If you are going to holiday by the sea or plan on spending time by the pool, you will need a quality rash vest. A rash vest is not merely a fashion accessory; it is a vital piece of equipment that is needed for anyone who spends time in the water or under the sun.
A rash vest is a garment typically constructed of polyester, nylon, Lycra or a combination of these materials. The main purpose of a rash vest is to protect the wearer from the elements. A rash vest can be constructed with thermal insulation to keep a swimmer warm in cool water temperatures but usually they are designed for warm water environments. Unlike a wetsuit, which can be cumbersome and even uncomfortably hot in warm water, a rash vest is much lighter and offers the same style of protection.
A rash vest prevents chaffing of the skin when your body regularly comes in contact with anything solid like a surfboard or body board. Snorkelers and swimmers also benefit from a rash vest. The repetitive motion of a free style stroke can cause chaffing in your under arm regions which is quite painful. A rash guard can even protect you from the irritating stings of small jellyfish.
Many of the rash vests on the market today feature an additional type of protection: they help shield you from the sun. A typical rash vest is rated at UPF 50 which means that the material blocks almost 98% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Rash vests come in a variety of styles for any activity. Long sleeves, short sleeves and even a kneesuit cover up. Whether you plan on a lot of water activity or are just playing it smart by blocking the sun, a rash vest is a great investment for your health.