming and leisure activities. They are comfortable, artistic, lightweight, provide sun protection, and offer quite loose performances. Rash guards are more durable and tighter. They have stronger stitches and can fit your body closely. Additionally, there are special designs, such as antibacterial and anti-slip strips for Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Does Anything Need to Be Worn Under A Rash Guard?
There is no need to wear anything under a rash guard. Its fabric and fit are designed to be attached to the skin. The other base layer, such as a cotton T-shirt, will reduce the effect of moisture-wicking performance. Besides, wearing two layers of clothing during exercise is more likely to cause wrinkles and lead to skin abrasions. However, there are some exceptions. If you are worried about breast rubbing, breast strips, or medical tapes can be a good choice. What’s more, many females choose to wear a quick-dry sports bra or a bikini top inside. Remember to avoid cotton and loose underwear.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that the suitable fabric can maximize the effectiveness of your rash guards. 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!
English 
Spanish 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
French 
German 
Russian 
Korean