The Rash Guard Phenomenon

What started out as a protective shirt intended to prevent rashes underneath wetsuits for surfers and divers has exploded into nothing less than a twenty first century phenomenon: the lycra rash guard shirt.

What is a rash guard? Good question. Basically, it is an athletic fitting, stretchy shirt made from nylon and lycra. Originally, rash guards were used for what exactly the name implies, to prevent rashes. These water-repelling shirts were worn under the wetsuits of surfers to prevent the chaffing and skin irritation around the arm pits, which result from constant paddling.

In the early 80ýs, at surf spots in Australia and California, where the water is cold in the winter, but warm in the summer, surfers began wearing their rash guard surf shirts without a wet suit in the warm water, primarily to avoid getting pesky nipple rashes. These primitive rash guards provided little sun protection.

In the following years to come, surf companies and wet suit makers started targeting surfers, offering long-sleeve rash guards, rashguards for men, surf shirts for women, and even swim shirts for kids and toddlers. They became extremely popular, and spread like wildfire.

By the early 90ýs, rashguard popularity had grown outside the surf community and into mainstream America. Why, you ask? Well, not only do these rashies provide comfort, durability and performance for any water sport or outdoor activity, they also now offer excellent sun protection. Thousands of miles from any beach, families in Americaýs heartland are realizing the benefits of a SPf 150+ swim shirt that is stylish, functional and more affordable than sunscreen. Across America, and the globe, rash guards have become commonplace for use by men, women and children at pools, lakes, sporting events, etc. With this boom, the quality of rashguards has also improved with new stitch technology, and increased SPF ratings.

Amazingly, the rash guard has even become a fashion statement. Men often wear their rashguard to clubs, restaurants, wherever. This is especially a hot trend with gays and marines, who like a tight fit that shows off their muscles. Popular ska band ýThe Aquabatsý have made wearing their trademark royal blue rashguards a staple of their live performances and appeal.

Looking to the future, the trend is expected to continue expansion. With rises in skin cancer rates, global warming concerns and the constant need for economical and effective innovation, the demand for rashguard shirts, with their athletic durability, comfort and style, is a no-brainer for the millions of savvy outdoor enthusiasts across the globe.

If you or your family plan on spending a good deal of time outdoors in the future, investing in a rash guard shirt would be a very wise investment. The many uses, hot style, affordability, and sun protection are just the start of a long list of pros. Who knew that the undershirt for wetsuits would grow into such an effective and innovative product? Itýs always the simplest things that change peopleýs lives, isnýt it? Go online and buy a rashguard today!

Justin Laubscher is co-owner of The Beach Depot, an excellent online store specializing in high quality rashguards and swim shirts. He recently launched My Surf DVDS, another popular web store that carries a huge selection of dvd surfing titles.