Swim shirts are growing rapidly in popularity now. There are many names for fairly similar garments, like rashie, rashy, rash vest, or surf shirt, but they may refer to different uses. We hope to clarify this a bit.

For fun on the beach or in the pool or you want quick drying clothes that are comfortable both wet or dry.

Swim shirts were mostly worn by surfers to avoid sunburn or body rash from the surf board wax, but today they are used with all water sports like swimming, skimboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and more.

Combine them with good fitting leggings for a complete swimming suit. which gives you light coverage when it is too warm to wear a wet suit, and protects your skin against the elements.

 Sun Protection

Sun safe swimwear was created as an alternative to sunscreen and other forms of sun protection. Many people find that sunscreen isn’t enough; it is often used incorrectly and some people have skin allergies or sensitivities to chemicals that sunscreens can contain.

For fun in and around the pool or on the beach you want quick drying outfits that are comfortable both wet or dry. Turtle-neck Swim Shirts provide good sun protection for your neck and reduce wetsuit rash around the collar when worn under your wetsuit.

We recommend using a combination of swim shirts, leggings and hats instead of sunscreen. Best of all, these swim clothes won't wash off and no need to reapply. The darker the swim shirt, the more protection it offers.

Think about purchasing an entire swimming outfit with long sleeve swim shirts and long leggings or shorts. Short sleeved swim shirts leave your arms exposed to sunburn when you're out on the beach. Long sleeve swim shirts are better for daily use.

 Swim Shirt Fashion

Swim shirts are so comfortable that many people wear them even when they are not swimming outdoors, like at home or in the mall, in water parks or indoor pools, pool parties, or for other sports.

You can enjoy them for extended periods anywhere you need sun protection or want to look good. On cooler days wear other clothes on top for added warmth, like an anorak or hoodie to reduce windchill.

The advantage of swim shirts versus simply wearing a T-shirt is that they are designed to be worn in the water and don't get heavy or waterlogged. You barely notice a tight fitting swim shirt when swimming. Enjoy the feel of the water flowing through the fabric, a very pleasant experience.

Swim shirts are classed as swimwear by public pools and indoor swimming centres as they don't fluff up the pool filter systems. You can stay warm in the pool for longer fun.

Visit your local mall and see if stores carry swim shirts. You may get a good bargain on swim shirts at the end of the summer months. Store them away for next year, if you can't use them this year.

 Swim Shirt Sizing

In general, swim shirts are meant to fit snug or skin tight, whilst water shirts are generally loose fitting and casually worn. Try on several different styles of swim shirts. Make sure you or your children are comfortable wearing the shirt.

Keep in mind that as a swim shirt stretches, the UPF rating will decrease. We suggest that you buy your swim shirts one size larger than your normal clothes. The main reason for people going back to shops to exchange a garment is sizing, and nearly all the time it is exchanged for a larger sized swim shirt.

If you are buying children's swim shirts for the first time, buy them one or two sizes larger so that your kids have some time to get used to the snug/tight fit. This will also save you some money as they will be able to grow into them for some time.

 Swim Shirt Design

While a typical t-shirt is constructed with four panels, swim shirts have six. These panels are attached with flatlock stitching, allowing the garment to lie flat against your body. This construction makes for a stronger, more flexible garment and is more comfy when worn under wetsuit.

The combination of products used to construct a rash guard differ slightly depending on the designer.

Six Panel Construction versus the conventional 4 panel tee shirt construction enables the user increased mobility wet or dry.

Flatlock Stitching creates a seam where the seam allowance lies flat to the garment instead of hanging loose from it. It is made by adjusting the overlock or the thread overedge stitch. Flatlock stitching increases the strength of the garment for intense exercise or recreational activities.

 Colours

Colour is more than just a fashion decision. We recommend black, yellow or red swim shirts, as blue blends with background in a swimming pool making it difficult for lifeguards to see. Yellow is easy to see from a distance, as it contrasts the water colour. Dress your club members in team colours for swimming events or water games.