When it comes to protective clothing, we often joke that "real women bring
their own protection." But as
enthusiastic athletes and lovers of the outdoors, we take it really seriously. We believe in helping
women protect their skin from harmful UV rays that may cause skin cancer, so we make swimsuits with
sun
protection built in, and a variety of other forms of sun protection clothing for all kinds of
outdoor
activities.
We also believe in helping you find the right gear for whatever you're into – and we know that
sometimes
it can be confusing. With that in mind, we've pulled together your most frequently asked questions
in
this FAQ, so you can find the right kind of UPF that won't wash off.
Originally created (and named) for surfers, rash guards are designed to protect against the kind
of rash you might get against a sandy surfboard, or from the chafing of a neoprene wetsuit.
Designed with built in sun protection, these long sleeve or short sleeve surf shirts have UPF
protection built in, to keep sunburns and sand burns off your shoulders. Typically constructed
with UPF 50 fabric, they are form-fitting and sometimes compressive, and designed to be worn
with swimwear. Some rash guards are even made to provide an extra layer of warmth in chilly
waters
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Swim shirts, sometimes called surf shirts, are designed to provide you with protection from UV
radiation that won't wash off. As swimwear, swim and surf shirts have comfortable, chafe-free
seams just like their rashguard cousins. Unlike a rashguard, however, swim shirts tend to be
more like regular clothing, providing you with UPF 50 protection in a loose fit. While this may
create a bit more drag and water flow during surf sessions, it may also be more comfortable to
wear along the boardwalk. The distinction is mostly a personal preference.
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A sun shirt is a type of UPF clothing better suited for activities out of the water than in it.
These often have wicking properties along with their UPF rating, but tend to have a loose fit
when compared to a rash guard or rash vest. This may make them more comfortable to wear
throughout your day, whether you are just back from surfing and peeling off your wet suit, out
for a jog, or doing yard work under a hot sun. While these tops will protect you from harmful UV
rays, they're not designed to swim in, so they are not limited by flattened seams and can come
in a wider variety of styles and colors, including long sleeve, short sleeve, hoodie, and
button-up.
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Will a rash guard, swim shirt, or sun shirt prevent sunburn?
All three of these types of sun
protection clothing will help protect your skin from the harmful
UV rays that can cause skin cancer. While most of our protective clothing is made from a UPF 50
fabric, each piece will have a UPF rating under the item details. Keep in mind that t-shirts
offer very little UV protection – so any built-in UPF will provide more protection against
sunburn than a regular t-shirt or even a regular long sleeve shirt. Keep in mind that sunscreen
should still be worn on your face and chest, or other areas not protected by your clothing.
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What is the difference between a swim shirt and a rash guard?
The main difference between a swim shirt and a rash guard is the fit. Because rashguards are
designed for surfing or other higher intensity water sports, they are more like a water-ready
compression shirt. By contrast, swim shirts are designed to protect against UV rays while also
being comfortable. In other words, your size in a rash guard will fit tighter than your size in
a swim shirt. As a result, you may feel more comfortable wearing a swim shirt or sun shirt
around town – but it's really all about personal preference.
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What is the difference between a swim shirt and a sun shirt?
Sun shirts are the most different from swim shirts or rash guards. Unlike their swimwear cousins,
sun shirts are not designed to be submerged in water, which means they are not limited to
certain seams or shapes. They tend to have a loose and casual fit, and a variety of styles and
colors available. While you will certainly see this swimwear in both long sleeve and short
sleeve styles, sun shirts are more versatile, and are also made in hoodie, cover-up and
button-up cuts.
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Should I get a rash guard or a swim shirt?
Well, that depends! Both rash guards and swim shirts offer protection from the sun, so it depends
what level of activity you think you’ll be doing, what temeperature the water will be, and
whether you are looking for a compression shirt or not. Are you looking to surf some serious
swells, and comfortable in a tighter fitting shirt, or are you more interested in taking a loose
fit seaside – for UPF sun protection that fits in on and off the board? The choice is yours.
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Should a swim shirt be tight or loose?
If you order your size in a swim shirt, the fit should be loose and comfortable. If you're
interested in a tighter fitting sun protection shirt, you might prefer a rash guard.
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Should rash guards be tight?
Yes and no. Rash guards should be form-fitting, since they're designed to protect your skin from
sun damage and chafage without slowing you down. Your normal size in a rash guard should be a
bit tighter than a typical shirt. However, nothing should be too tight. When trying on a rash
guard, make sure you have a full range of motion in your arms. It should be snug, but not
uncomfortable.
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Are sun shirts and swim shirts hot?
Sun and swim shirts are designed to protect your skin from harmful rays without overheating. They
typically have wicking and cooling properties built in. If you're looking to add warmth in the
water, you may find a better fit in a rash shirt or rash guard – which are sometimes even made
with neoprene for extra warmth
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Are rash guards hot?
Rash guards, especially long sleeve rash guards, are the warmest type of protective clothing that
we offer, but that doesn't mean that they are hot! Most are made of the same water ready fabric
as swim shirts, though you can find them made of thin neoprene (the same fabric used for
wetsuits) if you're looking for something warmer.
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Are rash guards UV protection?
Yes! All of our sun protection clothing will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Check
the item details for information on what SPF level they are equivalent to.
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Can rash guards be used for swimming?
Of course! They are designed for swimming and surfing and all sorts of water sports. Swim shirts
are another great option, if you prefer something more loose.
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What do you wear under a rash guard or swim shirt?
Women typically wear a swim suit top or
one piece swimsuit under
a rash guard or swim shirt for
extra modesty. However, it's all a matter of personal comfort. We'd recommend not going topless
under a white one, though!
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What do you wear under a sun shirt?
Like rash guards and swim shirts, you could wear a sports bikini top under a sun
shirt. However,
since these are not swimwear, you could also wear a sports bra, normal
bra or no bra - depending
on how you intend to spend your day!
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