Rashguard - what is it? How to choose one and why is it worth it?

Although it was originally used mainly by surfers to protect them from rashes and shield their skin from sunburn, over the years it has gained a following among enthusiasts who simply cannot imagine doing any physical activity without it.

Want to know what it is, what types there are, what it is suitable for and why you should have one too? Check it out below.

What is a rashguard?

A rashguard is a specialist sports shirt designed for various disciplines. It is suitable for training and also works perfectly during sports competitions. This type of clothing is characterised by high resistance to mechanical damage, elasticity, a close fit to the body and other valuable properties.

It effectively protects the body from chafing.
It efficiently wicks away excess sweat and moisture.
It allows freedom of movement and supports muscle performance.
It supports recovery after training.

Rashguard construction - what is this type of shirt made of?

The key element of every shirt of this type is the fabric. At SMMASH, we use high-quality polyester and elastane (in the right proportions and fabric weights). Their selection is not accidental, because it is thanks to them that rashguards gain the expected performance features. Other important construction aspects include:

Flat seams - usually triple or quadruple, which are safe for the skin, prevent chafing and, most importantly, protect the garment from damage, even during the most demanding activities.
Panel construction - good rashguards are sewn from at least several separate elements, which allow greater design freedom and make it possible to fit them perfectly to the user’s body shape. At SMMASH, we usually use 6 different parts (front, back, sleeves, underarms, sides, etc.) to create our shirts.
Prints - made using modern nanoparticle sublimation, which is not only safe for the skin but also ensures the garments still look great even after many, many uses.

What types of rashguards are there?

Every shirt of this type is characterised by elasticity, a close fit, a lightweight and durable structure, and full freedom of movement. However, this set of similarities does not mean they are all identical. You should know that, apart from the features they share, there are also elements that set them apart. This is mainly determined by their intended use. That is why rashguards designed for combat sports training (e.g. MMA) are made from thicker fabric that is more resistant to abrasion and other damage. Those intended, for example, for obstacle course racing stand out for a solid but much lighter structure. Meanwhile, models designed for Crossfit or functional training offer even more effective ventilation (including through built-in mesh panels).

Apart from their intended use, rashguards can also differ in sleeve length (we distinguish between short-sleeved and long-sleeved versions), compression level and, of course, design.

Example? In the SMMASH online store, you will find nearly dozens of men's rashguards in many patterns, colours and cuts to choose from. If you have your own idea, remember that X-CREATOR is waiting for you on our website. It is a tool that will allow you to design a fully personalised rashguard (and more) from start to finish.

How to choose the right rashguard for yourself?

There are 3 key things here.

First - purpose, meaning what you want to use this type of clothing for. As you already know, the term rashguard covers many different types of shirts, and it is worth matching them to a specific activity. OCR races, MMA, BJJ, Crossfit, calisthenics or a classic gym workout? These are just a few examples.
Second - size. For a rashguard to perform its functions, it must fit your body perfectly (not too loose and not too tight). Before you decide to buy, take your measurements and compare them with the size charts available in the online store.
Third - your taste. After all, it is worth liking the sportswear you plan to train in. Right? ;)

Why is it worth investing in proper sportswear?

Personally, we would highlight these fundamental arguments in favour of buying rashguards.

Comfort - a properly fitted rashguard shirt lets you practically forget that you are wearing anything. As a result, you can fully focus on training or direct competition during sporting events.
Durability - solid fabrics, durable print and strong seams. This kind of combination means that once purchased, the product can serve you for a very, very long time. We know what we are talking about, as many of our customers replace their SMMASH rashguards after 2, and sometimes 3 years.
Style - of course, appearance matters in sport too. A wide range of prints and cuts means you will definitely find something that:

A - you will really like.

B - will make you look really good in it.

How should you wash a rashguard so it lasts a long time and keeps its look?

Every training session means effort, commitment and, as a result, lots of sweat that goes straight into the rashguard. Leaving it unattended can mean not only an unpleasant smell, but also the risk of bacteria and fungi developing. We probably do not need to add that neglecting this hygiene is a simple route to many illnesses. That is exactly why it is so important that your rashguard is washed after every training session, even a light one.

But do not worry! Rashguards and other SMMASH products are perfectly prepared for this. That is why even after dozens of training sessions (and just as many washes), they will still look great. Details and all the necessary care and washing guidelines can be found directly on the labels.

Looking for products that will meet your expectations?

It seems you now know what a rashguard is. So it looks like it is high time to get one or several of these products. We recommend browsing the full offer in our online store, where you will find a seriously impressive selection of this type of range. If needed, we are here to help while you shop!