Rashys

Choosing the right rash vest

A rash vest does two things sunscreen can’t: it blocks UV all day without reapplying, and it stops the board rash and chafe that come from a vest, harness or hours in the water. For anyone spending a full day out, it’s the easiest sun protection there is. UPF 50+. The best rashies carry a UPF 50+ rating — the maximum, blocking more than 98 per cent of UV. Unlike sunscreen, it doesn’t wash off or wear away through the session, so your covered skin stays protected from the first set to the last. Sleeve and style options. Long-sleeve rashies give the most cover for arms and shoulders — the spots that burn first. Short-sleeve suits hotter days and more movement. Hooded sun shirts and gaiter-style tops add neck and head cover for long days in the boat or fishing. Zip-thru styles go on and off easily over a wet body. Fit. A snug fit sits close to the skin, won’t ride up under a vest or harness, and is the pick under a wetsuit. A relaxed fit is cooler and easier to wear over board shorts for casual sun cover. Both protect — it comes down to how you’ll wear it. Layering. A snug rashy works as a base layer under a wetsuit or buoyancy vest, adding warmth and stopping neoprene rub on long sessions. In summer it’s all you need on its own. Chlorine-friendly. The range includes chlorine-friendly fabrics that hold up in the pool as well as the lake or ocean, so they don’t break down with regular pool use. Mens, womens and kids. Cuts run across all of them, including girls and boys youth rashies — kids burn faster, so a long-sleeve rashy is the simplest way to keep them covered all day. Brands. Rip Curl runs the deepest range across mens, womens and kids. Jetpilot covers ski and jet ski with hooded rashies, jerseys and rash-and-short sets. Follow brings sun tees and hooded tops; Armstrong adds UPF hooded tops. Care. Rinse in fresh water after use and dry out of direct sun to protect the fabric and the print.