Beach Depot Blog - Rash Guards

This kid is begging for a sunburn.

Nothing is worse than bad sunburns. It is so easy to burn these days, even using sunscreen. The constant reapplying and missing spots on your body is really a drag. Let’s face it, sunscreen is so 20th century. This article discusses protecting your skin in style with rashguards.

What, you don’t know about rash guards? No, it is not something used to prevent baby diaper rashes. A rashguard is a shirt, usually made of nylon and lycra. These stretchy athletic surf shirts are a real step up from your average t-shirt with intricate stitching, and fabric weaves designed to provide UV SPF protection. A rash guard shirt is very light weight and does not absorb water which is why they are extremely popular for water sports and athletics. The first rashguards were used primarily by surfers but are now utilized in the mainstream by families, athletes, just about everybody.

Today’s rashguards are stylish, comfortable, and provide total UV sun protection, making them an outstanding choice for the beach or outdoor activities. Rashguard swim shirts do not wash off like sun block, giving you total sun protection all day long. Even better, they are quite affordable compared to sun screens, and last usually 3-5 seasons before needing replacement. If you are only using sun screen, even worse just a t-shirt to protect your body from the sun you are not getting the best sun protection available.

Now, of course you can’t wear a rashguard on your face, so sunscreen will still be needed for areas not covered by your swim shirt. However, you are guaranteed not to get burned or miss spots protected by the surf shirt on your body, making your skin protection more much more effective. Children love rashguards because of the comfort, many different styles and colors, and the shirts are not cold, slimy, and stinky like a sun screen.

Rashguards come in all shapes and sizes. Toddler rashguards, kids rashguards, womens rashguards, mens rashguards, short-sleeve rashguards, long-sleeve rashguards, XXL rashguards, the list goes on and on. Rashguards are designed to fit snug so that they do not drag in the water while you are surfing or swimming. Colors are not really an issue with these shirts. Both dark and light colors provide equal UV protection. Some people state white rashguards are a little transparent with some brands, while black shirts provide some additional warmth in the sun. When choosing between long sleeved versus short sleeve, well, of course long sleeve shirts provide more protection for your arms. A short sleeve swim shirt may be better in warmer water, however, unless you are using SPF 50+ sunscreen on the rest of your lower arm, you may wind up with an obvious farmer’s tan.

Many surf shops and sporting good stores sell rash guard shirts. In addition, you can find excellent selection of Rashguard swim shirts at all the major online shopping sites. Bottom line, you and your family can not go wrong by protecting your skin with both sun screen and 21st century rashguards at the beach this year!  Make sure to visit our website www.thebeachdepot.com! Here is the link for our Rashguard Size Chart

Rashguards are not just for kooks anymore. In fact, if you choose to trunk it without any sun protection, you certainly are a kook. Everybody is doing it these days including professionals like Kelly, Slater, Dane Reynolds, Taj Burrow, Chris Ward, Shane Dorian, Tim Curran, the list goes on forever. Today’s surfing rashguard shirts combine innovation, performance, comfort, durability, and style with total sun protection for your skin. Don’t be a Barney dude, get a rashguard today.  Do it now by going to www.thebeachdepot.com.

There are many types of surfing rashguards on the market today. The major surf companies: Billabong, Quiksilver, Body Glove, etc, all carry a large selection of surf shirts. There are a few different styles that are popular: lycra rashguards, surfing t-shirts, and neoprene/lycra hybrids. The purpose of this article is to fill you up with some good information on each of these styles so that you can choose which one is best for you out in the water.

The lycra rash guard is a tight fitting stretchy shirt best in warm water. The primary purpose of a lycra rashguard is sun protection. Many lycra rash guard shirts have up to 150+ SPF ratings. The surf shirts provide little warmth, but are quite comfortable and more effective than sunscreen. Lycra rashguards also work well underneath your wetsuit to prevent under arm rashes and skin irritation.

A surfing t-shirt is a relatively new style shirt. These are basically t-shirts, loose fitting, but have added sun protection. A regular t-shirt only has an SPF of 5, whereas a designated surf shirt has at least 50+ SPF. The only draw back to the surf t-shirt is that being loose fitting they often scrunch up during movements like ripping up a wave, or paddling, which can expose body areas making them susceptible to sunburn. Like a lycra rashguard, surf shirts provide minimal warmth, and are best used in warm water. These t-shirts are also great out of the water with the total sun protection.

The lycra/neoprene hybrid rashguard is excellent for cooler water or dawn patrol sessions. These rashguards combine wetsuit neoprene material with the light weight stretchy lycra to provide warmth, but with more freedom than your standard spring suit or short-john. A draw back to these is that they are quite expensive as compared to lycra rashguards or surf shirts, however you are definitely getting more bang for your buck. A cheaper alternative if you are on a budget could be to just cut the legs off your old full suit.

Hot Surfing Rashguards

So there you have it, consider yourself up to date on surfing rashguard shirt technology. Next time you stop by your local surf shop you should see all the different types of shirts we just discussed. There are also many great online stores that carry all the name brands and have great discounts. Just watch out for cheap overseas rashguards that are not made in the USA that are not high quality at all. Make sure your rashguard is made in America to ensure quality. Again, don’t get burned dude, cover up with a surfing rashguard shirt today from The Beach Depot!

Are you ready for summer?

With economic times being so rough this season, buying summer beach gear for your friends and family is no easy task. Affordable surfing rashguards are an excellent choice this year for adults, kids, and toddlers. Surfing rashguard shirts are not only practical, they are stylish, comfortable, and provide SPF 150+ sun protection. Rashguards make awesome birthday gifts, and are a functional gift your surfer or outdoor enthusiast will use everyday. New surfing rashguard shirts are also a gift that will last, only needing to be replaced once every 3-5 years with moderate use and proper care.

What should I look for when shopping for a surf rashguard? First and foremost, make sure the rashguard is made in the USA. There are many poor quality light weight rashguards manufactured overseas. These surf shirts have weak quality, do not provide 150+ sun protection, and are not durable. Although they may be a bit cheaper than others on the market that are made in the USA, you are basically getting what you pay for: a badly made cheap rashguard.

Second, make sure your rashguard has a certified SPF rating. The Australia Radiation Laboratory is an institution who rates many of the rashguard shirt brands, however there are many others. It is important that your rashguard has at least a 50+ SPF rating to reap the rewards of total sun protection. Otherwise, you mind as well wear a $5 t-shirt in the water.

Third, does the retailer provide a size chart? Check the size chart! Surfing rashguard shirts are designed to fit tight so that they don’t drag in the water. Many people are not aware of this when shopping for their shirts, and expect a surf shirt to fit like a t-shirt. For a casual fit, you may need to order one to two sizes larger than your surfer’s regular t-shirt size. Be sure to check the retailer’s size chart to ensure you are buying the correct sized rash guard.

Fourth, does the retailer offer an exchange policy? This could be a big bummer for you if they do not and your rash guard does not fit. Many online retailers have liberal exchange and return policies, but be sure to confirm this before you order just in case you need to get a different size for yourself or family. Also important, make sure the item is in stock and ready to ship so that you receive your surfing rashguard before the summer begins, not after.

Hopefully, these tips will help you make your gift decision a little easier while shopping for your surfer husband or child this season. You really can not go wrong by purchasing a rashguard. Heck, why not buy two or three? Different color surfing rashguards, or a short and long sleeve rashguard are great ideas allowing your surfer will look great every day in all conditions. Buy rashguards this summer season for your friends and water-loving family members, or anyone who enjoys the outdoors and needs sun protection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: The Beach Depot 682-224-0713, or babysoftproducts@yahoo.com via email.