Rash Guard Guide: UPF, Fit and Care | SwimHi

If you spend summer weekends at Rockaway Beach or plan to paddle the Hudson, a Rash Guard is one piece of gear that earns its spot in your bag. Built from quick-dry knits—typically polyester or nylon blended with spandex—it adds a smooth layer between you and waxed boards, pool edges, or rental-gear seams. It also helps cut UV exposure on areas the fabric covers, which matters during long sessions when reapplying sunscreen gets tricky.

When you shop, start with the UPF label. UPF tells you how much ultraviolet light makes it through the fabric. A UPF 50 Rash Guard lets about one-fiftieth of UV through, which is roughly two percent. Look for consistent coverage: long sleeves, a higher neckline, and hems that won’t ride up when you duck-dive or play beach volleyball. If you’re mostly swimming laps or wearing it under a wetsuit, a trim fit stays put and avoids drag. For all-day beach wear or coaching a kid’s practice, a slightly looser cut breathes better and pairs with trunks or leggings.

Fabric and build details matter. A denser knit generally blocks more sun than a loose one. Darker colors tend to perform better than pale shades. Flatlock seams reduce rubbing during repetitive motions. If you’re on and off a board, consider a board-short connector loop or a longer tail for extra hold. For city swimmers bouncing between pools, a front zipper makes on-off quick and avoids tugging when the fabric is damp.

Care is straightforward: rinse out salt, chlorine, and sand after each session; wash cool with mild detergent; skip bleach and high heat; lay flat or hang to dry. Stretching a garment thins the knit and can reduce protection, so replace pieces that feel overly tight or look worn out. Treat your Rash Guard like performance wear, not a regular tee, and it will return the favor over a long season.

Sunscreen still belongs in the kit. Use broad-spectrum SPF on hands, face, and any skin your top doesn’t cover. Add a cap or bucket hat if you’re out midday, and grab shade between sets. That layered approach is what keeps you comfortable from Coney Island mornings to sunset sessions on the East End.

At SwimHi, we focus on practical details New Yorkers notice: clean, stay-put fits, stitching that won’t rub during repeats, and UPF-rated fabrics you can trust. If you’re building a simple kit for summer—one top you can swim in, paddle in, and toss on for a deli run—a Rash Guard is the piece that earns repeat wear. Check the latest drops on SwimHi and find the cut that fits how you actually move.