Rash guards do protect you from the sun. By adding coverage, using the right colors, and not being stretched out, rash guards give a high degree of protection from UV radiation. Yes, one of the primary functions of rash guards is to help you retain heat while you are swimming in cold water. While they don’t have the same level of warming capabilities as a wetsuit for cold water swimming, they do help prevent body heat from escaping out into the air. Here are the three main things to be on the lookout for when searching for the right rash guard or swim shirt for you.

Material. Rash guards and swim shirts are made of a range of synthetic fabrics. The most common fibers used with rash guards for men are Lycra (also known as elastane or Spandex), polyester, nylon, neoprene (the same material wetsuits are made of), and in rarer instances, cotton blends. Speedo is one of the most well-known and respected swim brands on the planet. From their line of competitive racing goggles to swim vests for toddlers, Speedo makes it all for the aquatically obsessed. The Speedo Men’s Long Sleeve Swim Shirt is a loose-fitting rash guard for men.Short sleeve vs long sleeve. The difference between the two sleeve lengths ultimately comes down how much coverage you want from your rash guard. Short sleeves are ideal for warmer climates while long sleeve rash guards are best suited for open and cold water swimming and surfing. What does a rash guard do? This 1-2 punch means I can move through the water with the proper technique without getting dragged down by the shirt I am wearing. Do rash guards keep you warm in cold water? Best Swim Jammers for Training and Lap Swimming. Looking to get a new training jammer for your time at practice? Here’s a breakdown of our favorite jammers, for lap swimming and training.

If you plan on swimming in warmer or more comfortable water, you will want to consider using a swim shirt as an alternative. Rash guards are multi-functional wear for conquering the elements. That said, they aren’t just about protecting your skin from the sun and staying comfortable in the water. Rash guards can do a ton of things, including protect your skin from the sun, provide coverage for modesty, shield you from the elements, keep you warmer in cold water, and even wash the dishes*. Some swim shirts come with short sleeves, while others are designed to offer fuller coverage with long sleeves.

Swim shirts are designed to offer comfort as well as protection all day long. Image Credit: Amar Hussain Quiksilver is one of the most recognized brands when it comes to aquatic sports, and also one of my favorites. The Quiksilver All-Time Long Sleeve Rash Guard is a comfortable and stylish rash guard While the looser fit may create a little more drag in the water than a traditional rash guard would, swim shirts are designed to offer comfort as well as impressive protection all day long.