Are you on the market for a rash guard? If you're shopping for rash guards there are some very important factors you need to consider before you make a purchase. Maybe you need a rashguard for surfing, sports, martial arts, grappling, or just spf sun protection. Whatever your reasons for buying this type of garment, you need to make sure you're shopping decisions are smart ones because this purchase is sensitive to your health. There are very important things to evaluate before spending any money on a rashguard, such as the fabrics used, the comfort and protection guarantees, pricing considerations, the origin of the manufacturer and several other important variables. Read on and this short buying guide will help you become an expert rash guard shopper in just a minute or two.
1. Materials and Fabric
The best rash guards are made with Lycra and Nylon, which are two fabrics that when blended together provide the optimum rash protection and flexibility. The proper composition of fabrics is about 80% Nylon and 20% Lycra, which has been scientifically tested by various rash guard manufacturers. Some companies create a garment made of spandex, or blend of spandex and cotton because those materials are cheaper than good quality Lycra. These "knock offs" of real rash guards are often poorly crafted and fall apart easily. Not to mention the limitations in SPF protection!
2. Comfort, Sizing, and Satisfaction Guarantee
Clothing items are probably the most challenging products to shop for on the internet, especially form fitting rash guards. If you order a rash guard online, or any clothing for that matter, you'd be wise to make sure the company you're dealing with offers and exchange program. When you receive your rash guard, try it on and check for any bothersome areas, scratchy surfaces, and any areas that might cause irritation. After all, we want to prevent rash not create it.
3. Rash and SPF Sun Protection
Quality rash guards offer both rash protection and a strong SPF protection. "SPF" stands for "Sun Protection Factor" which is commonly measured as a percentage of how much of the harmful UV/UVA sunlight rays are blocked. You want a rash guard with at least 95% SPF rating because this allows you to wear it without having to worry about sunscreen. The company promoting the garment should be able to guarantee the SPF rating with certification from a radiation testing laboratory.
4. Affordable Price and High Quality
Rash guard prices on the internet generally range from about $20 to about $40 in most cases. Well known brands try to charge the higher amounts because they print their logos all over them and make them look more appealing to shoppers. However, these bigger surf brands are not offering any better materials, protection, or comfort guarantees than the smaller companies who focus on quality rashguards rather than branding. If you want to pay $10-15 more for a 'logo' that's okay, but if you are just interested in a high quality rash guard with a nice color, optimal comfort, and total protection, there are companies who offer that value without the big price tag.
5. Origin - Is It "Made in USA"?
If you buy a rash guard that was manufactured overseas in places like China, you are likely signing yourself up for disappointment. Specialty Lycra fabrics and professional "flat lock" stitching is required for achieving the sun protection, durability and flexibility you want, especially if your shopping for surf rashguards. Most overseas operations have goals to mass produce rather than use careful quality control in their manufacturing. Make sure the company you buy your rash guards from displays a "Made In USA" promise.
Now that you know what to look for in a rash guard and the company selling the rash guards, feel free to begin shopping. There are many good companies out there, so how do you know where to start? Well, like any online shopping experience you can start with any references that friends have provided you, and follow the resources provided by people offering quality information around the product. Shopping for a rash guard can be fairly easy if you're using the guidelines I've just provided you, so keep your eyes open and shop smart.
Tyler Collins is Vice President of Swell Marketing LLC, Orange County, CA. a company specializing in rash guard shirts, surfing apparel, beach wear, and sun protection technology in clothing. For more information about rash guards and sun protection clothing visit http://www.myrashguards.com.
